Can Spinal Misalignment Cause Migraines?

March 7, 2021

migraine seizure

The straight answer is yes. Alignment issues with the neck and backbone can lead to various conditions, including episodes of migraine seizure. Although this might be troubling news, the good thing is that there are numerous treatment options available to address this ailment.

 

The Spine

One of the essential parts of our body is the spine. It provides the needed structure while protecting the spinal cord. Most of the significant actions a person does have to do with the spine. Sitting, walking, bending, and looking up and down are some of the things that first come to mind.

The spine has three sections:

  1. cervical spine or the neck
  2. thoracic spine or the chest and backbone section
  3. lumbar spine or the lower back

Being aware of the different components of a spine helps in understanding potential issues. Here they are:

  • Bones or Vertebrae 

The bones stack neatly on top of each other, which creates a column or canal for the spinal cord.

  • Nerves and The Spinal Cord

The brainstem is the brain's lowermost part that connects it to the spinal cord. The top bones of the cervical spine - the atlas and the axis - play critical roles in securing this connection. The nerves connect with the other parts of the body when they branch out from various spine openings.

  • Ligaments and Muscles

Consider them support to the structure because they reinforce the column and keep it in place.

  • Discs

Between each vertebra or bone is a disc. These serve as the spine's shock absorbers. Also, they allow the bones to move fluidly and smoothly.

  • Facet Joints

These joints connect the vertebrae and allow the spine to twist or rotate.

 

Alignment Issues

A misaligned spine can be due to many things. Knowing the root cause of your spinal issue helps in your choice of treatment plans.

The World Health Organization describes spinal subluxations as structural displacements. These are some of the factors that contribute to this condition:

  • Obesity

Any additional weight past the ideal range adds pressure to the spine's structure. As the body gets heavier, an obese person runs the risk of having displaced or fragile bones. The gaps between the discs and bones might become slimmer and smaller. These can affect the nerve openings. When this happens, body aches, including migraine seizures and headaches, soon follow.

  • Age

It is true that the older we get, the more brittle bones become. Some older adults start to stoop. There are specific options to stop the early onset of spinal issues, though. Chiropractic care paired with vitamins can help keep the effects of migraine seizure and back pain at bay.

  • Posture

Although this comes as a surprise, the posture you religiously adopt is likely to become permanent. If you prefer to slouch, you might notice that you slouch when you are sitting or walking.

migraine seizure

  • Trauma

Accidents and sports can cause injury to the spine. Some might not be visible and noteworthy at first. However, repeated exposure to the same events in high-impact sports eventually leads to spinal issues. Boxing, wrestling, American football, and car racing are some of the great examples. 

Interests in extreme rides are a candidate for spinal issue triggers as well. Even a single ride on a multi-loop, sudden-drop roller coaster can do some severe damage. Many people complain of related conditions like migraine seizure and vertigo right after the ride.

  • Medical conditions

Joint inflammation, scoliosis, and other degenerative diseases also cause spinal issues. Work closely with your healthcare experts like chiropractors and follow the plans they have designed for you. 

 

Migraine Care

Following the right care plan will help address the effects of headaches, migraine seizures, vertigo, and body pains. This list contains helpful options:

  • Pain medications

Get a prescription from your medical expert if the pain is too much to handle. Migraines are known to be debilitating and recurring. If you feel slammed against the wall by the impact, some prescription medicines might bring the needed relief. Always work with your doctors and never self-medicate.

  • See a chiropractor

Licensed and professional chiropractors can help locate the misaligned sections. As soon as they discover the affected areas, they can develop an approach that uses the latest and precise techniques to restore alignment. When this happens, the migraineur or the person with migraines may likely start experiencing relief.

  • Go back to the basics

Between sessions with your doctors and chiropractor, look after yourself. Eat nutritious food and skip anything processed. Drink the required amount of water to flush out toxins. Load up on rest and be mindful of your sleeping posture and the length of rest. These simple things are extremely helpful in making sure your body can do repair work.

  • Dispel stress and anxiety

Being anxious and stressed does not help. Both only make migraines worse. Manage these two with some basic meditation exercises. A few minutes in, and you can start feeling yourself distancing from worry.

 

Find Your Local Chiropractor Easily

We have compiled a list of licensed upper cervical chiropractors. All the vital information you need, like complete addresses, business hours, and contact numbers, are available. Hopefully, this directory can help you find a chiropractor in your area.

Achieving relief for your migraine is critical. Find out today if a spinal realignment can help provide the comfort you need. You can decide to live better today. Go ahead and use the directory in finding your local chiropractor.

Find An Upper Cervical Doctor in Your Areato schedule a consultation today.

Search

Featured Articles

The content and materials provided in this web site are for informational and educational purposes only and are not intended to supplement or comprise a medical diagnosis or other professional opinion, or to be used in lieu of a consultation with a physician or competent health care professional for medical diagnosis and/or treatment. All content and materials including research papers, case studies and testimonials summarizing patients' responses to care are intended for educational purposes only and do not imply a guarantee of benefit. Individual results may vary, depending upon several factors including age of the patient, severity of the condition, severity of the spinal injury, and duration of time the condition has been present.

©2015–2023 ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.