Do you live somewhere that gets extremely cold during the autumn and winter season? Or are you one of those who enjoys staying there once in a while to enjoy the cold weather far and different from bustling city life? But what if the cold weather starts triggering severe headaches? It's as if the frosty air turns your brain into a frostbitten battleground. But why? 

So, how does a cold environment trigger those agonizing migraine attacks that disrupt your daily life? So now, instead of waking up to the sight of a snow-covered wonderland feeling joy, your heart sinks as you anticipate the throbbing pain that awaits you as soon as you wake up that is sometimes accompanied by nausea, vomiting, and sensitivity to light, sounds, or smell. That's not really an appealing way to live, and you don't deserve that!

Finding out what triggers your migraine symptoms is a good start. Could it be the extreme temperatures, the relentless winds, or the atmospheric pressure changes that set off these icy episodes? Was there a day when you wore the wrong shoes and slipped, which may be the culprit behind your migraine attacks? Learn more about migraines from your trusted chiropractor for migraines.

Explaining The Connection Between Cold Weather and Migraine Symptoms

Living somewhere cold can bring a unique set of challenges, from bone-chilling temperatures to mesmerizing snowstorms. But what is it about the cold weather that seems to trigger or aggravate migraine symptoms?

One key factor is the cold and dry air that permeates our surroundings, which requires heating inside your homes or workplace which can lead to dehydration. This can happen, especially if you tend to increase the heating to combat freezing temperatures. This dehydration, combined with the drastic changes in barometric pressure caused by snowstorms, can act as a potential trigger for migraine attacks.

Another possible reason is that extreme shifts in light conditions play a role in stimulating an underlying susceptibility to migraine symptoms during changing seasons. Living in the Arctic, with its seasonal variation of light conditions, can significantly affect individuals with migraine headaches. It's not uncommon for them to experience more frequent and intense migraine episodes in response to these shifting light patterns. Interestingly, those with a history of migraine with aura seem to be particularly susceptible to these changes compared to those who don't experience aura. This suggests the Arctic's unique light environment is crucial in triggering migraine symptoms.

How Can a Chiropractor for Migraines Help?

Your upper cervical spine is the area where the head and neck meet. It consists of your atlas and axis bones, the topmost bones of your spine sitting below your skull. These bones help support the weight of your head and protect your brainstem, an integral part of your nervous system that transmits messages to the brain.

When these bones are not correctly aligned, it can put pressure on the surrounding nerves, muscles, and tissues, leading to headaches and other migraine symptoms. This misalignment does not heal on its own, but it is in no way permanent. A chiropractor for migraines can correct these misalignments through gentle, safe, and non-invasive atlas adjustments. They can help restore the balance and alignment of the upper cervical spine, bringing promising relief from migraines. 

If you've experienced accidents or injuries or even practiced poor posture often, there's a chance that your upper cervical spine may be misaligned. So, if you happened to slip in the snow even from a long time ago, which injured your neck or head, or you've been in a minor car accident, it's crucial to have your spine alignment checked by an Upper Cervical Chiropractor for migraines.

Seeking the help of a qualified professional in this field can make a significant difference in managing and reducing the frequency and intensity of your migraine symptoms. Book a consultation with an Upper Cervical Chiropractor near you today!