Digging at the Roots of Migraines

migraine, migraine and neck pain

Migraine is now a household word that describes how a person suffers from excruciating head pain. Worse, it could come as a painful combination of migraine and neck pain that is nothing short of intolerable. This painful twin condition is medically referred to as a neurological and vascular condition. 

Some respond to their pain by using conventional means such as taking pain medications. However, people who take other forms of medicine may have to limit the intake of painkillers to avoid any contraindications.

Some people opt to undergo invasive surgery to eliminate bone spurs or tumor growth inside the head or neck to get rid of the pain in rare and extreme cases.  This is the case for most brain tumors when a person suddenly experiences severe migraine for no reason at all. Only through a series of examinations that it is determined that a tumor is present and confirmed to be the cause of head pain.

There are also cases when examinations reveal zero presence of any tumor or bone spur. The cause of the extreme head and neck pain is elsewhere. Digging deeper, a person finds out that the head and neck pain starts very deep inside his body, down to the tiniest nerve, artery, and vein.

To better understand why migraine and neck pain occurs, let’s look at its root causes right inside the human body and where the problem emanates from: our central nervous system and vascular system.   

 

The Central Nervous System

The term “neurological” refers to the nerves in our body, the network of conductors where brain signals pass through.  Each nerve is a collection of sensitive fibers that act as “superhighways” through which brain signals travel back and forth to the different parts of our body.

Every thought we have, the movement we make, or the sensation we feel is possible due to the brain signals and the nervous system. Even the memories we have are processed through the nervous system. Together with all these nerves, the brain, and our spinal cord make up the Central Nervous System (CNS).  

migraine, migraine and neck pain

The Vascular System

On the other hand, the vascular system is a network of blood vessels spread out in our bodies.  The system is composed of two types of blood vessels: the arteries and veins.  

Arteries and veins are essential to human life because they transport blood and oxygen to different parts of the body through the heart’s pumping action.  The arteries carry blood from the heart to the rest of the body, while the veins return blood to the heart. This cycle of blood transfer from and to the heart is what keeps us alive.

 

Migraines: Its Links to Our CNS & Vascular System

A disturbance in the central nervous system or the vascular system affects our brain functions. A blockage in the central nervous system distorts brain signals, and while a blockage in the vascular system weakens the blood and oxygen supply to the brain. These blockages and distortions cause dizziness and, in extreme cases, even loss of consciousness. 

As an example, a person who is being choked loses blood and oxygen supply to the brain. The brain senses this anomaly and shuts down to prevent further damage. This is what happens when we become unconscious. 

Problems in the CNS and vascular system may already be present if a person experiences these symptoms:

    • Sensory sensitivities – Bright lights, loud sounds, and strong smells or tastes make a person very uncomfortable. Even a slight touch on the skin brings pain. 
    • Visual disturbance – Seeing flashing lights and stars which are not really there. Some even experience temporary blindness.
    • Mood changes – The sudden changes in a person’s temperament
    • Vertigo – Spinning dizziness accompanied by nausea and fatigue
  • Migraine and neck pain

 

Dealing with Migraines Naturally

After reading through the possible causes of migraine deep inside our central nervous system and vascular system, the next step is to look at a natural pain relief method. 

In many studies done in the U.S. and other countries, experts also found a connection between migraine and neck pain and misalignment or injury in the upper cervical spine. The two topmost upper cervical spine bones called C1 and C2 encircle our brainstem as a protective structure. The brainstem links the brain to the spinal cord.  If there is damage, trauma, or disturbance in the C1 and C2 vertebrae’s proper alignment, problems also reverberate throughout the central nervous system and vascular system. 

Upper cervical spine adjustments help restore the proper alignment of the C1 and C2 bones. The bone adjustments significantly relieve tension and stress in that part of the neck and head. Chiropractors practicing Upper Cervical address any nerve impingement or compression, removing any irritation of the nerves that also cause pain in the head and neck.

Upper cervical chiropractic care aims to fully restore this vital alignment of the C1 and C2 bones. Once it restores the correct alignment, the body automatically goes into a self-healing mode, brain signals, and blood circulation improves, leading to reduced symptoms. After several upper cervical adjustments or visits at the upper cervical chiropractic office, the pain goes away entirely in most cases.

If you want to know more about upper cervical spine care, see an upper cervical spine chiropractor near your city.

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

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