Have you noticed that when the pain starts in your neck migraine attacks usually follow? If yes, then go ahead and check out this article. Find out if there is indeed a link between the neck and migraines.
The cervical spine also called the neck, is a slender section that connects the head to the body. We often do not pay a lot of attention to our neck. But, consider for a moment and imagine the repercussions of any untoward issues in this area. The significance of its impact is so great that it will affect the entire body.
The neck has seven bones stacked neatly on top of each other. Between each bone is a disc that serves two functions: provide cushion and achieve flexibility. The discs absorb any impact caused by the movement of the bones. They also allow the bones to move smoothly and with minimal stiffness if possible. The discs do their best to enable us to move our heads freely.
Aside from linking the head and the body, the neck also encases a portion of the spinal cord. Its top two bones - the atlas and the axis - protect the brain's lowermost section called the brainstem. Suffice to say that the transmissions carried by the nerves pass through the neck. Remember, this is a critical point when considering the neck's possible role in conditions that affect the brain, nerves, and the rest of the body.
This head discomfort is not your usual ache. Other than the pain around the head, an episode can linger, and the pain can intensify. Those diagnosed with migraines disclose that this condition can be debilitating and often gets in the way of everyday life.
A migraine is considered a debilitating neurological condition since it affects the brain and the nerves. People with this condition are called migraineurs. To them, a migraine is more than just a headache. Those diagnosed with migraines might experience sensations like being spun around or that the immediate surroundings are spinning when it sets in. They often put up with nausea and equilibrium issues during an onslaught.
Some migraineurs get warnings before an attack. They are lucky because they can prepare when they become sensitive to environmental factors like light and noise. Others are not as fortunate because migraines can affect them unexpectedly.
Anxiety and stress can cause internal tension. Someone with high-stress levels naturally feels tightening around the neck. Such pressure can quickly spread to the head and the shoulders. When such pain starts in the neck migraine attacks can easily follow.
If you try and keep your stress levels low, you might be able to keep your migraine onslaughts at bay. Strive to be less anxious. Numerous programs can help you cope with stress. Yoga, meditation, and light exercises are practical options that can achieve this.
Bodily injury from an accident or even sports can lead to migraine attacks. An example is a whiplash and a concussion. These two can be contributing factors to a migraine attack. In whiplash cases, many people complain of lingering headaches and vertigo due to a vehicular incident that caused their heads to jerk due to the impact.
High-impact sports that involve tackling and grappling may also induce a migraine episode. Any blows to the head can start aches, which can worsen based on the amount of force imparted.
Fibromyalgia, arthritis, and cervical disc degenerative diseases may also set off migraines.
Fibromyalgia is an overwhelming pain condition. Fibromyalgia can amplify any pain, so what usually starts as a simple headache can quickly escalate to a migraine.
Arthritis is joint inflammation. The head and neck have multiple joints that hold structural components in place. When inflammation sets in, an ache in the form of a migraine can manifest.
Cervical disc degenerative diseases happen when the neck's discs start to break down and lose their correct alignment. When a misalignment occurs, this leads to increased bone friction that can restrict head movement. Stiffness around the neck area becomes evident and can cause discomfort in the adjacent areas like the shoulders and the head.
As you can see, any trauma to the neck migraine often follows. The neck's proximity to the head, as well as the fact that its topmost bones encase the brain stem, establishes a close link between the neck and migraines.
Chiropractic care in the neck may help alleviate pain, including those caused by migraines. Upper Cervical Awareness has a network of licensed upper cervical chiropractors. They have extensive experience in evaluating upper cervical alignment issues that may have triggered your migraines.
By using the latest technology, chiropractors can restore the alignment of displaced bones and discs. This may reestablish the nerves' normal pathways, thereby allowing them to transmit messages to the brain and the rest of the body. Once such functions return, pain in the neck and head areas likely ease up. Muscle tension around the neck and head can diminish, which also reduces the pain.
Suppose you are looking for a natural way to address neck pain and migraines. It might be helpful to consider a visit to your local chiropractor for an alignment evaluation. Our directory contains all the information you need to find the nearest chiropractic professional easily. Living a life free of pain is possible.
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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.
