If a loved one is suffering from migraines, you may realize that it is a sensitive topic. After all, many people don’t understand migraines unless they get them, so saying the wrong thing can make a patient feel even more alone and misunderstood (despite the fact that about 12% of people get migraines). Here are a few sayings to avoid so you don’t accidentally convey the wrong attitude. We will conclude by presenting a way that many migraine patients are finding natural relief.

“I Have Bad Headaches Sometimes Too”

This statement screams a lack of understanding. A moderate to severe headache is just one of the many debilitating symptoms of a migraine. Migraines are a neurological condition and shouldn’t be compared to the average tension headache.

“You Don’t Seem Sick to Me”

You may just be trying to tell your relative or friend that they look good and shouldn’t be concerned about their appearance. What the patient hears is that he or she doesn’t look sick so they must either be faking or the majority of the problem in their head.

“No One Has Ever Died from a Migraine”

Even if this is technically true, there are a few problems with this statement. First of all, no one suffering from a debilitating illness wants to be consoled with the idea that at least it won’t kill them. Second, while the pain may not kill anyone, depression is often associated with migraines. Experiencing both migraines and depression has been linked with a higher rate of suicide, which is an increasingly common cause of death, as we have seen in the news time and again recently.

“Do Men Even Get Migraines?”

About three-quarters of adult migraine patients are female, so it is understandable that there is a little confusion. But if a male friend gets migraines, he needs understanding, not something that adds to the stigma of being in the minority.

“You Just Need to Relax”

Stress is one of the most common migraine triggers. However, has telling some they just need to relax when they are all wound up ever worked? A stressed or anxious person may want to talk out feelings, not be told they simply have to banish those feelings as if they didn’t have a valid cause in the first place. Instead of suggesting relaxation, provide a patient ear so your loved one has someone to talk to. Then try to find a relaxing activity you can enjoy together like going for a walk.

“I Wish I Could Take a Day Off Anytime I Want”

Your friend or relative would rather be at work than stuck home with a migraine. It’s not a walk in the park. Migraine is a painful condition that can include sensory sensitivity, nausea, vomiting, vertigo, and a host of other symptoms. It’s not like they are spending the day at the spa instead of working. Also, they may be concerned about losing their job over missed work days due to migraines.

“All You Have to Do Is ”

Your friend has probably heard and tried them all. That having been said, you don’t want your friend to miss out on a legitimate form of care just because you are afraid to mention it. You just have to do it the right way. Do the research first. Then ask if your friend has ever heard of it and go from there. If you are a fellow migraineur, you can lead by saying that it helped you and you just wanted to pass the information along.

Natural Care for Migraine Sufferers

Migraines may not have a cure, but you can get help. One natural way that more and more people are choosing to do this is through upper cervical chiropractic. If you have tried chiropractic in the past and you would like to know how this subspecialty is different, here are a few ways:

• Focused – Only the top bones in the neck are adjusted. This focus allows for precision that can be beneficial for a migraine sufferer.
• Gentle – The last thing you want when you are already in pain is to have your neck jerked and twisted. Upper cervical chiropractic involves low force corrections that are safe for patients of all ages and degrees of health.
• As-Needed – Doctors visits and medicines for migraines are expensive enough. You don’t need to add another weekly bill. You will be happy to know that upper cervical adjustments are provided on an as-needed basis. Since low force corrections hold longer, most patients find they can begin to space appointments out after just a few adjustments.

How Patients Can Benefit From Upper Cervical Chiropractic Care

“Okay, so upper cervical chiropractic is different, but how can it help my migraines?” Good question, and we will answer it in three ways:

• Enhanced blood flow – Since the cervical spine facilitates blood flow to the brain, upper cervical care can help ensure the brain is receiving the oxygen it needs.
• Brainstem support – The atlas (C1 vertebra) houses the brainstem. Even the slightest misalignment could affect CNS performance.
• Relieve intracranial pressure – A misaligned atlas can restrict proper cerebrospinal fluid drainage. If it pools, this can lead to intracranial pressure. Correcting the subluxation can restore proper drainage, thereby reducing the pressure.

If you or a loved one are suffering from migraines, find a practitioner near you. A consultation may be the first step, not just to fewer migraines but to overall better health.

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