Migraines - How Alignment of the Cervical Spine Is Related

October 23, 2016

Migraine, Migraines, Headache, Headaches, Head Pain, Migraine Headaches, Migraine Relief, Headache Relief, Tension Headache, Tension Headaches, Migraine Headaches, Migraine Headaches Relief

Migraines are a debilitating neurological condition that is often related to the alignment of the upper neck. After considering the vital role that the upper cervical spine plays, the reason for this connection becomes clearer.

What the Cervical Spine Does

To understand migraines better, know that there are three primary roles fulfilled by the upper bones of the neck.

  • Protecting the Brainstem and Spinal Cord – The brainstem is protected by the C1 vertebra right at the point where it meets the spinal cord. Subsequent bones in the neck protect the spinal cord itself.
  • Support for the Head – A human head weighs 10 to 13 pounds. The upper cervical spine keeps the head properly balanced and allows the head to turn from side to side as well as forward and back.
  • Allowing for Blood Flow – The vertebral arteries provide the brain with vital oxygen by facilitating blood flow. The upper cervical spine provides the openings for this flow of blood.

So what happens when a misalignment occurs here? Pressure may be placed on the brainstem or spinal cord. The head may become off-balanced. The righting reflex kicks in to level things out, thus causing shifts in bone, muscle, and soft tissue throughout the spine. Blood flow to the brain may be restricted.

Any of the above conditions can lead to migraines.

Migraines and Upper Cervical Chiropractic

Because the top bones of the neck are designed to provide extra mobility for the head, they are also subject to misalignment. A head or neck injury, even a seemingly minor one, can be the underlying cause. Car accidents, sports injuries, and every day falls are often the culprit. Before long, migraines begin to set in.

Upper cervical chiropractic care focuses on identifying and correcting these specific alignments in the upper cervical spine. Gentle adjustments give the body time to heal the affected nerves and soft tissue. As a result, many find that migraines occur less frequently and become less severe. They may even go away altogether.

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.