Migraines are once again in the news as researchers have recently concluded a telling study at the University of Michigan. The research indicates that migraines are connected to reduced and fluctuating levels of dopamine. What is dopamine, and what does this study mean for contemporary migraine treatments?
The body naturally produces dopamine, a chemical in the body the regulates emotions, sensory perception, and motivation. It is a big deal for researchers to learn that migraines lead to lower levels of this important chemical in the brain. Why? Because current treatment methods, which mostly involve medications, treat migraines as though they have a different effect on dopamine levels. It’s no wonder that prescription drugs so often have little to no effect on this neurological disorder.
Current migraine treatment involves drugs that block the activity of dopamine receptors. The idea is to prevent rapid fluctuation of dopamine levels. However, when dopamine levels drop suddenly, as is seen with migraine patients in the study, the results can include sensory sensitivity as well as isolationism (which many patients seek during an attack).
Researchers are hopeful that this knowledge may help pharmaceutical companies to target dopamine levels more efficiently with future efforts. However, you may wonder if anything exists today that can help you with the pain and symptoms.
When the atlas (C1) is misaligned, it can affect everything from brainstem function to proper blood flow to the brain. These factors can affect dopamine levels and other factors in the brain that have to do with migraines. Thus, many are happy to find that the correction of atlas misalignment results in lesser episodes, sometimes even elimination altogether.
If you are suffering from migraines, especially if you have ever suffered a head or neck injury, we encourage you to seek out the assistance of an upper cervical chiropractor. If an examination reveals a misalignment, a gentle adjustment may be your first step on the road to long-lasting health benefits.
to schedule a consultation today.
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.
