Migraines can truly be debilitating for those who suffer from them. This condition can leave a person wondering what the best way to get relief really is. According to some new research, a controversial solution is medical marijuana. But is this really the best option?
Researchers were looking at a combination of tetrahydrocannabinol-cannabidiol (THC-CBD) and its effectiveness in helping alleviate migraines and cluster headaches. Their findings revealed that the combination was able to reduce pain by 43.5 percent for those with migraines. This indicates that the compounds found in cannabis are as effective as one of the leading migraine prescription medications, amitriptyline. This is good news for those who are unable to take amitriptyline due to adverse reactions.
During the study, 79 volunteers suffering from migraines and cluster headaches received similar doses of THC-CBD. The conclusion was reduction of cluster headaches by 40.1%. Again, this is comparative with amitriptyline results.
The bad news? The FDA has not yet approved cannabis as a way to care for migraines. Perhaps this is due to the potential side effects of the drug. While medicinal marijuana is becoming more popular and is able to be used in a medical setting in some states, it is not widely available. Is there another way to care for migraines that is effective and all-natural?
Migraines have been linked to a misalignment of the bones of the upper cervical spine. In particular, the C1 (atlas) and C2 (axis). These vertebrae are designed to protect the brainstem from damage. However, if they misalign due to wear and tear, a trip and fall, a vehicle accident, or something similar, they can actually place the brainstem under stress and cause it to send improper signals to the brain leading to migraines. Restricted blood flow and cerebrospinal fluid drainage may also occur and lead to migraines.
Upper cervical chiropractors trained to find these tiny misalignments. We then employ a gentle method to a specific part of the neck to encourages the bones to realign. When this is corrected, communication is restored, and migraines often improve or even go away entirely. To learn more, schedule a consult with a practitioner near you.
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.