A Migraineur’s Guide to Enjoying a Pain-free Summer

June 2, 2023

Was summer used to be your favorite season—until migraines stole your joy? Does your pain also intensify as temperatures rise during this time of the year? Do crippling headaches often mar your sunny Summer days? Do you often feel helpless and frustrated by your situation, thinking that you will forever forego Summer festivities like Music fests, road trips, or beach vacations? 

Don't worry! You might just be able to move past your situation with the help of an Upper Cervical Chiropractor. Find out how that might work with our quick discussion on things like "Why are Summer migraines the worst?", and "What is an atlas subluxation?". Hopefully, by learning from our blog, you can savor every moment of sunshine during Summer time.

Why is Summer a Hard Time for Migraineurs?

As the days grow longer and the temperature rises, many of us welcome the arrival of summer. However, for those in our Upper Cervical Chiropractic community who suffer from migraines, this season may bring more than just sunshine and outdoor activities. Summer can intensify the frequency and severity of migraines, and understanding why can help you manage them better during this period.

To begin, let's break down the possible reasons why migraines may worsen during the summer months.

Dehydration and Electrolyte Imbalance

The human body can lose water and essential salts faster than usual in the hot summer months due to sweating. Unfortunately, this often leads to dehydration, increasing risks for worse headaches and other migraine symptoms. This happens because dehydration can trigger vasoconstriction, reducing blood flow to the brain.

Heat and Humidity

Rising temperatures and increased humidity can alter your body's homeostasis, leading to physical stress that may trigger migraines. Changes in atmospheric pressure, which often accompany summer thunderstorms, can also influence migraine attacks.

Changes in Schedule

The relaxed routines and longer daylight hours that summer often brings can disrupt regular sleep patterns. This inconsistency can exacerbate migraines, as maintaining a regular sleep schedule is key to managing this condition.

Dietary Changes

Summer cookouts and vacations may lead to changes in diet, such as increased intake of processed foods, alcoholic beverages, and caffeine—all potential migraine triggers.

What is An Atlas Subluxation?

As a patient considering Upper Cervical Chiropractic Care for migraine relief, you already understand the importance of holistic health approaches. But you might still have questions about how the technique works. For starters, you might want to know the answer to the FAQ "What is an atlas bone misalignment?". So, what is this problem really? Is it so bad that it can trigger a myriad of health concerns like recurring migraine attacks?

The atlas or topmost neck bone, sits directly under the head. Unfortunately, its position or alignment can change when you suffer from neck or head trauma. This happens because the connective tissues holding it in place fail to do their job.

Now, when the atlas bone shifts, the rest of the body follows suit. Over time, this causes the head to tilt to one side, and the rest of the spine to twist and tug on muscles, joints, nerves, and even your arms and legs. The imbalance increases risks for muscle tension, nerve compression, impaired fluid drainage in the ears and head, and poor cerebral blood flow. It can also set off unpleasant symptoms like headaches, vertigo, and chronic pain. 

Naturally, if you can correct the misalignment, you give your body a fighting chance to heal and return to homeostasis. To an extent, it can help eliminate your symptoms so you can lead a pain-free life, not just in Summer time but all year round. 

Where Does Upper Cervical Care Fit Into All These?

So, how can Upper Cervical Care fix the situation for a migraineur? Firstly, maintaining regular chiropractic adjustments can improve the alignment of your spine, particularly at the juncture where the head and neck meet. This gives your body enough room to heal so it can function smoothly, potentially reducing migraine frequency and severity.

Additionally, your chiropractic doctor can provide personalized advice on lifestyle adjustments to help you navigate the summer months. This may include strategies for staying hydrated, maintaining a regular sleep schedule, managing a diet, and dealing with heat and humidity. Remember, everyone is unique, and what works best for one person may not work well for another. Regular communication with your chiropractor can help tailor these strategies to your needs.

So what are you waiting for? Take the chance to lead migraine-free lives all year round by requesting an appointment Upper Cervical Chiropractic office near you!

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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.

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