A migraine may seem like a really bad headache to someone who has never had one, but to migraine sufferers, they are a completely different animal. The medical community agrees, classifying migraines as a neurological condition. In fact, while a severe headache is the most common symptom of a migraine, they can occur with no head pain at all.
Migraines can occur in 4 phases, although not every migraine patient will experience all 4. What are the phases of a migraine?
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The symptoms can occur hours or even days before the onset of a migraine. The most common symptom is a stiff neck. Mood swings and changes in bowel habits (both diarrhea and constipation) are also common.
This is the least commonly experienced phase, but if it does occur, it will happen within an hour of the migraine itself. Visual symptoms are the most common. Many people see zigzag lines, have blurred or double vision, or just experience difficulty focusing visually. A pins and needles feeling may occur in the extremities and the face.
This is the part of the attack that is actually referred to as a migraine. The most common symptom is a severe headache, characterized by moderate to severe pulsing or throbbing pain. Other common symptoms include nausea and vomiting, sensory sensitivities, and dizziness or vertigo.
This is sometimes called the “migraine hangover.” The patient feels extremely fatigued following the conclusion of the migraine. Sensory sensitivities may continue. These symptoms can last for a day or more.
In all, the four migraine phases can last for several days if a patient experiences all of them.
While pain pills may provide temporary relief from the headache during an attack, they do nothing to prevent the next migraine from starting. Because migraines are a neurological problem, taking care of the central nervous system (CNS) is a vital part of finding long-term relief. This is where upper cervical chiropractic may be of benefit.
The C1 and C2 vertebrae are uniquely shaped, protecting the area where the brainstem meets the spinal cord. This unique shape allows for a wide range of movement for the head but also makes misalignment a common problem. A misalignment in this sensitive area can create the right conditions for migraines to occur.
Using precise diagnostic techniques and a gentle adjustment, an upper cervical chiropractor can help to correct misalignments in this critical area for the CNS. As a result, patients may experience fewer migraines. Some see them go away completely.
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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.
