Migraines are a neurological condition that affects the lives of at least one billion people worldwide. Women, children, and men can all suffer from migraine symptoms. Here are several attention-grabbing facts about migraines:

• Migraines are the third most prevalent illness on Earth.
• They are the sixth most crippling illness in the world. 
• They are most frequent among people aged 25 to 55 years old.
• More than 90 percent of migraineurs cannot work properly or function normally during a migraine attack.
• Almost 10 percent of school-age kids deal with migraines.
• Migraines can run in families. As high as 90 percent of migraineurs have family members also suffering from the condition.
• Women are three times more likely to have it than men.
• Most migraines affect individuals one or two days per month, while almost 4 million people suffer from chronic daily migraines. In other words, they have at least 15 migraines on any given month.
• About half of people with migraines had their first attack experienced before the age of 12.
• Colic is associated with migraines and may even be a form of migraine.

Migraine Causes According to Studies

Various theories address the question, “where do migraines come from?” In this section, we will discuss four of these theories.

• Genetics

People with a family member who suffers from migraines have an increased risk of developing migraines themselves. A study confirmed this finding when the researchers discovered five new sections of genetic code that linked to migraines. This study makes 12 in total.

Eight of these sections of genetic code are near the genes that help manage the circuitry of the brain. Two of these links to the genes that help keep brain tissue healthy. Researchers felt they could start finding out why some people suffer from migraines while others don’t. 

Furthermore, a population-based study discovered first degree relatives of those with migraines without aura had a higher possibility of developing the conditions themselves. People without relatives with migraines did not have an increased risk of any migraine types. 

• Vascular Problems

A study published in Nature Genetics supports the idea that a problem with the blood supply system causes migraines. According to the results of this study, migraines are closely associated with stroke and cardiovascular disease. It also confirmed that vascular dysfunction and smooth muscle dysfunction have a primary role in migraines. 

• Chemical Imbalances

It looks like the same chemical imbalances that cause depression and anxiety are also to blame for migraines. A study confirmed that regardless of any other factors, individuals with migraines also suffer from anxiety and depression more often. 

It is not because one causes the other, but rather, migraines can influence depression and anxiety in people. The study’s authors are theorizing that caring correctly for migraines may also help reduce a person’s anxiety and depression. They hypothesize that serotonin, a chemical produced by the nervous system, is less active if a person experiences some migraine attacks. 

When a person has diminished serotonin levels, it means the person’s pain threshold becomes lowered too. It is what makes you more prone and sensitive to pain. Thus, it causes more migraines and increases anxiety, adding more to a person’s depression.

• Central Nervous System (CNS) Issues

The nervous system is a complex and highly specialized system that directs and organizes interactions between you and the environment. The nervous system is responsible for voluntary and involuntary functions, the senses, and the ability to reason, think, and understand.

Whenever you experience a problem with your central nervous system, the symptoms that appear will depend on which part of it is involved. When we talk about migraines, this can become linked to the problem with serotonin. In other words, if serotonin levels are out of control, the nervous system becomes unable to do its job correctly. It can often lead to migraines or other health issues.

Migraines and Their Symptoms

Migraines are neurological. The symptoms of migraines are extremely debilitating. 

• Attacks that frequently last between 4 and 72 hours
• Severe pounding and throbbing head pain
• Affects one side of the head but can also affect both sides
• Visual disturbances (seeing shapes or zig-zag lines, and some blind spots)
• Nausea and vomiting
• Vertigo and dizziness
• Extreme sensitivity to touch, sound, light, and strong smells 
• Tingling and numbness in the face or the arms and legs

Dealing with Migraine Symptoms Naturally

Regardless of what the underlying causes of your migraines are, there is proof from clinical studies that upper cervical chiropractic care is effective in relieving or eliminating migraines.

The bones of the upper cervical spine (the neck) and the brainstem are in the same area within the central nervous system. The (C1) atlas and (C2) axis vertebrae protect the brainstem. However, if these bones ever become misaligned, they can stress out the brainstem and cause it to send improper signals to the brain. It can help explain some of the causes of migraines and other health conditions.

Upper cervical chiropractic care is a natural way of dealing with migraine symptoms. Upper cervical chiropractors use a gentle and precise procedure that will not add further stress and pressure on the spine and neck. With the help of advanced scanners, chiropractors can pinpoint where your exact problem or misalignment is. They employ a low-impact method that encourages the bones to move back into its correct place naturally. Numerous patients have already seen a significant decrease in the frequency and severity of their migraines attacks, while others have seen their migraines go away completely, thanks to upper cervical chiropractic care.

Please search for a reputable upper cervical chiropractor near you using our website’s search function. Start your journey towards migraine healing.

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