Do you ever find yourself reaching for a glass of wine to unwind after a long day, only to be hit with an agonizing migraine later? Are you someone who loves to indulge in cocktails over the weekend but can't seem to shake off those unbearable headaches? If you're someone who suffers from migraines and enjoys drinking alcohol, you might be asking yourself, "Is my drinking habit making my migraines worse?" Well, you're not alone in seeking answers.
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Research suggests that alcohol can indeed exacerbate migraines and other types of headaches. Alcohol acts as a vasodilator, expanding blood vessels and increasing blood flow, triggering migraines and throbbing headaches on top of the head in some individuals. The ingredients in alcoholic beverages, such as tyramine in red wine or congeners (flavonoids, biogenic amine, etc.) in darker spirits, are also potential migraine triggers. Furthermore, excessive alcohol consumption leads to dehydration, a well-known migraine inducer. While not everyone will experience migraines after drinking, for those who are already predisposed, it can serve as a significant aggravating factor.
Besides alcohol consumption, there is another risk factor that often gets overlooked by people with throbbing headaches on top of the head: atlas subluxation. As we always tell our patients, the alignment of the upper cervical spine matters, especially in maintaining optimal health. That’s because it houses the brainstem, which transmits messages between your brain and the rest of your body. A misalignment in the topmost section of the cervical spine, especially in the atlas and axis bones (C1 and C2 vertebrae), can interfere with this communication, leading to a host of problems, including throbbing headaches on top of the head.
Misalignment can happen due to various reasons—poor posture, accidents, or even stress—and can be aggravated by lifestyle choices such as excessive alcohol consumption. When you're already prone to migraines, the added stress that alcohol puts on your system can exacerbate symptoms, making a strong case for cervical alignment as a preventive measure.
If you're tired of dealing with recurring migraines and throbbing headaches on top of the head, it might be time to book an appointment with an Upper Cervical Chiropractic practice near you. By utilizing the Upper Cervical Awareness Doctor Directory, you can find a qualified Upper Cervical specialist to evaluate your cervical spine's health. Timely adjustments to the atlas and axis bones can not only alleviate existing symptoms but also act as a preventive measure against other potential health issues down the line.
You owe it to yourself to explore all possible avenues for relief and prevention, particularly when other methods have fallen short. Don't wait until you're bowled over by another crippling migraine or until other health mishaps manifest. Get your cervical spine checked and aligned. You might just find that it's the missing piece in your health puzzle. Schedule your appointment with a migraine chiropractor near you today!
TV show host Montel Williams describes how specific chiropractic care has helped his body.
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.
