What is the most common neurological condition? The correct answer is migraines! While some people still think of migraines as just being bad headaches, this couldn’t be further from the truth. A headache is just one symptom of a migraine, and the cumulative symptoms are what make this condition so debilitating. Are you or a loved one suffering from migraines? Then here are some important things you need to know.
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Knowing and managing your triggers is not a migraine cure, but it certainly can help you to experience fewer migraines. Stress is one of the primary triggers to watch out for. Not only can stress cause a migraine when your stress hormone levels become elevated, but any fluctuation in these hormone levels can lead to an attack. That means, even if you avoid getting a migraine when you are under a lot of stress, the migraine may hit when your stress levels drop, and the hormone levels go with it. Imagine – you finally make it to your vacation only to have your relaxation ruined by a migraine. Actually, you probably don’t have to use your imagination because this has happened to most migraineurs.
What can you do to counteract stress? You can’t move yourself to a cave and avoid all stress altogether. But there are positive ways to cope with stress that can keep hormone levels regulated. Here are a few tips:
The more often your migraines occur, the more frequently you may reach for an over-the-counter pain reliever. There’s just one problem with that approach. These OTC pain relievers are not meant for long-term use or to be taken frequently. If you look at most of the bottles, you will notice that they are only recommended for occasional use, and one of the symptoms of overuse is headaches.
That’s right, taking too much medication for migraines may lead to a cycle which actually increases how frequently episodes occur. If you used to get several migraines a month and find that you now are having several a week or even daily migraines, the problem may be the very medication you are using to counteract the symptoms. A couple of weeks without pain relievers is enough to see if the frequency of your migraines is reduced. If so, it’s time to start looking for a better coping mechanism than the pain relievers.
Approximately 75% of people who get migraines also experience neck pain either before or during the headache phase according to one survey. That makes neck pain one of the most common migraine symptoms. In fact, it is only slightly less common than headaches (which occur in 85-90% of migraines). This may indicate a possible underlying cause of migraines that is frequently overlooked. Could your neck pain actually be the source of your migraines? It could, if the pain is being caused by an upper cervical misalignment.
When the C1 and C2 vertebrae are out of alignment, this can affect everything from how much blood is reaching the brain to the proper functioning of the brainstem. Cerebrospinal fluid drainage can also be affected, leading to increased intracranial pressure. All of these factors can contribute to the onset of migraines. So what can you do if you suspect such a misalignment is at the root of your migraines? We would like to introduce you to upper cervical chiropractic care.
Upper cervical chiropractors are subspecialists who focus on the top two bones in the neck, the C1 and C2. Diagnostic imaging is used to pinpoint the exact location and degree of misalignments, down to hundredths of a degree. This is because a misalignment of a fraction of a millimeter in this sensitive area of the neck can lead to far-reaching effects throughout the body. Migraines are just one potential result.
Low force corrections are gentle and safe for everyone. There is no popping or twisting of the neck. If this sounds like a natural option you would like to try for migraines, contact a practitioner in your area today. A consultation may be your first step on the path to reaching your health and wellness goals.
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.