If You Suffer from Migraines, Chiropractic Care Could be the Answer

You know a migraine when it hits. During the active phase, your head throbs, usually on one side. You may get dizzy, nauseous, or vomit. Even the slightest noise and the dimmest light can be exceedingly painful.

One way to treat migraines is to visit the team of highly trained professionals at Advantage Spinal Dynamics, who will use chiropractic and other holistic techniques to relieve migraine pain and reduce migraine attacks.

What is a migraine?

A migraine is a three-pronged event. It consists of a promonotory phase where you might experience visual disturbances called auras, sensory sensitivity, and moodiness; an active pain phase with throbbing pain on one side of the head that can last up to 72 hours; and a postdrome, which is like a post-adrenaline crash and can last for several days. People who suffer from chronic migraines endure these experiences for 15 days or more a month.

Approximately 38 million Americans suffer from migraines, and almost all say they can’t function normally when a migraine hits. These sick days cost the U.S. $25 billion annually in lost productivity.

Studies have shown that 6% of men and 18% of women have migraines. You’re less likely to experience migraines if you have a high income and educational level. And North America has the highest prevalence of migraines, while Africa and Asia have the lowest.

Nobody knows what causes migraines, but the following seem to be triggers for many migraine sufferers:

• Tension in neck and shoulders
• Hormonal changes 
• Menstruation
• Anxiety and depression
• Stress
• Lack of sleep
• Poor posture
• Jet lag
• Low blood sugar
• Hormone replacement therapy
• Alcohol
• Caffeine
• Weather changes
• Smoking

Common migraine treatments

Luckily, there are many ways to treat migraines. But not every patient responds to every treatment.

The most common treatments are medicines to prevent migraines (preventives) and those to control the pain when it hits (abortives); lifestyle changes that increase sleep, reduce stress, and decrease muscle tension; Botox injections; and avoiding foods that trigger migraines.

Chiropractic care for migraines

The chiropractic professionals at Advantage Spinal Dynamics know how to help your migraine pain by using many of the treatments in the chiropractic toolbox.

Studies have shown that spinal manipulation and adjustment, which improves spinal function and relieves stress, is an effective way to relieve the pain of migraine headaches that originate in the neck.

The Advantage Spinal Dynamics team can also:

• Recommend diet changes and the addition of B complex vitamins
• Improve your posture
• Recommend exercises and relaxation techniques

If your migraines are sidelining you for days each month, call Advantage Spinal Dynamics at 208-225-4358, or click the online tool to arrange an appointment.