Anyone who has experienced migraines knows that they are incredibly painful, and can result in extreme discomfort for those who endure them. While migraine attacks affect a considerable number of people, the processes that trigger them can be confusing. It is for this reason, that one should seek migraine help for pain relief.
Types of Migraines
Migraine attacks can be a result of the imbalance of chemicals in the brain, causing the blood vessels to dilate. The inflamed vessels, in turn, interfere with the function of the nervous system that sends signals to the brain, intensifying the problem within a closed circuit of severe pain. There are many other pathologies and symptoms associated with migraine headaches, most of which can be eased with migraine care by a professional chiropractic neurologist.
There are two kinds of migraines depending on their symptoms, though there are many more subdivisions. Common migraines are the most prevalent. They account for about 85% of all attacks, and are believed to be a result of changes in cerebral blood flow. Individuals who suffer from the Common Migraine usually experience a one-sided pulsing headache, as well as nausea and vomiting, though they are able to go on with their daily activities. The other type of migraine is the Classic Migraine, which accounts for about 15% of attacks. It starts with an aura before a throbbing one-sided headache, like that of Common Migraine. This type of migraine often results in a disabling headache that makes it difficult to function. Other symptoms include fatigue, sensitivity to sound and light, and irritability.
How Chiropractic Therapy Addresses Migraines
The first step to providing therapeutic care, is understanding the causes of the symptoms mentioned above. Some of the triggers include: medications, certain foods, stress, changes in sleeping habits, tension in the neck, and hormonal changes. While these are the presumed triggers, the actual cause may be found when one visits an experienced chiropractic neurologist.
Chiropractic therapy aims to reduce the frequency and severity of migraine attacks by managing the contributory factors and effects. This involves the relief of muscle tension in the shoulders, neck and upper back, restricted motion of the neck, and assisting in the correction of postural issues that impact the occurrence of tension headaches and migraines.
One of the theories that support the ability of chiropractors to relieve migraine headaches suggests that the vicious pain experienced by migraine sufferers is a result of nerve irritation caused by spinal misalignment. As such, a chiropractor can relieve the migraine pain by aligning the vertebrae of the spine. A chiropractor can eliminate excessive force from the swollen nerves, causing the migraine to dissipate.
Individuals who suffer from migraines on a regular basis should consider seeking migraine treatment from a chiropractic neurologist. One study on the effectiveness of chiropractic management of migraines showed that 22% of the patients who received chiropractic care had a 90% reduction in the number of attacks, while 49% experienced a considerable decrease in pain intensity. Consulting with a professional chiropractor may help to relieve the pain brought on by migraine headaches.