Intense, debilitating headaches, sensitivity to light and sound, and nausea are some common symptoms of migraines, which affect an estimated 39 million adults in the United States, according to the American Migraine Foundation.
This type of headache can feel like a neurological storm in your head. While medications are common treatments, many people are seeking natural ways to alleviate their pain, including chiropractic care.
Here’s a look at how chiropractic adjustments and other natural approaches can help manage these headaches.
The Neck-Migraine Connection
A pinched nerve or compressed blood vessel in your neck can trigger migraines. Misalignments in the upper cervical spine, known as subluxations, can put pressure on nerves and blood vessels that lead to the head and brain. This compression can result in throbbing pain, nausea, and sensitivity to light and sound, characteristic of migraines.
How Chiropractic Care Helps
Chiropractic adjustments aim to correct these misalignments, relieving pressure on nerves and blood vessels. This can help calm the “migraine storm” and alleviate associated symptoms like dizziness and vertigo. Regular adjustments may even prevent these severe headaches from occurring in the first place.
Natural Solutions for Migraine Prevention
In addition to chiropractic care, there are some helpful lifestyle modifications that can help manage these headaches:
- Lifestyle Changes: Reducing stress, limiting screen time, and getting enough sleep can significantly impact migraine frequency. It’s also important to retreat to a dark, quiet place during a migraine.
- Dietary Adjustments: Monitoring sugar intake and maintaining balanced meals can prevent blood sugar spikes that trigger migraines.
- Hydration: Staying well-hydrated helps maintain optimal bodily functions and reduces migraine risk.
- Ice Packs: Ice packs can help ease migraines by reducing inflammation and numbing pain signals, providing quick and soothing relief.
Some Little-Known Facts About Migraines
Many people are unaware that untreated migraines can lead to severe complications, such as stroke or jaw problems. The good news is that regular chiropractic care not only helps manage these intense headaches but also prevents these potential long-term issues.
It’s important to note, however, that while chiropractic care can be effective for many migraine sufferers, it may not work for all types of migraines. Those caused by chemical imbalances, for example, may require different treatments.
Start Getting Relief Today
You don’t have to be sidelined by your pain. Schedule a consultation with one of our chiropractors at Graham Chiropractic to discuss how spinal adjustments and lifestyle changes could help reduce the frequency and severity of your migraines.