Migraines are often severe and debilitating. They are characterised by throbbing or pulsating pain, usually on one side of the head and typically last for hours to days. They may have distinct phases, including a prodrome (warning signs), the headache itself and a postdrome (recovery phase). Migraine pain can be moderate to severe and often accompanied by nausea, vomiting, aura and sensitivity to light and sound. Many patients lose days to migraines and find themselves constantly anxious about when the next attack will occur.
What Causes Migraines?
Triggers include hormonal changes, certain foods, bright lights, loud noises, and stress. Migraines are believed to involve abnormal brain activity and blood flow changes. Many patients also describe accompanying pain, tension or stress in their neck or jaw that worsens before or during a migraine episode.
How Can We Help Your Migraines?
Chiropractors can help by reducing physical stress on the joints, muscles and nerves of your neck, jaw and head than can contribute to migraine symptoms. Restoring normal motion to restricted joints allows tense muscles to relax and reduces irritation to nerves that travel into your head and face. By gently correcting these restrictions and prescribing tailor-made rehabilitation exercises and lifestyle changes, we will help you to overcome migraines and get back to a pain-free life again.
Chiropractors are trained to diagnose and treat conditions of the neuromusculoskeletal system (nerves, muscles and bones). There is good evidence to support visiting a chiropractor for migraine management.
