Migraine headaches are among the most prevalent — and the least-understood — medical conditions in existence.

Approximately 13% of the world’s population suffer from migraines at some point in their lives. Because the symptoms vary so significantly from one patient to another, they can be challenging for mainstream medicine to diagnose and treat.

As most patients can attest, migraine headaches can be disruptive to everyday activities. From reduced productivity to missing work completely, strained relationships to broken commitments, those who suffer from migraines often feel the stress of disappointing people in their life because they’ve got another migraine.

It’s impossible to plan your life around debilitating pain that may strike at any time. Patients often describe their migraine headaches as a throbbing pain radiating from deep inside the head, often from just one side. Lasting from several hours to many days, migraines may also cause sensitivity to sound and light, or cause nausea and vomiting.

One in five people also report disturbances in their vision called “auras†just before the onset of a migraine. Common auras include blind spots, flashing lights or stars, or zigzag lines

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Who Gets Migraines?

While anyone can get a migraine, women are three times more likely to suffer from migraines than men. Migraine headaches often run in families and are also associated with certain nervous system conditions as well as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

 

Migraine Causes

While there is no definitive, universally-accepted answer as to what causes migraines, several hypotheses have gained traction over the years, including:

  • Overactive pain-signaling from the brain’s sensory neurons.
  • A disordered nervous system, possibly in the brain stem.
  • Low levels of the brain chemical serotonin.
  • Emotional issues or disrupted energy in the body.
  • Vitamin B or other mineral deficiency.
  • Reactions to some medications.
  • Lack of sleep.
  • Genetic susceptibility. Research has shown that 70-90% of migraine sufferers have family members who also experience them.
  • Environmental triggers. Smells can sometimes set off a migraine.

 

Migraine Treatment

Many patients instinctively reach for over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen and acetaminophen, but these medications often don’t provide relief. Mainstream doctors tend to prescribe triptans or drugs that decrease inflammation and change the flow of blood within the brain.

While these medications may cut down on the frequency of migraines or reduce the headache symptoms, they don’t address the root cause, and ultimately, the migraines return. Additionally, prescription drugs may cause brain fog, other unpleasant side effects or trigger “rebound headaches,†often as troublesome as the original migraine.

We use a truly advanced Migraine treatment that can provide relief in seconds. Not only is it effective as a rescue but also for preventing migraines. We urge anyone suffering from migraines to give this a try.

As a comprehensive medical practice, we have found that many people are sensitive to things in their diet and environment. Not necessarily allergic, but sensitive. Just because you don’t experience an anaphylactic response doesn’t mean your body isn’t responding somehow. We can run tests to uncover any unknown or hidden triggers of your migraines. Our goal is greatly reduce the number of migraines people experience–ideally down to none.

Chiropractic treatment is focused on getting to the bottom of what’s causing your migraine headache, with the understanding that there’s never a one-size-fits-all solution. Chiropractic care zeroes in on the unique characteristics of your migraines.

Migraine prevention means identifying and eliminating triggers, performing physical treatments such as massage, chiropractic, and physical therapy, and using our MiRx Protocol to provide immediate and long-term relief.

Patients in our office often respond very well to our migraine treatment program. You won’t find many offices who can treat migraines so thoroughly. 

Wondering what your own individual treatment plan to treat your migraines might look like? Schedule an in-office appointment.  It’s time to say goodbye to the nasty side effects from prescription medications and finally experience lasting relief.

Note: This article is for informational purposes only, and is not a substitute for in-person medical advice or care.

There are many physical and environmental factors to consider when determining which type of headache you have, and you often won’t be completely sure until you’ve consulted with a doctor. Call our office at (480) 855-0557 to learn more or schedule an appointment. 

Categories headache