While people frequently joke about things being “a pain in the neck”, the reality is that few things can rival the discomfort associated with a persistent, throbbing headache. Millions of people are affected by headaches each year so chances are you or someone you know, has been plagued by one. One of the most severe forms of headaches are known as migraines. Characterized by a severely painful headache that persists for hours or even days, migraines are also frequently accompanied by nausea, vomiting, sensitivity to light, and tingling in the extremities. In over 90% of cases, those suffering from a migraine are unable to work or function as they normally would.
There are several factors that contribute to migraines and most migraine sufferers have headaches and related symptoms on a regular basis. Patients frequently describe the onset of a migraine as feeling as though their head is in a continually tightening vice. Pressure continues to build from the base of the skull up to the back of the eyes making even the most basic tasks seem overwhelming. Because migraine pain is so severe and persistent, life can be hopeless and agonizing for those that suffer from them.
Given the persistent and debilitating nature of migraines, those that suffer from the headaches often face difficult decisions regarding their long-term health and treatment. The medical community commonly relies on administering powerful prescription drugs to combat the symptoms of migraines while ignoring long-term health issues, side effects, or treating the underlying source of the condition. While the pharmaceutical drugs may temporarily relieve symptoms for a few hours, after a short reprieve, the pain is likely to return and be debilitating in nature.
Fortunately, there are non-pharmaceutical treatment options, such as chiropractic spinal adjustments, that can provide relief and hope to migraine suffers. Because chiropractic adjustments can release tension, pressure, and stress from the spinal column and nervous system, people suffering from migraines should understand the benefits that can be achieved through manual spinal adjustments. A 2015 study showed that patients who received manual cervical adjustments had an 80% reduction in drug consumption, 97% fewer days with a migraine per month, and a 100% decrease in pain and disability associated with migraines.
The extent and intensity of migraines are also dictated by factors such as stress, nutrition, hormones, and lifestyle factors. The central nervous system is integral in connecting all of these factors as well as directing the control and functionality of the entire body. Chiropractors address specific functional areas of the nervous system, help improve communication between the mind and body, and reduce stress throughout the central nervous system through appropriate spinal care and manual chiropractic adjustments.
Incorporating chiropractic adjustments into a person’s lifestyle can help address the cause of migraines but there are other lifestyle modifications that can help as well. Staying well hydrated, getting more high-quality sleep, engaging in regular exercise, and removing dietary toxins, such as artificial colors, preservatives, and sweeteners, can also help mitigate the cause of the headaches.
