Natural Migraine Treatment
Not to be confused with a regular headache, a migraine is a debilitating type of headache that is characterized by an intense throbbing pain and other physical symptoms. Every year, between 2 and 3 million Americans suffer from chronic migraines.
Upper cervical chiropractic care, an often overlooked treatment for preventing chronic migraines, aims to remedy potential misalignments in the upper cervical spine that may be triggering migraine episodes. If you suffer from chronic migraines, read on to find out more about how our team of upper cervical chiropractors can help.
Migraine Symptoms
The frequency and severity of migraine symptoms will usually differ on a case by case basis, but there are a number of symptoms that most migraine sufferers will usually experience. Generally, individuals who suffer from migraines will experience multiple stages of pain and discomfort, which can begin with a sudden change in mood or an onset of tiredness. Following this, some individuals will experience an aura phase, followed by the migraine phase, and finally the resolution and recovery phase.
Some of the most common symptoms of migraines include:
- Pulsing or throbbing pain on one or both sides of the head.
- Light, smell, and sound sensitivity.
- Nausea.
- Vomiting.
- Visual aura (i.e. flashing lights).
- Neck pain.
How the Upper Cervical Spine Affects Migraines
While the exact neurology behind migraines is not yet fully understood, injuries liked whiplash and head trauma have been identified as a common predictor for chronic and severe headaches.
A head injury or trauma to the neck will often displace the vertebral alignment in the upper cervical spine, placing pressure on the surrounding ligaments, soft tissue, and nerves. Ultimately, any pressure or disruption to the spinal cord and the surrounding area can result in impeded neurological pathways. While further research is required, neural impedances along the upper cervical spine and brainstem appear to be correlated with more severe and more frequent migraine episodes.
How Our Migraine Treatment Works
Instead of simply treating the symptoms, we use non-invasive, gentle techniques to uncover the cause of your migraines. To do this, our chiropractors will aim to reposition any misaligned vertebra, releasing any pressure between the brainstem, spinal cord, and surrounding musculature.
Before realignment can take place, our team must first identify if there is an upper cervical spinal misalignment — this is determined using a number of objective chiropractic tests. If a misaligned vertebra is located, our team will perform a Cone Beam CT (CBCT) scan, a technique which allows for a more precise determination of the angle and direction of the misaligned vertebra in question.
With this information, we will be able to formulate a unique adjustment and recovery plan to reposition your misaligned vertebra and re-engage your body’s natural healing processes. If you’re concerned about the prospect of pain during this process, you’ll be glad to hear that the adjustment techniques employed by our chiropractors are designed to avoid any cracking, pulling, or twisting on the neck and spine.
If you think your chronic migraines may be caused by an upper cervical misalignment, you can book a consultation at our clinic in Las Vegas, Clark County. We also offer migraine treatment in a number of neighboring states, including Arizona, California, and Utah.