Migraines are severe, recurring headaches that can be debilitating. They often present with intense throbbing pain on one side of the head as well as sensitivity to light, sound, and smells. Migraines can last anywhere from 4 to 72 hours. While pain medications can help manage symptoms, they don’t get to the root cause of migraines. Chiropractic treatment, on the other hand, aims to alleviate migraines by treating any underlying physical issues. Read on to learn how chiropractic helps relieve migraines.
How Chiropractors Diagnose The Cause Of Migraines
Chiropractors take a whole-body approach to treating migraines. They perform a physical exam, ask about your symptoms, and review your medical history. This helps them check for issues that may be contributing to your migraines, such as neck pain, TMJ dysfunction, nerve irritation, or vertebral subluxations. Vertebral subluxations are areas in the spine where movement is restricted or bones are slightly misaligned. These disturbances can affect the nerves and blood flow. A Bristol chiropractor will use imaging tests like x-rays or MRI scans to get a closer look at the structures and alignment of your neck and spine. Once a Bristol chiropractic clinic determines the root cause, they can provide customised chiropractic treatment.
Spinal Manipulation Alleviates Nerve Interference
One of the main ways chiropractors treat migraines is through spinal manipulation therapy. Gentle, controlled forces are applied to restricted joints and vertebrae. This allows the joints to move properly again and takes pressure off irritated nerves. Restoring normal motion and position to the spine improves nerve signalling and communication between the brain and body. Some migraine sufferers experience significant improvement in their headaches after just four weeks of chiropractic spinal manipulative therapy. The improvements can last at least six months after treatment.
Chiropractic Reduces Neck Pain & Muscle Tension
Abnormalities in the neck’s structure and mobility often contribute to migraines. Chiropractors use hands-on techniques like spinal manipulation, massage, trigger point therapy, and mobilisation to loosen tight neck muscles and improve range of motion. When the neck muscles are functioning better, it takes mechanical stress off the nerves and surrounding tissues. Relieving muscle tension and neck pain can reduce the frequency and intensity of migraine headaches for some patients.
Non-Invasive Treatments Offer An Alternative To Medication
For those wanting to avoid medication, chiropractic treatment offers effective, natural relief for migraines. Spinal and joint manipulation as well as soft tissue work stimulate the body’s production of natural painkilling chemicals called endorphins. Chiropractors may also recommend nutritional supplements that help with migraine prevention. Magnesium, riboflavin (B2), butterbur, and coenzyme Q10 are all well-researched options. Your chiropractor can also advise you on lifestyle factors like sleep, diet, and exercise habits to minimise migraine triggers. Non-drug treatments mean fewer side effects and less risk of medication overuse headaches.
Chiropractic Balances Stress To Prevent Migraines
Research indicates that chronic stress is a major contributor to migraines. Chiropractors reduce the effects of physical and mental stress in a few key ways. First, spinal manipulation therapy releases endorphins that block pain signals and produce relaxation. Second, correcting vertebral subluxations improves nerve supply to the brain. This enhances the brain’s ability to regulate stress. Finally, chiropractic care aims to balance the nervous system. Restoring proper nervous system function allows the body to adapt to stressors. Patients find that regular chiropractic treatments help them manage daily stress and anxiety. This makes their migraines less frequent and severe.
As you can see, a range of chiropractic techniques can address the neuromusculoskeletal issues underlying migraines. Instead of just treating symptoms, chiropractors offer an integrative solution to relieve migraines at the source.
