According to the National Institutes of Health, millions of people suffer from migraines every year. A migraine is considered to be more than a bad headache. It is essentially a neurological condition characterized by headaches and is usually limited to one side of the head. Many people describe it as a throbbing sensation that can be debilitating.
What Are Common Triggers for Migraines?
Researchers believe that migraines are caused by genetic or environmental factors, though there are several triggers that can cause a migraine, including:
Stress: High levels of stress tend to trigger symptoms of a migraine.
Hormonal changes: Research shows that migraines are more common in women than in men because of hormonal changes that occur during the menstrual cycle.
Unhealthy diet: Preservatives, artificial sweeteners, and salty foods have been linked to worsening migraine symptoms in some individuals.
Smells and light sensitivity: Strong smells and increased light sensitivity may cause migraine symptoms like fatigue, nausea, vision changes, and irritability.
A Chiropractor Can Treat Migraines
Over-the-counter and prescription medications are sometimes used to treat migraines, but they’re not always effective and can cause side effects. A skilled chiropractor can help relieve the symptoms of migraines through soft tissue therapy, spinal manipulation, and other techniques. Soft tissue therapy usually includes massage and manual resistance techniques to address issues with the muscles, ligaments, and tendons. Spinal manipulation involves a chiropractor applying a controlled force to move a joint in the spine.
Chiropractic care is also helpful for treating other kinds of headaches, such as tension headaches and cervicogenic headaches. Tension headaches cause steady pain on both sides of the head and cervicogenic headaches originate in the neck, which then radiates to the head.
A chiropractor may also recommend a few lifestyle changes to help limit some of the triggers known to make migraine symptoms worse. For example, a healthier diet, reducing alcohol consumption, and exercising to relieve stress are all great things to keep in mind if you are experiencing migraines. A chiropractor may also give you specific stretching exercises to do at home to keep your spine aligned. This is especially important because spinal misalignment in the cervical spine can cause migraines and other types of headaches by irritating the nerves that contribute to the head and neck. Chiropractic adjustments and exercises help with spinal misalignment by reducing inflammation.
Schedule an Appointment With Merckling Family Chiropractor
Migraines and other types of headaches cause thousands of people to lose work days each year. Migraines can also make it difficult for people to drive, do things around the house, and spend time with loved ones. The skilled professionals at Merckling Family Chiropractor have helped many patients find relief from migraine symptoms through soft tissue therapy and spinal manipulation. Contact us today at (631) 286-2300 to schedule an appointment.
