Migraines

MIGRAINE 

Migraines affects an estimated 38 million people, including children, in the United States alone. Worldwide, that total jumps to 1 billion. In fact, migraine ranks number three among prevalent illnesses in the world and number six among disabling illnesses. More than 90% of people who suffer from migraines are not able to function normally or work during an attack.

A migraine attack is often debilitating and extremely painful. It is also very difficult to stop once it starts. The best treatment for migraines is preventing them from occurring. There are several methods that work for some people, and chiropractic is a popular preventative measure that many people have found to help them be migraine free.

MIGRAINE SYMPTOMS

A severe headache is the first thing people think of regarding migraines, but there are other symptoms which include:

• Pain located on one or both sides of the head
• Photophobia (sensitivity to light)
• Blurred vision or other visual disturbances
• Pain that is pulsing or throbbing
• Lightheaded and possibly fainting
• Hypersensitivity to smell, taste, or touch
• Loss of motor function or in more severe cases, partial paralysis (such as with hemiplegic migraine)

Some migraineurs experience auras prior to an attack, usually around 20 to 60 minutes. This can give the patient time to take certain measures to stop the attack or minimize it. However, it is still a good course of action to incorporate certain activities into your lifestyle that can prevent migraines.

CAUSES OF MIGRAINES

Doctors don’t know the exact causes of migraines, but research does indicate that there are certain triggers that can initiate an attack. Some of the more common migraine triggers include:

• Foods – Processed foods, salty foods, aged cheeses, and chocolate.
• Beverages – Coffee and other caffeinated drinks as well as alcohol (particularly wine)
• Hormonal changes – Occurs mainly in women, usually during menopause, menstruation, and pregnancy.
• Food additives – Monosodium glutamate (MSG) and aspartame as well as certain dyes.
• Stress – Environmental, tress at home or work, or illness that puts stress on the body.
• Sleep problems – Getting too much sleep or not getting enough sleep.
• Sensory stimuli – Sun glare and bright lights, strong smells like secondhand smoke and perfume, and certain tactile stimulation.
• Medication – Vasodilators (nitroglycerin) and oral contraceptives.
• Relief from stress. Migraines are commonly called “Sunday Headaches” because they typically start after a break from work.
• Physical exertion – Intense exercise or other physical exertion.
• Jet lag
• Weather changes
• Skipping meals
• Change in barometric pressure

Some research also shows a possible serotonin component. During a migraine attack, serotonin levels drop. Serotonin is integral to regulating pain in the nervous system.

MIGRAINE TREATMENTS

Migraine treatments are classified as either abortive or preventative. Abortive medications primarily treat symptoms and provide pain relief. They are taken once a migraine attack has already begun and are designed to stop it. Preventative medications are usually taken daily to reduce the frequency of migraines and the severity of attacks.

A migraine specialist can recommend medications as well as other treatments including acupuncture, massage therapy, chiropractic, acupressure, herbal remedies and lifestyle changes. Adequate sleep, relaxation exercises, and dietary changes may also help.

CHIROPRACTIC FOR MIGRAINES

A chiropractor will use a variety of techniques when treating migraines. Spinal manipulation of one of the most common, usually focusing on the cervical spine, by bringing the body into balance, can relieve the pain and prevent future migraines. The doctor may also recommend vitamin, mineral, and herbal supplements as well as lifestyle changes which usually involves eliminating triggers.

One migraine study found that 72% of sufferers benefited from chiropractic treatment with either noticeable or substantial improvement.