Why Your Migraines Deserve Attention
Migraines are more than just headaches. They can be debilitating, affecting your ability to work, socialise, and enjoy life. As a chiropractor and previous migraine sufferer myself, I understand the significant impact migraines can have on your overall well-being.
In this blog, I will be sharing why migraines are a problem and how you too can take action to overcome them.
There are 4 ways that we approach migraines, so you understand the root cause of problem:
- Understanding the Role of Upper Neck Nerves
- Holistic Approach
- Addressing Common Triggers
- Improving Nervous System Function
The Consequences of Inaction and the Promise of Relief
If left untreated, migraines can worsen over time, leading to increased frequency and intensity of attacks. This can disrupt your daily life, alter work performance, and affect the quality of time spent with your family. Migraines can permeate every aspect of life.
On the bright side, taking proactive steps to address the underlying issues contributing to your migraines can lead to significant improvements in your quality of life. By adopting a holistic approach to treatment, you can experience fewer and less severe migraines, break free of dependence on painkillers and reclaim control over your well-being.
Let me share a story with you:
A patient of mine Sarah had been suffering from migraines for years, reliant on pain medication to get her through each episode. However, the migraines persisted, and she found herself missing out on important family gatherings and struggling to focus at work. After seeking chiropractic care and addressing the root causes of her migraines, Sarah experienced a significant reduction in both the frequency and severity of her attacks. She has reclaimed her life and is able to enjoy more, free from the grip of constant pain.
1. Understanding the Role of Upper Neck Nerves
Migraines are often a result of various interconnected factors, including influence from the spine on nerves, especially in the upper neck.
There are two key nerves that are commonly involved in migraine and headache pain.
- Trigeminal nerve, which has branches that extend into the upper neck and face.
- Occipital nerves, which run from the base of the skull up to the top of the head (Figure 1).
Both of these nerves are also commonly implicated in migraine headaches, particularly those that involve pain radiating from the back of the head or neck. Dysfunction (misalignment) of spinal joints can cause irritation of these nerves contributing to the development and persistence of migraine symptoms.
By correcting these misalignments through chiropractic adjustments, we can alleviate pressure on these nerves and reduce migraine frequency and intensity.
Chiropractic can be an effective way to treat these problem areas. We also believe that a whole-body approach to addressing problems in the upper neck is crucial, as they rarely occur in isolation but are often the result of compensation in the entire spine.
Figure 1. Occipital Nerves
2. Holistic Approach is Necessary
Problems in the pelvis (sacroiliac joint dysfunction) or Jaw (TMJ) can also contribute to neurological and fascia influences transmitting tension and forces throughout muscles in the upper neck.
It’s definitely best to consider a holistic approach to the spine when addressing the upper neck for lasting relief.
3. Addressing Common Triggers
Lifestyle factors such as diet, sleep habits, and posture can all contribute to migraines. By identifying and addressing these triggers, we can help prevent migraines from occurring.
Though identifying triggers is an important part of understanding your migraine, triggers are not necessarily the cause of the migraine.
Inflammation in various forms is commonly associated as a cause of migraine. In many ways the inflammatory response is an abnormal response to various triggers like food etc.
Keep in mind, this is controlled by your nervous system (autonomic nervous system).
In fact, Migraine is classified as a form of Dysautonomia which means dysfunction of the autonomic nervous system
Dysautonomia: Symptoms, types, and treatment (medicalnewstoday.com)
4. Improving Nervous System Function
Chiropractic care focuses on optimising nervous system function, enhancing your body’s ability to adapt to stressors and reducing the likelihood of migraine attacks.
We achieve this in a few ways, firstly by applying Chiropractic treatment in a holistic way to minimise nerve irritation around the upper neck. We can also look at effective lifestyle strategies that are aimed at helping our nervous system become more adaptable to stress.
This is what we do in our Advantage Lifestyle system.
Take the First Step Towards Relief
If you’re tired of living with the burden of migraines, don’t hesitate to take action.
Schedule a consultation with Dr Harry to discuss how chiropractic care can help you find relief from migraines and regain control over your life. Together, we can work towards a future free from the grip of constant pain.
Remember, you don’t have to suffer alone. Reach out today and take the first step towards a brighter, migraine-free tomorrow.
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