Migraine suffering? Chiropractic care can help.

Fall is upon us here in Northwest Arkansas, which means the weather is quickly changing. Everyone is fighting allergies, worrying about getting the flu shot, and beginning to prepare for the holidays. All these factors can add stress to any person, and this stress can often lead to headaches or migraines.

Most people have migraines from time to time, but I see a growing number of people who suffer from the much more painful migraines. Sometimes people ask me the difference, so let’s look at the dictionary definition of a migraine. Migraines are “a condition marked by recurring moderate to severe headache with throbbing pain that usually lasts from four hours to three days, typically begins on one side of the head but may spread to both sides, is often accompanied by nausea, vomiting, and sensitivity to light or sound, and is sometimes preceded by an aura and is often followed by fatigue.

According to 100% Chiropractic, 39 million people in the U.S. suffer from migraines. Due to the side effects that accompany severe headaches and migraines, the people who get them often cannot work or complete daily tasks.

Here’s the good news: chiropractic care has been proven to aid in helping reduce migraines. I’ve seen this both in studies and in my own practice.

How it works

Chiropractic care affects the spine, thus affecting how the rest of the body works. Spinal adjustments help realign the spine, allowing nerves to work properly. It also helps reduce stress in the back and neck muscles.

Migraine Treatment Centers of America describes, “A systematic review of 21 different studies found that patients who received chiropractic care for migraines once or twice a week for eight weeks saw a reduction in migraine symptoms. The primary outcomes that were improved by chiropractic care were migraine frequency, intensity, duration and quality of life.”

Anything you can do to reduce inflammation will ease the pain in the rest of your body.

Chiro care for menstrual migraines

Migraines have a variety of causes but a common cause for women is their monthly cycle. Hormonal migraines are often a side effect of menstrual cycles. These hormonal changes combined with daily stress can cause severe migraines for women on their period or while they are pregnant. Regular adjustments may help reduce back and muscle tension and help relieve migraines.

Although regular visits to the chiropractor will aid in the reduction of migraines, it is also important to think about your lifestyle. Having a healthy diet, a regular sleep schedule and daily exercise will tremendously help reduce migraines and headaches.