Chiropractic Treatment for Migraines at RTP Chiropractic
Migraine Headaches and Treatment Options
If you have ever suffered from a migraine, you know they are extremely painful, debilitating, recurring headaches that are sometimes accompanied by other symptoms, such as visual disturbances and/or nausea. There are 2 types of migraine, the first being one with an aura, which is the most common type of migraine. People with migraines don’t always experience this symptom and has been called a classic migraine.
If you have a migraine with aura, you may see things, such as stars, or zigzag lines, or have a temporary blind spot about 30 minutes before the headache starts. Even if you do not experience an aura, you may have other warning signs in the period before the headaches starts, such as a craving for sweets, thirst, sleepiness, or depression.
Researchers are not sure what causes a migraine, but they know it involves changes in the blood flow to the brain. There is still no cure for migraines, but you can manage the condition by reducing the frequency of attacks and reducing pain once an attack starts by certain dietary modifications and conservative treatments such as chiropractic and medical massage.
Some tips on reducing the number of migraines include:
- Avoiding cigarettes, caffeine, and alcohol
- Exercising regularly
- Getting enough sleep each night
- Relaxing and reducing stress in your life (see Mind-Body Medicine section)
- Eating regular meals
How Chiropractic Treatment Helps with Migraines
Several clinical trials indicate that spinal manipulation or adjustments to specific cervical vertebra may help treat migraine headaches. In one study of people with migraines, 22% of those who received chiropractic manipulation reported more than a 90% reduction of attacks. Also, 49% reported a significant reduction of the intensity of each migraine.
In another study, people with migraine headaches were randomly assigned to receive spinal manipulation, a daily migraine medication, or a combination of both. Spinal manipulation worked as well as the migraine medication in reducing migraines and had fewer side effects. Combining therapies didn’t work any better.
In addition, researchers reviewed 9 studies that tested chiropractic for tension or migraine headaches and found that it worked as well as medications in preventing these headaches.
Dr. Gibson at RTP Chiropractic in Morrisville NC is highly trained in performing spinal manipulation or chiropractic adjustments to improve spinal function and alleviate the stress on your system. He can also provide nutritional advice, recommending a change in diet. He will also offer advice on posture, ergonomics (work postures), exercises and relaxation techniques. This advice should help to relieve the recurring joint irritation and tension in the muscles of the neck and upper back.
If you have any questions for Dr. Gibson, please don’t hesitate to call the office and set up an evaluation and see if chiropractic can help you. His office is conveniently located in Morrisville NC near RTP.
Astin JA., Ernst E. The effectiveness of spinal manipulation for the treatment of headache disorders: a systematic review of randomized clinical trials. Cephalagia. 2002;22(8):617-23.
Tuchin PJ, Pollard H, Bonello R. A randomized controlled trial of spinal manipulative therapy for migraine. J Manipulative Physiol Ther. 2000;23(2):91-5.
