A Migraine is a chronic and severely incapacitating headache. Migraines are about three times more common in women than in men. Many women experience pre-menstrual migraines.
An average migraine headache affects one half of the head, is pulsating in nature and lasts from two to seventy-two hours. The pain may be accompanied by:
- sensitivity to sound and light
- nausea
- vomiting
- diarrhea
- cold hands or feet.
Some migraine sufferers experience an aura (flashing, colored spots or lights that start in the center of the field of vision and radiate outward) prior to actual onset of the headache.
Most sufferers attempt to deal with the problem by taking pills. Prescription and over-the-counter medications may reduce or relieve some pain, but they do not address or treat the actual problem and may cause a ‘rebound effect’ for future headaches.
Headaches and migraines are an unsolved medical mystery. They can occur as the result of:
- an overly sensitive central nervous system
- past spinal trauma such as a fall or accident
- hormonal irregularities or changes
- eating certain foods like red wine, chocolate, aged cheese
- caffeine
- stress
- medication side effects
- environmental changes like barometric pressure or altitude
- changes in sleep cycles
How Can Upper Cervical Chiropractic Care Help Migraine Sufferers?
The National Upper Cervical Chiropractic Association (NUCCA) Technique has developed a highly advanced spinal correction procedure which repositions the weight of the head over the center of the neck to remove nerve compression and restore balance to the body.
This technique utilizes a gentle touch and a controlled adjustment to the first vertebra of the spine that often corrects misalignments which irritate the nerves that run from the brain and spinal cord to the blood vessels in the head. Causes of these misalignments include sports injuries, falls, auto accidents and poor posture.
The effects of a single adjustment to the first vertebra of the spine influences the entire spine and nervous system allowing the head, neck, spine and pelvis to return to their proper positions. The result is the restoration of balance to the body.
After correcting the vertebrae in the upper neck, normal nerve function and blood flow returns to the patient. This allows many headache sufferers to be migraine free or experience fewer episodes than before undergoing NUCCA care. Former migraine sufferers have benefited greatly from upper cervical care.
Click here to see Migraine testimonials for Back In Balance Redmond Chiropractic patients!