As a migraine chiropractor near Blue Ash, OH, I’ve encountered different cases of people dealing with migraines. The general complaint is that migraine pain is so debilitating, and it hinders people from carrying out daily tasks.
People stricken with migraines miss school or work. Other times, they miss out on important social and family activities.
Typical migraine symptoms include nausea and vomiting, visual disturbances, and vertigo or dizziness. Some people also experience sensitivity to light, sound, and particular smells.
Migraine pain is often described as pounding or throbbing. What makes it noticeable compared to other headaches is that it occurs on one side of the head most of the time.
I’m writing this article to provide information on migraines and how to deal with them. I will talk more about its causes and triggers. Toward the end, I will also discuss a possible care option that may provide permanent relief.
This article is here to help migraine sufferers and their loved ones. After reading this, you should be more educated about dealing with this condition.
Common Migraine Triggers
Certain Foods, Drinks, and Additives
Several factors trigger migraine attacks. Salty and processed food, for example, can be a trigger. Specifically, these can be foods like aged cheese, bacon, and salami. Certain drinks like alcohol and caffeine have a similar effect, as well as sweeteners like aspartame or preservatives like MSG.
Bright Lights, Noises, and Strong Odors
Overstimulation of the senses is also another factor. These can either be bright lights, loud noises, or strong odors. Cigarette smoke, paint, perfume, and flashlights are part of this list.
Hormone Fluctuations and Some Medications
Hormonal imbalances and the medications for it play a role in migraine attacks. And because hormonal fluctuations are more common among women, they are more susceptible to developing migraines than men are.
Some hormone medication that can trigger migraines are birth control pills and hormone replacement therapy. Other migraine-inducing drugs include vasodilators and nitroglycerin.
Stress, Weather, and Unhealthy Habits
Stress and sleep are also migraine triggers, especially if you have too much of the former and too little of the latter. Stressors may be either physical, mental, or emotional. Other factors that trigger migraines are sudden weather changes, smoking cigarettes, and skipping meals.
When it comes to keeping migraine attacks at bay, one right way to do it is by keeping track of them. Use a journal or diary to record what you ate, what you were doing, and your stress levels during the day or two leading up to a migraine episode.
At the same time, keep yourself healthy by maintaining an active lifestyle and nourishing yourself with nutritious food through a healthy diet.
Understanding the Brainstem
Experts have long found a connection between migraine attacks and over-activity of the brainstem. To give you an idea, the brainstem provides the primary motor and sensory sensations to the face and neck via the cranial nerves. Out of the 12 cranial nerves, ten come from the brainstem.
The brainstem serves as the communication highway of the body. It is also responsible for regulating both the cardiac and respiratory functions of the body. It keeps you awake and helps you fall asleep. But its primary responsibility is regulating the central nervous system.
Migraines are a neurological condition related to the brainstem. While its primary cause isn’t determined yet, experts connect it to abnormalities of nerve pathways and brain chemicals. It is genetic and also likely caused by irregularities in the vascular system in the brain.
Brainstem Malfunctions and Migraines
The C1 and C2 vertebrae, which are the top two bones in the neck, protect the brainstem. These two bones, also called the atlas and axis, are also responsible for keeping the head balanced and able to have a wide range of motion. That said, they are also more susceptible to damage and misalignment.
Misalignments may occur from an accident or a bad fall. And even the slightest shift out of the proper position can have big effects on the body.
Once a misalignment occurs, the brainstem endures unnecessary pressure. It may start miscommunicating the signals between the brain and body. Misalignments may also hinder the proper flow of blood and cerebrospinal fluid to and from the brain. It causes a buildup to occur, leading to inter-cranial pressure.
This combination of factors can lead to the development of migraines.
Natural Relief for Migraine Attacks
One of the best ways to correct a misalignment in the neck is through upper cervical chiropractic care. Those of us who are in practice use a gentle and precise technique to correct spinal misalignments. We do not use the popping and cracking methods that traditional chiropractors do.
Upon the correction of the misalignment, the body begins its natural healing process. Slowly but surely, the patient can get back to normal. Migraine attacks can become less severe and less frequent. Some patients report that they are completely migraine free after receiving upper cervical chiropractic care.
I love seeing people experience this kind of healing through the help of my clinic, Cincinnati Upper Cervical and Family Chiropractic in Blue Ash, OH. Many of our patients have great results after receiving our care. In as few as two adjustments, they can begin to experience massive improvements in their condition.
So if you’re in search of a migraine chiropractor near Blue Ash, OH, I am here to help you find relief.
Please do not hesitate to call me at (513) 891-7746 or send me an email at hello@cincinnatiuppercervical.com.
