Can Chiro Treat Migraines? 

Headaches are one of the most common nervous system disorders. They can have a significant impact on one’s health and well-being, affecting one not through just pain, but also causing disability, reduced quality of life, and difficulty concentrating. They also drastically impact one’s work, social activities, and hobbies. When it comes to headaches, migraines are one of the most painful.  They can even be debilitating. However, chiropractic care may be an effective means of treating migraine paine. A local Savage, MN chiropractor offers some insight on this below.

How Common Are Headaches?

As we all know, everyone is prone to getting a headache every once in a while. There are many possible causes for the average, occasional headache. Stress, too much screen time, fatigue, illness, and dehydration are a few possible options. However, chronic headaches are a different story.

Here are some statistics, according to research from the WHO.

• A whopping 40 percent of the global population is affected by headache disorder. That figures out to be about 3.1 billion people.
• Headaches are more common in women than in men, possibly due to hormonal influences.
• They are one of the top three neurological conditions for people of all ages, and affect people of all races and income levels, regardless of geographical locale.
• Migraines are the most severe form of headache. They can not only be extremely painful, but can also cause light and/or sound sensitivity, nausea, ang vomiting. Migraines can also last for up to 72 hours. 
• In most cases, people start getting migraines around puberty. 
• Migraines can be centered behind one or both eyes. 
• There is no single known cause. 
• According to research from the  Migraine Research Foundation 39 million Americans experience migraine headaches. 
• Migraines are most common in individuals aged 18–44 years.

As far as treatment options go, there are various medications that may help. However, overuse may in time make the issue worse. Following generally good health practices, such as eating right, may help. 

Can a Chiropractor Treat Migraines?

As you may know, chiropractic care focuses on realigning the spine. When your bones and vertebrae are out of place, the body’s internal systems can all be impacted. After all, your spinal cord is your lifeline. It’s the central pathway for all of your nerves, and is also a major hub for your veins and arteries. Good circulation is crucial to one’s health, as it’s needed to both oxygenate cells and carry waste materials away. 

It’s also worth mentioning that the muscles in the neck and back sometimes lock up, almost as though they are protecting the vertebrae. Chiropractic treatments focus on realigning the neck and spine. This allows for better circulation, which in turn ensures that you’re getting enough oxygen to your brain.

Studies indicate that chiropractic care may also be effective in treating tension headaches and cervicogenic headaches. The research also indicates that chiropractic treatment may reduce the frequency and duration of headaches.

What Causes Migraines?

There is not one single known cause for migraines: they can be brought on by a variety of factors. The most common ones include stress, hormonal changes, poor sleep, alcohol use, and diet. Migraines can also be triggered by certain conditions, such as changes in the weather, strong smells, and certain stimuli, such as perhaps bright lights or loud noises. People may also begin to experience migraines after an injury, accident, or illness. 

Can Spinal Misalignment Cause Migraines?

As mentioned above, misalignments can constrict or even block blood flow, by effectively blocking or damming veins and arteries. Poor circulation has been linked to migraine headaches. This makes sense, as the brain needs oxygen, just like the rest of your body does. Misalignments in the C1 (Atlas) and C2 (Axis) vertebra are common in migraine sufferers. 

In this particular study, results showed a decrease in blood flow in the retina during migraine attacks. The study looked at both people who experienced auras—visual or auditory distortions or hallucinations—and those who did not. Interestingly, patients who did experience auras registered lower blood flow in specific parts of the retina than those who did not. 

Is Chiro Effective For Migraines? 

And while there is definitely more research needed, a 2011 study provides some promising results. This particular study found that migraines affect a whopping 15% of the population. More to the point, a review of randomized clinical trials (RCTs) on manual therapies for migraine found that massage therapy, physiotherapy, relaxation and chiropractic spinal manipulative therapy could possibly be equally effective in treating migraines as propranolol and topiramate, which are two commonly-prescribed medications for migraine treatment. 

That’s huge. 

Two of the biggest benefits of chiropractic care and massage is that they do not utilize medications. That’s of course a huge draw for anyone who is looking to reduce, limit, or eliminate as many medications and chemicals as possible. (There is certainly plenty of evidence about the various harms and side effects that certain drugs and chemicals may lead to, but we’ll stay on topic for this blog.) While there’s no doubt that modern medication has amazing benefits, and has saved countless lives, it can also come with significant side effects. For those who are taking other medications, there is also the issue of different medications counteracting one another. 

A few other interesting studies also indicate that chiropractic treatment may be beneficial. 

One Australian study divided migraine sufferers into three groups. One was treated with cervical manipulation by a chiropractor. The second group was given cervical manipulation by a physiotherapist or physician, and the third was treated by cervical mobilization by physiotherapist or physician. All three groups showed improvement immediately after the trial, and again at the 20-month follow up.

It’s also worth noting that for many patients, a combination of both chiropractic care and massage is most effective route for treating not just migraine, but other issues with neck and back pain. However, exact treatment options are always done on a case-by-case basis, after a patient has been thoroughly diagnosed and evaluated by both their physician and the chiropractor. 

Is Chiropractic Treatment Safe? 

When done properly, chiropractic treatment is very safe. The biggest thing is to make sure that you are going to a licensed chiropractitioner … not your neighbor who sometimes walks on her friends’ backs. 

If you are one of the millions of people who suffer from migraines, chiropractic treatment may well be something worth exploring.

When Is A Migraine An Emergency?

Whether you suffer from migraines regularly, or only occasionally experience them, it’s important to know when a migraine necessitates emergency care. 

Here are the red flags: 

• The migraine lasts more than 3 days
• Intense nausea and/or vomiting
• Fever
• Stiff neck
• New symptoms appear with it
• Vision changes
• Extreme/Intense pain

If you experience any of those symptoms, seek emergency medical care right away. 

Conclusion: Migraines affect about 15 percent of the U.S. population. Evidence suggests that chiropractic therapy may be quite effective at treating migraine pain, and may even be equally effective as certain drugs and medications. 

Schedule An Appointment At Our Savage, MN Chiropractic Clinic

Do you want to learn more about chiropractic treatment? Are you suffering from migraines and/or neck or back pain? Please reach out to us anytime. As your Savage, MN chiropractic care center, we are here to help!