For chronic sufferers, a migraine means much more than just an occasional headache. As well as the classic severe headache, symptoms can include visual disturbance, depression, behavioural changes, and even stomach upsets. The usual solution to a migraine is drug therapy, but did you know that chiropractic intervention can be extremely beneficial in the treatment of migraines?
Read on to find out how your local chiropractor could help to relieve the misery of migraine.
First steps
The first thing your chiropractor will do is carry out an assessment of your migraine history to try to determine if there is a particular trigger factor in play, such as physical exertion, emotional stress, or consumption of certain types of foods.
The chiropractor will then look at your general posture and will carry out a brief examination of your neck and back. Sometimes the chiropractor will ask for X-rays to be taken of your spine and neck so that the possibility of problems with your bone structure can be assessed.
Upon completion of the assessment, the chiropractor will discuss their findings with you and will suggest a course of treatment.
Treatment
The usual form of chiropractic treatment for migraine involves manual manipulation of your neck and spine. The adjustments and movements used by the chiropractor are intended to correct postural problems, free up areas of stiffness and thus reduce your headaches. You may also be given a programme of suitable stretching exercises that are designed to help you to improve your posture.
Other possible treatment strategies include:
- the management of identified migraine triggers (e.g. change of diet)
- stress management
- massage and other soft tissue therapy
- heat packs applied to the neck and spine
Expected results
There have been a number of studies undertaken to assess whether a chiropractic approach to migraine treatment is actually effective. The majority of sufferers who have undergone clinical trial experiments reported a reduction in their symptoms during the course of their prescribed chiropractic treatments.
Some participants reported that the frequency of their migraines was reduced, while others noted that the migraines didn't last as long.
In conclusion
If your migraines are, to some extent, caused by poor posture or are due to physical influences from your neck or back, it is highly likely that your chiropractor will be able to help you to devise a suitable programme of treatment that can be used in concurrence with your usual drug therapy to control your migraines.
Why not make an appointment to have a chat with your local chiropractor to discuss the possible options available to you for chiropractic migraine management.
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