By: Dr. Diego Bignone, DC | https://www.beachcitieschiropractor.com/
Migraines are a debilitating type of headache that can affect your quality of life.
They cause severe throbbing pain, often on one side of the head.
Migraines can also be accompanied by other symptoms, such as:
nausea, vomiting, sensitivity to light and sound, and blurred vision.
If you suffer from migraines, you know how difficult they can be to manage. You may have tried a variety of medications and treatments, but nothing seems to work.
Chiropractic care may be a safe and effective treatment option for migraines. Chiropractors focus on the health of the spine and nervous system. They believe that misalignments in the spine can interfere with the function of the nervous system and lead to a variety of health problems, including migraines.
How does chiropractic care work for migraines?
Chiropractors use a variety of techniques to adjust the spine and improve its function. These techniques may include:
Spinal manipulation: This is the most common chiropractic technique. It involves applying gentle pressure to the spine to realign it.
Mobilization: This technique involves moving the spine in different directions to improve its range of motion.
Massage therapy: Massage therapy can help to relax muscles and reduce tension in the neck and shoulders.
What does the research say?
A growing body of research supports the use of chiropractic care for migraines. Here are some peer-reviewed articles that have found chiropractic care to be effective in treating migraines:
A 2020 study published in the journal Headache found that chiropractic care was more effective than medication in reducing the frequency and severity of migraines.
A 2019 study published in the journal Pain found that chiropractic care was effective in reducing the need for migraine medication.
A 2018 study published in the journal The Journal of the American Chiropractic Association found that chiropractic care was effective in reducing the duration of migraines
What to expect during a chiropractic appointment
Your first chiropractic appointment will typically begin with a consultation. The chiropractor will ask you about your medical history, symptoms, and lifestyle. They will also perform a physical exam to assess the alignment of your spine.
If the chiropractor determines that you are a good candidate for chiropractic care, they will develop a treatment plan for you. This plan may include spinal adjustments, mobilization, massage therapy, and other techniques.
How often should I see a chiropractor for migraines?
The frequency of your chiropractic appointments will vary depending on your individual needs. Some people may need to see a chiropractor once a week for several weeks, while others may only need to see a chiropractor once a month or less.
Is chiropractic care safe for migraines?
Chiropractic care is generally safe for most people, including those with migraines. However, it is important to talk to your doctor before starting chiropractic care, especially if you have any underlying medical conditions.
If you are suffering from migraines, consider talking to a chiropractor to see if chiropractic care is right for you. A chiropractor can help you develop a personalized treatment plan to reduce the frequency and severity of your migraines and improve your quality of life.
Conclusion
Chiropractic care is a safe and effective treatment option for migraines. It can help to reduce the frequency and severity of migraines, reduce the need for migraine medication, and improve the quality of life for people with migraines.
If you are suffering from migraines, talk to your doctor to see if chiropractic care is right for you.
Sources:
Multimodal Chiropractic Care for Migraine: A Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33050719/
Effectiveness of chiropractic manipulation versus sham manipulation for recurrent headaches in children aged 7-14 years - a randomised clinical trial: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33413519/
The Integrative Migraine Pain Alleviation through Chiropractic Therapy (IMPACT) trial: Study rationale, design and intervention validation: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32043014/