If you ever suffer from a migraine, you know it's something more than a headache. It's a whole-body affair — throbbing head pain, sensitivity to light or sound, nausea, and sometimes even dizziness or fuzzy vision. For individuals who experience migraines on a chronic level, disruption of daily life can become overwhelming. Medications and lifestyle changes are usually recommended, but many are turning to an unexpected place for relief: chiropractic care. So how does a treatment most traditionally applied to fix back pain play a role in migraine treatment?
Understanding the Migraine-Spine Connection
Migraines are multifaceted and can be brought on by several factors, such as hormonal fluctuations, sleep issues, stress, poor posture, or even food. But what's not commonly addressed is how spinal misalignments and neck and shoulder tension can be the determining factors in migraine onset.
Misaligned vertebrae in the spine, especially in the upper neck, can put pressure on nearby nerves. This stress can interfere with regular nerve impulses and generate pain, tension, and inflammation, all of which are possible migraine causes.
Also Read: All About Migraines: What Happens Inside The Brain During An Attack
What Does Chiropractic Treatment Involve?
Chiropractic care involves more than a handful of spine 'cracks.' It's a systematic, holistic system of realigning the spine, enhancing posture, easing muscle strain, and restoring nervous system function. Here's how it could potentially assist with migraine management:
1. Spinal Adjustments
These are soft manipulations that help correct misalignments of the spine. By reducing pressure from nerves and inflammation, spinal adjustments can increase blood flow and alleviate muscle tension, which can decrease the incidence of migraines.
2. Postural Corrections
Poor posture, especially in those who sit for hours with their heads forward over screens, can tension the neck and shoulders, areas closely associated with the head. Chiropractors usually teach patients posture correction stretches and desk ergonomics that will help relax this tension.
3. Muscle Therapy
Tense shoulder and neck muscles are well-known migraine triggers. Chiropractic treatment usually involves soft tissue manipulation or myofascial release to ease these muscles and minimise tension on the head and neck.
4. Lifestyle Guidance
From hydration tips to stress-reduction methods, chiropractors tend to provide whole-person guidance specific to your migraine cycles. Easy adjustments, such as stabilising sleep patterns or stretching regularly can be highly effective in preventing subsequent attacks.
Also Read: The Hidden Link Between Migraines, Depression, and Anxiety: What You Should Know
Is Chiropractic Care Safe for Migraine Sufferers?
In general, yes — chiropractic care can be safely used by most people with migraines, as long as it's administered by a trained and experienced practitioner. However, it is always crucial to have an accurate diagnosis before starting any new treatment. Migraines can sometimes be misdiagnosed, so ruling out the possibility of any underlying cause is sensible. Migraines can be misdiagnosed at times, so removing the possibility of any underlying cause is important.
Individuals suffering from conditions, such as severe osteoporosis, spinal fractures, or specific forms of vascular diseases might require other forms of treatment. Always check with your doctor before starting chiropractic care, particularly if your migraines are accompanied by severe neurological symptoms, such as fainting or loss of vision.
According to a 2020 study, a chiropractic assessment will involve a comprehensive history of headaches, an evaluation of risk factors that might prevent certain treatments, and a clinical examination. The clinical history will also focus on identifying habits and ergonomic issues that could lead to musculoskeletal strains, neck pain, or headaches.
[Disclaimer: This article contains information for informational purposes only. Hence, we advise you to consult your professional if you are dealing with any health issue to avoid complications.]