Relief
Those who experience frequent migraine headaches may be considered to suffer from one of the most painful maladies known to mankind. Because people must carry on with their lives despite being in significant pain, others may not be aware of the suffering that is occurring. Approximately 36 million Americans contend with migraine headaches. Pharmacologic therapies tend to be ineffective and may have harmful side effects. Migraine headaches are the second most frequent type of headache, with tension headaches being the most common. Females have a higher prevalence than males with a 3:1 ratio. This article will provide information regarding migraine headaches and potential natural, safe treatment solutions.
The total sum of suffering from migraine headaches is higher than almost any other health condition. Migraines are often incapacitating and have considerable impact on social activities and work.
There are no specific tests to diagnose migraine headaches. There is not a blood test, MRI or x-ray nor electrophysiologic test that can reliably be used to determine a migraine condition. Therefore, a diagnosis can only be made clinically. A clinical diagnosis means a doctor has to rely on the patient’s reported symptoms to characterize a particular illness or condition.
A constellation of clinical symptoms is associated with the diagnosis of migraine. Several of these are:
- a headache lasting 4 to 72 hours
- a headache must be associated with nausea and/ or vomiting, or photophobia, and/or phonophobia
- the headache must 2 of the 4 following symptoms: it must be located on one side of the head only, it is throbbing and pulsatile, the pain must be significant, and it is intensified by physical activity.
Fortunately, there is a nonpharmacologic, safe, natural treatment for those suffering from migraine headaches. For more than 125 years the chiropractic profession has had outstanding success in the treatment of migraines.
A common finding in those who have headache conditions is misalignment and/or improper movement of the spinal bones of the upper neck. This area is called the upper cervical spine. When bones of the upper cervical spine, called vertebrae, are improperly aligned or exhibit abnormal or restricted movement, irritation occurs to the nerves and joints of that area. When there is nerve and joint irritation of the upper cervical spine there can be a direct correlation to headaches.
Chiropractors are the preeminent healthcare providers, when it comes to correcting mechanical abnormalities of the upper cervical spine. Chiropractors are the only professionals trained to diagnose and treat these physical problems and conditions through chiropractic adjustments, which also is called spinal manipulation. Most patients who go to chiropractors find that having a chiropractic adjustment is a safe, pleasant experience because it relieves tightness and spasm of the muscles by correcting the deeper spinal misalignment.
The benefits of chiropractic care for migraine headaches are not only that it is effective and safe, but it reduces the chances of harmful effects of pharmacological treatment.
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Dr. James Schofield 