Migraines, or migraine headaches, are a special class of headaches. They deserve some discussion. They are characterized by nausea, vomiting, sensitivity to light, sensitivity to sound, and visual disturbances. Sometimes, a migraine sufferer will have an sensation or ‘aura’ prior to the migraine telling them that it’s coming. The aura can include loss of vision, flashes of light, or blurriness. Unfortunately, migraines can last as long as 72 hours, but they usually release much sooner.
The types of symptoms most commonly associated with the migraine headache are called ‘autonomic’ symptoms, referring to a part of the nerve system that regulates functions that run in the background, all the time. It would include our sense of sight, hearing, smell, digestion, blood pressure, and more.
A migraine isn’t just a bad headache. It’s a neurological condition. It lowers quality of life, and it causes lost time and wages from work here in Columbia SC. One estimate tallies 113 million lost work days yearly due to migraine. It affects men and women, and it even affects children. As many as 1 out of 4 people have migraines.
By the time the pain of the migraine headache has arrived, people often prefer to rest in a dark, quiet room. For many people, any sensory input makes the headache worse. Ideally, going to sleep and waking up when symptoms are over is chosen, if possible.
Conventional medical treatment for migraines ranges from stress management such as counseling or psychotherapy to medications. Certain medications work to reduce the frequency of migraine occurrence. Others work to reduce or eliminate symptoms of the headache. The gold standard of effectiveness is if a course of treatment will reduce migraine occurrence by 50%.
Migraines are more than just uncomfortable. They can be a risk factor for serious complications later in life. If you have migraines with aura, you are twice as likely to suffer an ischemic stroke. Alarming, but true.
At Specific Chiropractic of SC, our approach is, as always, structural in nature. Especially in the upper neck, Structural Shifts can cause muscles to work hard, but the effect on the brainstem is the most important. The brainstem is thought of as a ‘little brain’, as it extends from the lower part of the cerebrum above it to the spinal cord below it. Many of the autonomic functions of the body, are moderated through the brainstem. Special attention and unique procedures are necessary to effectively treat structural problems in this area.
We have been able to effectively address migraines in many people here in Columbia SC. But, each case is unique, requiring individualized treatment. If you feel compelled to see why so many people are raving about our methods, consider a complimentary consultation. It could be a great first step.