A migraine is a neurological condition characterised by recurrent, intense headaches that can last for hours to days. Migraines often cause throbbing or pulsating pain, typically on one side of the head, and are frequently accompanied by symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and sensitivity to light and sound. They can significantly impact daily activities and vary in severity from moderate to debilitating.
The exact cause of migraines isn’t fully understood. It is thought that migraines result from a combination of neurological, genetic, hormonal, and environmental factors.
Typical triggers of migraines include certain foods, changes in the weather, stress, sleep disturbances, and hormonal fluctuations.
The features that make a headache a migraine are:
Many people experience an aura as part of their migraine. These might include visual changes like spots in the vision or flashing lights but also include other sensory symptoms like pins & needles, dizziness, and even language dysfunction or weakness.
Identifying and managing triggers, along with lifestyle adjustments and professional care when a migraine attack starts, can help reduce migraine frequency and severity.
The goal of chiropractic care is to reduce the frequency, severity, and duration of migraines. It offers a drug-free approach to managing migraines by addressing issues in the neck and shoulders, including muscle tightness and restricted range of movement. Manual therapy techniques, such as soft tissue massage, trigger point therapy, and myofascial active release techniques, adjustments and mobilisation, can help alleviate muscle tightness, potentially reducing migraine frequency and severity.
Beyond hands-on treatments, chiropractors can provide valuable guidance on stretching and strengthening exercises that may reduce neck and shoulder muscle pain and avoid exacerbating migraine symptoms when they occur.
If pain is severe and/or recurrent despite trigger management, a GP may consider prophylactic medication prescription and/or medications for acute attacks. There are a number of medication options for migraine.
We support a collaborative approach with our medical colleagues and will refer to (and liaise with) your GP if needed.
If you experience frequent migraines, tension in the neck or shoulders, or suspect posture-related triggers, seeing a chiropractor can be beneficial. If trigger management and medications are not helping, it is worth a try to see if chiropractic care will help.
Yes, many individuals get great results with chiropractic care for their migraines. It is a safe, non-invasive and drug-free treatment option for people suffering from migraines.
Yes, chiropractic care is generally safe and non-invasive for migraine sufferers. Chiropractors use gentle, evidence-based techniques tailored to individual needs and health conditions to ensure safe and effective care.
Chiropractic treatment offers a drug-free approach that may reduce reliance on pain medications by addressing underlying physical causes. However, it’s important to consult with a healthcare provider before adjusting or discontinuing any medications.
Things that may help include staying hydrated, following a balanced diet, ensuring regular sleep patterns, incorporating regular gentle exercise, and managing stress through relaxation techniques such as breathing exercises or meditation (or just getting outside & going for a walk).
While chiropractic care may not completely prevent migraines, it can help reduce their frequency and severity. Migraines vary between individuals, so some people will experience relief with chiropractic care, while others will not. If you are a chronic migraine sufferer, it is worth exploring all avenues. Preventative care and healthy lifestyle choices can be a practical approach.
The goal of chiropractic care is to reduce the frequency, severity, and duration of migraines. Results vary depending on the individual. Some people experience relief after a few sessions, while others may require ongoing care to see significant improvement, and still others do not notice a benefit with chiropractic treatment. We will develop a personalised treatment plan based on individual needs.
Chiropractors use adjustments, soft tissue therapy (such as active release technique (ART), trigger point therapy, and IASTM), cupping, and dry needling to relieve tension and improve mobility. They will also recommend exercises to strengthen the neck and upper back muscles to support long-term migraine management.
It’s time to stop. Book an appointment today with Dr. Kirill and get your mobility back.
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