A migraine is more than just a headache. It’s a neurological condition that includes a variety of symptoms, such as intense pain, nausea, and sensitivity to light and sound. A migraine can disrupt daily life for hours or even days. For people seeking drug-free options, many people add chiropractic care to their migraine management plan. But can chiropractic adjustments really help with migraines?
Today, we’ll dive into how chiropractic treatment can help you manage your pain and find much-needed relief.
Understanding Migraines and Their Triggers
A migraine is a severe headache that causes throbbing, pulsing pain on one side of your head that typically lasts at least four hours but can go on for many days. It can be triggered by a variety of factors, including:
- Stress and high emotion
- Neck and spinal tension
- Poor posture
- Muscle tightness
- Sleep disturbances
- Hormonal changes
- Certain foods or environmental factors
- Certain medications
For many migraine sufferers, tension in the neck and upper spine plays a significant role in triggering or worsening symptoms.
There are typically four phases of a migraine: prodrome, aura, headache, and postdrome.
Prodome — This first phase begins up to 24 hours before the headache hits. It typically includes symptoms, such as mood changes, difficulty concentrating, fatigue, and nausea.
Aura — These symptoms last as long as five to 60 minutes and typically alert people that they are experiencing a migraine. It includes muscle weakness, vision changes, sensitivity to touch, numbness, and tingling.
Headache — The headache lasts four to 72 hours and can gradually get more intense over time. It can include nausea, vomiting, and sensitivity to light, sound, and odors.
Postdrome — This stage is typically known as a migraine hangover and includes symptoms such as extreme fatigue, stiff neck, sensitivity to light and sound, difficulty concentrating, nausea, and dizziness.
How Chiropractic Care May Help With Migraines
Chiropractic care focuses on improving the relationship between the spine, the nervous system, and your overall health. While it doesn’t work as a cure for migraines, chiropractic adjustments may help reduce their frequency and intensity for some patients.
Improving Spinal Alignment
The upper cervical spine plays a key role in supporting the head and protecting the spinal cord. Misalignments can irritate surrounding nerves, alter normal joint motion, increase muscle guarding and inflammation, and affect nerve signaling to the head and face.
Gentle adjustments can help restore proper alignment and reduce mechanical stress that may contribute to migraine symptoms.
Reducing Muscle Tension
Tight muscles in the neck, shoulders, and upper back can worsen tension headaches and trigger migraines. Chiropractic care often includes soft tissue therapy, stretching, and posture correction to relieve muscle strain.
Supporting Nervous System Function
The nervous system plays a key role in pain signaling. By improving spinal motion and reducing nerve irritation, chiropractic care may help normalize how the nervous system responds to stress and pain.
Addressing Posture-Related Triggers
Poor posture, especially from prolonged computer or phone use, can place excess strain on the neck and upper spine. Chiropractors often provide ergonomic guidance and exercises to help reduce posture-related migraine triggers. They can also help you fix everyday habits that contribute to migraines, such as:
- Inadequate hydration
- Irregular sleep patterns
- High stress levels
What to Expect During Chiropractic Care for Migraines
A chiropractor will begin with a thorough evaluation, which may include going through your health history, undergoing a posture assessment, and completing an examination of the neck and spine. Care plans are personalized and may include:
- Gentle spinal adjustments
- Soft tissue therapy
- Stretching and strengthening exercises
- Lifestyle and posture recommendations
Treatment focuses on getting to the root of your pain and reducing triggers rather than simply masking pain.
Is Chiropractic Care Right for Migraine Sufferers?
Chiropractic care may be a helpful option for those who:
- Experience migraines linked to neck pain or tension
- Want to reduce reliance on medication
- Prefer a non-invasive, drug-free approach
However, migraines can have many causes, so you should work with your healthcare provider to rule out underlying medical conditions and determine the best treatment plan.
When to Seek Medical Attention
If you experience a sudden or severe migraine or symptoms such as vision changes, numbness, weakness, or confusion, you may require an immediate medical evaluation.
Don’t Suffer From Migraine Pain
While chiropractic adjustments won’t cure migraine pain, consistent care may help you experience fewer headaches, have less intense symptoms, and improve your quality of life. By addressing spinal alignment, muscle tension, and posture, chiropractic care can be a valuable part of a holistic migraine management strategy.