Migraine in Madison, OH

Some studies show that chiropractic care helps alleviate migraine symptoms in for patients that experience chronic and acute migraines. At French Chiropractic and Wellness Center in Madison, we offer chiropractic treatments that help the residents of Painesville, Mentor and surrounding towns in Ohio reduce the frequency and severity of their migraines.

What are Migraines?

Many individuals, including children, teenagers and adults, are affected on a daily basis by debilitating migraine headaches that are caused by a variety of reasons. Medical researchers know that chemical imbalances in the bodies of many patients are often the cause of these intense headaches. Additional causes of migraines include problems with the circulatory and nervous system in the patient’s brain. The pain of migraine headaches typically begins on one side of the head behind one eye and covering half of the forehead. Occasionally, the pain begins in the back of the head before reaching one or both eyes. Individuals with a migraine describe their pain as stabbing, pulsing or throbbing sensations that often last for hours or days.

Common Migraine

The two major types of migraine headaches include common and classic varieties that have different symptoms and causes. A common migraine is the most diagnosed variety accounting for approximately 85% of attacks in adults, teenagers and children. Researchers believe common migraine headaches that are often experienced by females and begin in early adulthood are caused by changes in the brain’s blood circulation leading to symptoms that include

• Pain on one side of the head
• A pulsing or throbbing sensation
• Nausea and vomiting
• Intense discomfort but patients can maintain daily activities

The neurological control of the blood vessels in the brain originates in the spine, a likely explanation for positive results with chiropractic care for migraine headache.

Classic Migraine

Alternatively, a classic migraine occurs less often in approximately 15% of cases with the throbbing or pulsing pain on one side of the head accompanied by an aura. Prodromes or auras indicate a migraine is imminent with symptoms such as:

• Blinking lights also known as scintillation
• Visual disturbances such as blind spots also known as scotoma

Auras commonly occur approximately 30 minutes before the actual painful migraine begins, leading to a headache that lasts several hours or days with debilitating symptoms that may include:

• Intense nausea
• Chronic vomiting
• Sensitivity to bright lights known as photophobia
• Inability to function in regular activities

Triggers

An assortment of triggers is believed to lead to the headaches, such as

• Hormonal cycles experienced by females
• Changes in sleeping patterns such as insomnia or shift work
• Over-the-counter or prescription medications
• Foods such as nuts, cheese and chocolate
• Beverages such as red wine, coffee or tea
• Food additives such as nitrates in bacon or sausage
• Chronic or periodic stress
• Muscular tension or pinched nerves in the neck

Treating Migraines

Individuals experiencing migraine headaches should consult a physician for an examination to determine if there are underlying causes for the condition. It is common for someone who has migraine variety headaches to also have other types such as the ones caused by tension. An individual with visual problems requiring eyeglasses may get headaches near the eyes from straining to see. Additional causes for intense headaches include water retention, high blood pressure or sinusitis caused by infection or allergies. To prevent migraine headaches, patients may need to make daily lifestyle changes such as changing their diet to avoid trigger foods or leaving a stressful job. Consuming a healthy diet with an assortment of foods to get enough vitamins and minerals can help the body resist migraine headaches.

Patients can also take supplements such as

• Vitamin D
• Omega-3 fatty acids
• Calcium
• Magnesium

Physicians can prescribe painkillers or nausea medication for patients with severe migraines instead of suggesting over-the-counter medication. An acupuncture technique with a specialist inserting sharp thin needles into certain meridians on the face and body is a form of alternative medicine that some patients use to treat their migraines. Chiropractic treatment from professional practitioners is a popular way to eliminate migraine headache attacks or reduce pain. The following issues may resolve with adjustments to the neck and back.

• Correct posture problems while sitting, standing and walking
• Increase movement in the neck, back and shoulders
• Reduce muscle tension in the shoulders, back and neck

Individuals with migraines should contact French Chiropractic and Wellness Center to arrange several sessions of treatments for adjustments to the neck, back and shoulders to improve their quality of life.