In my practice as a chiropractor, the rate of new patients calling for appointments because of “migraine headaches” is at an all-time high. Once relegated to middle-aged women, more and more males are being affected by this very painful and debilitating problem. The impact of migraines on the nation’s economy is dramatic, with studies indicating that billions of potential earnings are lost annually due to workdays lost to migraine episodes. With a growing list of medications, natural supplements, exercises and new diets to deal with migraines, the question must be asked: Are the products and methods really making a difference?
The answer is no. How come? These other methods are not getting to the root of the problem, and that is where the Chiropractor comes into play.
Chiropractors can address the cause of migraines. Chiropractic is the study of the central nervous system as it relates to the alignment of the spine. Spinal misalignments create interference to the communication of the central nervous system. By correcting these misalignments, called subluxations in the chiropractic profession, normal central nervous system function and communication can be restored, allowing for the body’s innate healing potential to function properly. Every other treatment addresses the symptoms, not the cause and that’s why there is such a growing increase in people suffering with migraines.
According to the Mayo Clinic, migraines may be caused by “changes in the brainstem and its interactions with the trigeminal nerve, a major pain pathway.”
Misalignments in the spine will alter the shape of the canal that the brain stem and spinal cord occupy. These misalignments inhibit the communication between the brain and body, causing the debilitating symptoms of a migraine.
Environmental forces such as stress, foods, physical factors, etc. magnify the deficiencies within a hindered system, which is why changing environmental factors will ease the symptoms but not correct the problem, allowing for frequent re-occurrences.
A 2011 case study published in the Journal of Chiropractic Medicine reported a woman in her 50’s who had been suffering from regular moderate to severe migraines for more than 40 years. Her migraines were accompanied by auras, meaning they came with nausea, photophobia, and visual disturbances. With regular chiropractic adjustments over three months, and no other method of care, her migraines were resolved, the authors said. The woman reported that no other lifestyle changes were made. Six months later, the study said, the patient reported no migraine headaches since receiving chiropractic care.
This is one of many case studies proving that chiropractic is an effective method for correcting the cause of migraines. When the cause is addressed and corrected properly the symptoms will dissipate. True health comes from inside out, not outside in.
Dr. Megan Socha, DC
Nothing on the Align Your Spine Chiropractic website is meant for self-diagnosis, if you have questions about your condition please call us at 502-352-2940. This is for educational purposes only.
