If you're having frequent migraines, it's wise to see your doctor to rule out sinister causes such as brain tumors and chemical imbalances. Often, however, doctors fail to identify an exact cause for patients' migraines. You're simply sent home, told your headaches are something you will have to learn to deal with, and perhaps prescribed a medication to make them less severe or frequent.
As it turns out, many migraines that doctors tend to quickly dismiss as genetic or unexplainable are, in fact, caused by tension in the neck. By simply visiting your chiropractor for an adjustment of the cervical vertebrae, you might be able to decrease your migraine severity, or even eliminate them all together -- without the worry of side effects.
How does neck stiffness lead to migraines?
When the muscles in your neck are tight, you hold your head differently, placing even more strain on the muscles in the neck and base of your skull. This muscle strain pulls your spine out of alignment and irritates the nerves that run from your neck into your brain, leading to your migraine symptoms. Keep in mind that your neck muscles may be tight and contributing to your migraines even if they don't feel tight or sore.
How do chiropractors treat neck stiffness and migraines?
Your chiropractor will likely start by ensuring that your cervical vertebrae, which are the vertebrae in your neck, are properly aligned. To accomplish this, he or she will place gentle pressure on very precise areas in your spine, using the tips of the fingers to move the bones back into place. You may hear a popping or cracking noise as your neck is adjusted; this is normal. Cervical spinal adjustments have received some bad press, since some patients have claimed that have contributed to strokes. However, this procedure is extremely safe, and the concern that it can cause stroke is largely a myth.
Your chiropractor will probably adjust the vertebrae in your back as well as your neck. If your back is not properly aligned, you won't be able to hold your neck properly. Some chiropractors may also use soft tissue massage techniques or recommend additional exercises you can do at home to keep your neck healthy and reduce migraines.
How do you know if chiropractic treatment worked?
Many patients see a decrease in migraine symptoms after just one chiropractic adjustment. However, if you still have migraines after your first adjustment, you should not automatically assume neck stiffness was not to blame for your migraines. See your chiropractor a few more times before you make this judgment. If your neck has been out of alignment for some time, it may take a few treatments before your migraines start disappearing.
Chiropractic treatment is safe, natural and often inexpensive. Why not give it a try before resorting to prescription pills to control your migraines? With neck stiffness being such a common cause of headaches, there's a good chance you'll find that visiting the chiropractor is effective.
For more information, contact Grand Chiropractic or a similar location.
Share30 March 2015
Do you spend a lot of time in your car or at an office desk? Are you constantly uncomfortable because you feel pain in your neck, hips or back? If so, it may be time for you to visit a chiropractor for an adjustment. I had struggled with back and hip pain for years before I even thought to go to a chiropractor. I had no idea how a chiropractor could actually help me. If you experience any kind of pain, you could benefit greatly from going to a chiropractor for an adjustment. You can learn what I learned about the benefits of chiropractic care by visiting my website.