Approaching Migraine Treatment Naturally in Portage, MI

As an upper cervical chiropractor, I have worked with many patients who suffer from migraines, and I have found that misalignments in the upper cervical spine can be a major contributing factor to this condition.

The upper cervical spine consists of the atlas and axis vertebrae, which are responsible for supporting the weight of the head and facilitating movement and rotation of the neck. When these bones become misaligned, it can create tension and pressure in the surrounding muscles and nerves, leading to a variety of symptoms, including migraines.

Migraines are a type of headache that can be characterized by intense pain, sensitivity to light and sound, nausea, and vomiting. While the exact cause of migraines is not fully understood, research has suggested that they may be linked to changes in the brainstem and the release of certain chemicals in the brain.

Migraines can be classified into several different types, each with its own unique characteristics and symptoms. Here are some of the most common types of migraines:

Migraine without aura: This is the most common type of migraine, accounting for about 75% of all cases. It is characterized by moderate to severe pain on one side of the head, sensitivity to light and sound, and nausea or vomiting. It does not involve any specific warning signs or symptoms (aura) before the headache begins.
Migraine with aura: This type of migraine is characterized by specific warning signs or symptoms (aura) that can occur before the headache begins. These can include visual disturbances such as flashing lights or blind spots, numbness or tingling in the face or hands, or difficulty speaking.
Chronic migraine: This is a type of migraine that occurs on at least 15 days per month for at least three months. It can be a challenging condition to manage, as it can greatly interfere with daily activities and quality of life.
Menstrual migraine: This type of migraine is closely linked to the menstrual cycle, and typically occurs in the days leading up to or during menstruation. It can be especially challenging for women to manage, as it can disrupt work, social activities, and personal relationships.
Vestibular migraine: This type of migraine is characterized by dizziness, vertigo, and balance problems, in addition to the typical symptoms of a migraine headache. It can be a particularly challenging condition to diagnose and treat, as it can be mistaken for other conditions such as inner ear disorders.

By addressing misalignments in the upper cervical spine, chiropractors can help relieve tension and pressure on the nerves that may be contributing to migraines. This can help improve blood flow and oxygenation to the brain, reduce inflammation, and promote the body's natural healing processes.

In addition to spinal adjustments, upper cervical chiropractors may also recommend other therapies to help manage migraines, such as dietary changes, stress management techniques, and exercises to improve posture and reduce muscle tension.

The Spine and Migraines

One of the major purposes of the spine is to protect the spinal cord. In fact, our whole central nervous system is so critical to our function that it is entirely encased in bone from the top of the head to your tailbone. If one of the vertebrae in your spine misalign, which can happen as a result of an accident or injury or just wear and tear, it can put abnormal pressure on the spinal cord. This is especially critical at the very top of your spine. The topmost vertebra, your atlas, forms a protective ring around the brainstem. This can cause signals within the brain to become distorted and can result in the many symptoms associated with migraines.

The upper cervical chiropractic care I provide takes a very specific and thorough look at the postural alignment of the body. This is because the spine gives you your posture and positions the atlas to brainstem. My adjustments address the underlying cause of many people's migraines. By correcting the atlas alignment, the pressure on the brainstem and spinal cord is removed. This can result in a decrease in migraine attacks, or even in complete relief.

To schedule a consultation with Dr. Warner call the Portage, MI office at 269-366-4146 or you can select the button to schedule an appointment to start care or for a telephone consult.