Migraine Relief through Chiropractic Treatment, Stretching Exercises, and Staying Hydrated

Whether you are suffering from an Aura Migraine (which used to be called a “classical” migraine) or a Migraine without Aura (previously referred to as “common” migraine), the bottom line is the same—it’s painful and feels completely debilitating.  Besides the symptoms associated with the event itself, sufferers are often left with feelings of depression, anxiety and sleep disturbances that last long after the pain subsides.

In the US today, Migraines impact 1 in 4 households, according to the Migraine Research Foundation.  They affect three times as many women as men and 90% of those affected are unable to function normally during and immediately following the event.

Symptoms that Affect Migraine Sufferers

Besides debilitating pain, migraine sufferers also may experience nausea, vomiting, visual disturbances, tingling in their arms and legs, extreme sensitivity to light and sound, and may even have affected speech, touch, smell, or taste.  Even with the devastating toll that migraine sufferers experience to their personal and professional lives, only 4% of migraine sufferers search out medical care from a qualified medical pain specialist.

What Causes Migraines?

Experts are not sure what exactly causes migraines but agree that atypical brain activity triggers abnormal blood flow in the brain and surrounding tissues and, once started, can last anywhere from 3 to 72 hours.  There are physical and emotional triggers that many sufferers have identified and try to avoid, including:

• Potential Triggers
  • Being tired and not getting enough rest
  • Not drinking enough water and staying hydrated
  • Neck and shoulder tightness
  • Overexertion
  • Caffeine withdrawal
  • Changes in hormone levels (as with a woman’s menstrual cycle)
  • Low blood sugar
  • Certain foods, including chocolate, foods containing MSG, meats containing nitrates, dairy, nuts, and fermented or pickled foods
  • Stress
  • Getting overly excited
  • Anxiety

Chiropractic Care as a Migraine Treatment Option

At Amazing Life Chiropractic and Wellness in Mill Creek, WA, we work extensively with migraine patients seeking a natural and non-invasive solution to their pain experience.  Through a customized holistic treatment plan, we work to restore alignment, decrease irritation of the neck and back, and reduce tension by including a combination of the following based on the patient’s needs:

• Chiropractic manipulation and realignment of the neck and spine
• Stretching and gentle exercise
• Promotion of steady hydration and reducing fluctuations in water intake
• Nutritional and supplemental guidance

Working with a chiropractic pain specialist allows patients to regain function and often fully restore their lives.  However, during our initial evaluation, if it’s determined that you need more extensive medical treatment, we work with outstanding, experienced physicians who would gladly work in tandem with our office to ensure you receive the best possible care.

Contact us today to schedule an evaluation and stop living with debilitating migraine pain.