Migraines are a common neurological condition that affects millions of people worldwide. Unlike a typical headache, a migraine can produce severe, throbbing pain along with symptoms such as nausea, sensitivity to light and sound, and difficulty concentrating. Migraine attacks can last anywhere from a few hours to several days and may significantly interfere with work, school, and everyday activities.

Key Insight:

A migraine is not simply a bad headache, it's a complex neurological disorder. Although the exact cause is not fully understood, migraines are believed to involve changes in brain activity, nerve signaling, and blood vessel function. Many people have identifiable triggers, including stress, poor sleep, dehydration, hormonal changes, certain foods, skipped meals, bright lights, strong odors, or changes in the weather.

Migraine symptoms vary from person to person. Some individuals experience an aura before the headache begins, which may include flashing lights, blind spots, tingling sensations, or temporary difficulty speaking. Others develop migraine pain without an aura. During an attack, physical activity often worsens symptoms, and many people seek relief in a quiet, dark room.

Treatment depends on the frequency and severity of migraines. Acute medications are used to stop a migraine after it begins, while preventive treatments may be recommended for individuals who experience frequent attacks. Lifestyle modifications such as maintaining regular sleep patterns, staying hydrated, exercising consistently, managing stress, and identifying personal migraine triggers can also reduce the frequency of attacks for many people.

For some individuals, neck pain and muscle tension occur alongside migraines. Chiropractic care may help address coexisting musculoskeletal conditions such as neck pain, reduced cervical mobility, or tension-type headaches when appropriate. A thorough examination is important to determine whether neck dysfunction is contributing to your symptoms and whether conservative musculoskeletal care is appropriate as part of your overall treatment plan.

If recurring headaches are affecting your quality of life, a comprehensive evaluation can help determine whether your symptoms are due to migraines, a cervicogenic headache, a tension-type headache, or another condition so that appropriate treatment can begin.

Interested in learning whether chiropractic care may help address your headaches? Contact our office today to schedule a comprehensive evaluation and discuss your personalized treatment plan.

Contact Us:

Dr. Peter Britton, DC & Dr. Alyssa Lenox, DC
1111 N. Northgate Way
Seattle, WA 98133
Phone: 206-523-2225
Appointments can be made on our website: https://intouchwithhealthseattle.com/home

Sources:

• International Headache Society. The International Classification of Headache Disorders, 3rd Edition (ICHD-3). Available through PubMed.

• American Headache Society. The American Headache Society Consensus Statement: Update on Integrating New Migraine Treatments Into Clinical Practice. Available through PubMed.

• Burch RC, Buse DC, Lipton RB. Migraine: Epidemiology, Burden, and Comorbidity. Available through PubMed.

• Blanpied PR, Gross AR, Elliott JM, et al. Neck Pain: Revision 2017 Clinical Practice Guidelines From the Orthopaedic Section of the American Physical Therapy Association. Available through PubMed.