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Physical Therapy for Migraine Monmouth County rehabilitation center offers hope for migraine sufferers through a holistic approach that includes physical therapy to address the cause and symptoms of migraine. Migraine is a neurological condition that is experienced in a number of ways—most notably as an intense, recurrent headache. Other symptoms can include nausea, vomiting, and photophobia. Some patients experience an ‘aura’ before the occurance of a headache, which may consist of visual and auditory disturbances, vertigo, numbness and tingling, and sensitivity to touch. The headache itself is known to be severe and usually localized on one side of the head; in fact, the term ‘migraine’ comes from the Greek for ‘half’ and ‘head.’ There are two types of migraine: migraine with aura (otherwise known as a classic migraine that includes the four phases of prodrome, aura, pain, and post-aura) and a common migraine (a single headache phase). Traditional Treatment/Drug Therapy for Migraine While there are many theories as to the cause of migraine, the medical community has yet to agree on a definate basis for the condition. As such, there is a fairly large proportion of migraine sufferers that do not respond to the various medications prescribed for the disorder—including non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), triptans, anti-nausea drugs, antidepressants, blood pressure medications, and opiates. There are also a number of patients who would rather not subject their bodies to the many side effects and dangers of long-term drug use. A Drug-Free, Holistic Approach to Migraine Because migraine is a neurological condition, it makes sense to focus on the body’s nervous system when considering treatment options. A combination of chiropractic care and physical therapy has guided many migraineurs (those who experience migraine) toward a drug-free, healthy solution. A misalignment of the neck (also known as a subluxation) can irritate the nerves that connect the spine and the brain. This subluxation may cause the migraineur to be more likely to experience chemical imbalances in the brain. The focus of chiropractic care is to relieve the pressure on inflammed nerves to reduce neurological symptoms. This dysfunction in the neck can also cause muscle tightness that may act as a trigger for migraine symptoms. In the same way that certain foods or environmental factors can lead to an episode of migraine, so too can a misalignment and disorder of the cervical (neck) spine. Migraine and Physical Therapy The goal of physical therapy for migraine is to normalize the musculoskeletal system in order to reduce tension and stress on the soft tissues and joints of the spine. Physical therapists usually begin by assessing a patient’s age, full medical history, and other details to determine the best course of action. Often, physical therapy pracitices for migraine will mirror those for other issues related to the cervical spine. These can include: •
Therapeutic Exercise; Treatment for Migraine at Monmouth Pain and Rehabilitation Center We offer a number of positive, healthy treatments for migraine at our Red Bank, New Jersey rehabilitation center. Our Monmouth County migraine patients may receive chiropractic care, physical therapy, massage therapy, and acupuncture as part of any given program of care. The difference in this type of treatment is not only are all of the above options drug-free, but they address the actual cause of pain and symptoms, rather than simply masking the neurological condition with medication. Please visit our office or click here to learn more about treatment for migraines in Monmouth County. |
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