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.
