Migraine Headaches

Migraines are a neurological condition which may present in different ways. The two most common are migraine headaches with aura (previously called classic migraine) and migraine headaches without aura. Both include moderate to severe pain, usually one sided, headache. The headache is often pulsating in nature and can last from 4-72 hours. In migraine with aura the headache is preceded, or possibly accompanied by, other nasty symptoms including nausea (and sometimes vomiting), visual disturbance, sensitivity to light, sound and smell. Whilst migrainous headaches can affect anyone at any age, 75% of sufferers are women and 3-7% are children. In the UK it is estimated there are 190,000 migraine attacks every day and an estimated 25 million days are lost from work or school because of migraines. Reflex Spinal Health offer excellent treatment for migraine headaches in Reading.

What Are The Causes of Migraine Headache?

Migraines are a disorder in the way that the nervous system processes information. An alteration in the sensitivity of nerve cells in membranes surrounding the brain (the meninges) may cause them to release chemicals which dilate local blood vessels. This dilation leads to the pulsating head pain of a migraine headache. A change in sensitivity of the 5th cranial nerve, the trigeminal nerve (which supplies sensation to the face), and it’s nucleus which descends from the brain into the neck have also been implicated in migraines.

At Reflex Spinal Health we find that Chiropractic and Osteopathy can most successfully help migraine sufferers who have mechanical restriction in their neck, a cervicogenic restriction, that can trigger migrainous symptoms.

Who Suffers From Migraine?

Migraine can affect any age
75% of sufferers are women
3-7% of sufferers are children
190,000 migraine attacks daily in the UK
25 million days lost from work per year in UK
Triggers include: Stress, sleep quality, dehydration
caffeine, alcohol, hormonal changes, teeth grinding and more..

What is the Treatment for Migraine Headaches?

Medical treatment for migraines is divided into treating the current headache and medication to prevent attacks occurring. Painkillers such as paracetamol, codeine and anti-inflammatories such as ibuprofen are commonly given. These may come in combination with something to relieve nausea or vomiting. Triptan medications such as Sumatriptan narrow blood vessels and block transmission of pain in the nerves supplying the face so are also prescribed for acute care. Beta blockers, tricyclic antidepressants, calcium channel blockers and anti-convulsant medications may also be prescribed as preventative drugs for migraines. As with most medication there may be side effects associated with them and not every drug is suitable for every migraine sufferer. There are minimal side effects from chiropractic or osteopathic care.

Chiropractic and Osteopathic Care for Migraine

Several clinical trials support the use of chiropractic adjustments for the reduction of migraine headache frequency, duration, nausea and sensitivity to light. First we take a thorough case history from migraine patients to help uncover any patterns and triggering factors. Either an osteopathic or chiropractic examination also looks at the body as a whole so can help identify factors contributing to migraines including poor posture, joint/spine stiffness, muscle tightness and weakness and neurological imbalances.

Studies also demonstrate that ongoing visits to a chiropractor or osteopath demonstrate significant improvement in reduction of frequency, duration, and disability from migraine headache.

If you are looking for effective relief from migraine headache in Reading please contact us on 0118 946 2100 and consult your local Reading Chiropractor and Osteopath centre. We have helped many people with migraine headache to Feel Alive!