Migraine Headaches

Migraines can be debilitating. They typically are described as severe headaches that affect one side of the skull. Other symptoms of migraines are nausea, vomiting and muscle tension. Bright lights, loud noises and certain smells can make a migraine worse.

According to a recent article by the faculty at Harvard Medical School, "migraines can start off with visual disturbances known as auras, a feature that distinguishes them from other types of headaches. A migraine sufferer, for example, may see flashing zigzag lines or blank spots. Rarely, aura involves temporary vision loss or tingling or weakness on one side of the body. Migraines with aura are called classic migraines, and those without are called common migraines."

Although migraines are poorly understood, there are some well know triggers. These, according to the article, include "stress, missing meals, lack of sleep, certain odors, alcohol and some foods. Many women have menstrual migraines associated with the drop in estrogen levels in the days just before and after menstrual bleeding begins."

Some people find relief in medications, but the authors at Harvard feel that the best treatment for migraines is to find out what the triggers are for a patient, and then have the patient avoid those triggers.  All medications, though affective, have side affects that can be quite harmful.

For some patients, chiropractic adjustments of the neck and upper mid back region have been beneficial. Adjustments cause a neurological reflex that relaxes the muscles of the neck and upper back. As stated earlier, stress can be a trigger, so any method that helps to reduce tension through the neck and upper back can be helpful. Massage therapy, for some, is an alternative and affective method of treatment.

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Keith E. Biggs, DC
Chiropractor in Mesa, AZ

3617 E. Southern, Suite 8
Mesa, AZ  85206
www.eastmesachiropractor.com
biggschiropractic@gmail.com
Office:  480-985-3334
Cell:     480-375-0068