Migraines are a common condition that can often go incorrectly diagnosed and treated, yet in severe cases these headaches can be debilitating. Migraines are headaches that are generally characterized by severe pain that is either described as throbbing or pulsating.

These headaches are most frequently experienced on one side of the head but can also be a generalized headache. Most patients who suffer with true migraines experience other symptoms with the headache such as:

• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Light sensitivity
• Intolerance to loud sounds
• Neck and shoulder tension.

In many cases a migraine headache is preceded by certain symptoms known as aura.

These symptoms include but are not limited to:

• Neck pain
• Blurred vision
• Tingling in the arms, face, neck or head region
• Seeing flashes of light
• Muscular weakness and twitching.

Once the headache itself begins, the pain and accompanying symptoms may last from anything between a few hours to several days.

 

The cause of migraines is unknown, however, there are several factors that have been noted to aggravate and contribute to this condition. These include:

• Genetics – It has been noted that some cases of patients suffering from migraines, have a family history of parents, grandparents or siblings who also struggle with migraines.

 

• Environmental and Dietary – Some patients who work in environments where there are excessive noise or visual stimulants have a higher incidence of migraines. Also, some foods such as dairy, caffeine, alcohol, certain additives and preservatives, have been noted to aggravate the symptoms associated with migraines.

 

• Hormonal and chemical imbalances – Many females who struggle with migraines have noted regular migraine attacks either just before, just after or during their menstrual cycles, this can be attributed to fluctuating oestrogen levels.

 

• Stress – Stress is a huge factor that contributes to migraines. This is due to the resultant muscular spasm, and inflammation caused by your body being in a stressed state.

Treatment for migraines include:

• Medications prescribed for muscle relaxation, inflammation and sedation are recommended for migraines.
• Patients are advised to stay well hydrated, and rest in a dark, quiet room during a migraine attack.
• Should patients experience unusual headaches or symptoms we advise that you visit your nearest health care professional.
• In terms of Chiropractic, a significant percentage of patients have reported relief from migraines, when receiving chiropractic treatment. As Chiropractors we aim to relieve the muscular spasm, inflammation and pain associated with migraines by the using varying combinations of electrotherapy, dry needling, soft tissue release, joint manipulation and mobilization, as well as education on how patients can learn to manage and cope with being a migraine sufferer.