Migraine
“I visited Mike after experiencing regular migraines. Mike has been amazing, always professional but friendly. After a few sessions I am now experiencing very few headaches which is amazing! I would recommend Pyramid Health to everyone. A genuine business who has the best interest of the clients health and wellbeing at the heart.” - Mrs. B
Migraines usually, but not always, include a headache. They can also feature other symptoms like vision problems or light sensitivity. Prescription medication and rest are the best treatments for a migraine in progress, but lifestyle interventions can help reduce the frequency and severity of migraines.
What is a Migraine?
Migraines are transient neurological disturbances that can feature a number of symptoms. The most common symptom is a severe headache, however migraines can occur without headache. Other symptoms can include:
Visual symptoms like stars, a broken glass-type effect or blind spots
Sensory disturbances such as pins & needles
Aversion to light (photophobia) or sound (phonophobia)
These are often grouped together and called an “aura”.
What causes a Migraine?
The true cause of migraines is unknown but it appears to have many different contributing factors. Stress, and the hormonal changes brought about by stress in its various forms, seems to be a key driver in most cases. Many people will have been advised to keep a “migraine diary” in the early days of being diagnosed and may have picked up on certain “triggers”. These can include certain foods and substances such as cheese, chocolate, caffeine, alcohol, bright light etc. Therefore lifestyle management is the cornerstone of managing migraine.
Can Chiropractors treat Migraines?
Once a migraine has started, chiropractic treatment can do very little to help. Prescription medication such as Tryptans can be very useful in stopping the progression of a migraine. The best course of action is complete rest, often in a darkened room and away from stimulation.
Treatment of migraine, then, is more concerned with prevention and reduction. There has been some research that shows that spinal manipulation can reduce the frequency and/or severity of migraines, however more research is needed*. Your chiropractor, physiotherapist or massage therapist may discuss lifestyle factors with you, such as stress, sleep, nutrition and so on as these can have a profound effect on the frequency and severity of migraines.
Headaches are a distinct phenomenon from migraine and may benefit from chiropractic treatment. To book your appointment with one of our professionals, use our online booking form or contact us
*Research references
Astin JA., Ernst E. The effectiveness of spinal manipulation for the treatment of headache disorders: a systematic review of randomized clinical trials. Cephalagia. 2002;22(8):617-623.
Tuchin PJ, Pollard H, Bonello R. A randomized controlled trial of spinal manipulative therapy for migraine. J Manipulative Physiol Ther. 2000;23(2):91-95.