Can Chiropractic Care Really Help Alleviate Migraines?
- Julian Simpson
- Sep 22
- 4 min read
Can Chiropractic Care Really Help Alleviate Migraines?
- Can Chiropractic Care Really Help Alleviate Migraines?
Migraine affects more than one billion individuals worldwide, making it one of the most prevalent neurological disorders. The global prevalence rate of the condition is estimated at 14%, indicating that a significant portion of the population suffers from this debilitating condition, which can severely impact daily activities and quality of life.
What are the risk factors for Migraines?
Several risk factors have been identified that may contribute to the onset and frequency of migraines, including
hormonal imbalances, particularly those related to estrogen or cortisol dysregulation, which can trigger migraine attacks in susceptible individuals.
the female gender, as studies show that women are more likely to experience migraines than men, potentially due to hormonal fluctuations.
obesity, which has been linked to an increased frequency of migraines, possibly due to inflammatory processes or metabolic factors.
head trauma, which can lead to the development of migraines due to changes in brain chemistry and structure.
genetic factors, as migraines often run in families, suggesting a hereditary component that predisposes individuals to this condition.
anxiety disorders, which can exacerbate the frequency and intensity of migraine attacks, indicating a strong connection between mental health and migraine incidence.
chronic stress, which is a well-known trigger for migraines, as stress can lead to tension in the muscles and alterations in brain function.
environmental and dietary factors, such as certain food triggers, weather changes, and exposure to bright lights or loud noises, all of which can precipitate migraines in susceptible individuals.
How do people get Migraines? The pathophysiology of migraine is multidimensional and may involve the trigeminovascular system and brainstem nuclei, the hypothalamus, the thalamus, and the cortex. This complex interplay of neurological structures contributes to the initiation and maintenance of migraine attacks.
In other words, your nervous system plays a crucial role in the experience of migraine, which is why chiropractic care can be particularly effective in managing headaches. Chiropractors focus on detecting subluxations in the spine, which are misalignments that can interfere with the proper functioning of the nervous system. By correcting these subluxations, chiropractors aim to restore normal nerve flow, potentially alleviating the frequency and severity of migraine attacks.
Other chemicals involved are:
Adenosine signalling, has been implicated in the modulation of pain pathways and may influence the occurrence of migraines.
high-conductance calcium-activated potassium channels, which play a role in neuronal excitability and may be involved in the pathophysiology of migraine.
calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP), a neuropeptide that is known to be a key player in migraine attacks, promoting vasodilation and inflammation in the cranial vasculature.
pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating polypeptide (PACAP), which is another neuropeptide that has been shown to induce migraine-like symptoms in research studies.
endothelin, which is involved in vasoconstriction and may contribute to the vascular changes observed during a migraine attack.
What Chiropractors do to help alleviate Headaches
Many research articles indicate that patients who receive chiropractic care typically undergo a treatment plan that spans approximately 2 months, involving around 14-16 sessions of chiropractic adjustments and therapies aimed at reducing migraine symptoms.
Massage therapy is often employed to relieve tight muscles and alleviate tension, which can be significant contributors to headache pain.
Stretching exercises are recommended to improve flexibility and reduce muscle tension, thereby potentially decreasing the frequency of migraine attacks.
Chiropractic adjustments, which involve the manual manipulation of the spine, are a cornerstone of chiropractic care and aim to restore proper alignment and function to the nervous system.
Shockwave therapy may also be utilized, which involves the application of acoustic waves to promote healing and reduce pain in affected areas.
Dry needling is another technique that may be used to target trigger points in muscles, providing relief from tension that could contribute to migraines.
Cupping therapy may also be incorporated into treatment plans, helping to increase blood flow and relieve muscle tension, which can be beneficial for migraine sufferers.
For more information about how we can help. Please call Health Wise Chiropractic 03 9467 7889 or book online to see one of our Chiropractors in Sunbury or Melton/Strathtulloh Today!
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Reference
Trager RJ, Williamson TJ, Makineni PS, Morris LH. Association Between Spinal Manipulation, Butalbital Prescription, and Medication Overuse Headache in Adults With Tension-Type Headache: Retrospective Cohort Study. Health Sci Rep. 2024 Nov 29;7(12):e70218. doi: 10.1002/hsr2.70218. PMID: 39619084; PMCID: PMC11605481.
Posadzki P, Klimek AT, Ernst E. Spinal manipulations for migraine: an updated systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials. Syst Rev. 2024 Nov 29;13(1):296. doi: 10.1186/s13643-024-02719-6. PMID: 39614402; PMCID: PMC11606176.
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