Are You Avoiding Migraine Triggers?

Many migraine sufferers have an idea of what events during their day may lead to a full-blown attack. It can be stressful to attempt to avoid certain foods or lifestyle behaviors in order to prevent a pounding migraine. Some common triggers include:

- Stress – Physical and/or emotional stress

- Menstruation – Hormone changes just before and during menstruation

- Food additives – Artificial sweeteners and preservatives

- Improper sleep – Too little or too much sleep

- Certain foods/Meal habits – Excess sodium intake, processed foods, and aged cheeses

While it may be a good idea in the short-term to avoid these aggravating factors, I ultimately want you to be able to enjoy your daily activities without having to worry about whether your next migraine is about to start. Most relief care are aimed at reducing or avoiding symptoms without truly examining the underlying cause. Here at Crowder Specific, we are dedicated to finding out if our solution is right for you.

Your Spine and Migraines

Your spine is responsible for protecting your spinal cord. Your spinal cord is responsible for sending messages to and from your brain. When the top bone in your spine (atlas) misaligns, this creates pressure within your spinal cord. This pressure causes the messages going to and from your brain to be distorted. This may lead to chronic symptoms, such as head or facial pain and muscle spasm.

I hold the highest certification in the knee chest upper cervical technique, a chiropractic technique that is designed to gently re-align the atlas vertebra. Upper cervical is unique in that it is incredibly precise – this allows for no popping or twisting of the neck. Through realignment of the atlas, tension on the spinal cord is reduced. This allows for proper signals to travel to and from the brain. Having proper signals may lead to reduced symptoms.

Bernard et al. described a case report of a 16-year-old girl who presented with chronic headaches. She complained of having 2-3 hours duration 1-2 times per week. After 16 visits with 5 atlas corrections, her migraine frequency and duration decreased. She reported only having  mild migraines 2-4 times per month. (4)

References

1. Mayoclinic.org. Migraine Causes - Mayo Clinic [Internet]. 2013 [cited 19 January 2016]. Available from: http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/migraine-headache/basics/causes/con-20026358
2. Bernard M, Alcantara J, Pierce S. The Care of a Teenage Girl with Migraine Headaches with the Advanced Orthogonal Procedure: A Case Report. J Upper Cerv Chiro Res [Internet]. 2013 [cited 19 January 2016];2013(January):14-19. Available from: https://uppercervicalsubluxation.sharepoint.com/Pages/2013_1239_migraine.aspx

To schedule a complimentary consultation with Dr. Crowder, call our McKinney office at 972-449-5845. You can also click the button below.

If you are outside of the local area, you can find an Upper Cervical Doctor near you at www.uppercervicalawareness.com.