If You Suffer From Chronic Migraine, It's Time to See a Chiropractor

If you have headaches at least 15 days of the month with eight of these with migraine symptoms, you may be diagnosed with chronic migraine. 

Migraine is a neurological event that could be caused by stress, muscle tension in the neck, or nerve compression from a misaligned cervical spine. Studies show that people with chronic migraine often have neck pain as well. Addressing neck issues might be more effective in helping alleviate chronic migraine than medications.

Here at Atkins Chiropractic, Peter Atkins, DC, offers noninvasive treatments for chronic migraine and other types of headaches. 

Read on to learn why visiting our chiropractic office may be just what you need to help you find relief from chronic migraine. 

Determining if your headaches are, indeed, migraine

Symptoms of migraine include:

• Sudden onset
• Sensitivity to light, sound, and vibration
• Nausea
• Visual auras

Some of these symptoms could also indicate cervicogenic headaches. Because these two types of headaches mimic each other, we use imaging to get an accurate diagnosis.

You may have cervicogenic headaches if they often start with neck pain or stiffness and then move to your head. These headaches can result from whiplash injuries, a prolapsed disc in the neck, or osteoarthritis of the cervical spine. Our office performs in-depth diagnostics to determine the cause of your headaches and whether they are migraine or cervicogenic. We offer effective treatments for both.

Chiropractic treatment for migraine and other headaches

Chiropractic treatment can help relieve pressure and reduce tension in the neck and shoulders when your migraine is caused by stress or muscle tension. Regular adjustments may be necessary to prevent migraine from recurring. Dr. Atkins develops a customized plan for your particular case.

In addition to adjustments, he may recommend lifestyle changes that include adjustments to your diet, prioritizing adequate sleep, and adopting stress-reduction strategies like yoga or deep breathing.

If you have cervicogenic headaches, chiropractic spinal manipulation is a viable solution. This gentle, effective technique can help realign the upper spine where it extends into your neck, relieving pressure points and providing pain relief.

Why consider chiropractic care for migraine

Chiropractic care addresses the root cause of your headaches, allowing you to move beyond simply masking symptoms with pain medication. Because treatments are non-pharmaceutical, you don’t have to worry about unwanted drug side effects.

Our techniques offer long-term relief and can also serve as a preventive treatment, helping to reduce the frequency of migraine.

If you’re struggling with migraine-like headaches often, it’s time to make an appointment at our office. Call Atkins Chiropractic in University Place, Washington today, or use the online tool to book your visit.