Treat Migraines with a Visit to the Chiropractor?

by Aimee Amodio | More from this Blogger

19 Apr 2008 11:44 AM

Modern science has a lot of different ideas about what causes migraines. One recent study looked at the relationship between migraines, vision loss, and blood vessels. Another popular theory is that migraines result from a chemical imbalance in the brain and can be set off by a "trigger" -- like a particular food or hormone.

Some chiropractors believe that there are types of migraine that develop as a result of a subluxation -- a misalignment of the vertebrae in the spine. A subluxation can irritate and inflame the nerves that travel to the brain, making a person more prone to chemical imbalances.

A realignment can relieve pressure on the irritated nerves, easing the headache.

A study from the Northwestern College of Chiropractic in Bloomington, Minnesota compared the effectiveness of chiropractic manipulation against the effectiveness of amitriptyline (an antidepressant often used to treat migraines). I don't have numbers available (like how many people participated in the study or what percentage found relief with which method) but the folks at Northwestern College of Chiropractic claim that chiropractic healing was about as successful as amitriptyline was.

Keep in mind that there is no magic cure for a migraine. There are lots of medications and alternative treatments out there, and different things work for different people.

Chiropractic care and good posture could go a long way to preventing migraines caused by subluxation, too. Watch your posture. Make sure you move around frequently if you spend long hours in front of the computer (or stuck in the same position). Support your neck while you sleep. A visit to the chiropractor between migraines might help straighten out any kinks in your neck that might be stressing your nerves.

If you suspect that subluxation might be to blame for your latest migraine, chiropractors suggest GENTLE stretching. Don't roll your neck or make sudden movements that could make the pain more intense.

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Sara Denomme (1063) 22 Apr 2008 06:11 AM

No, there may be no magic cure for a migraine for many people, but for me chiro care WAS that magic cure! I've had daily headaches as far back as fourth grade, that I can remember, and they disappear with regular chiropractic care. :)

Aimee Amodio (11995) 22 Apr 2008 01:20 PM

That's great, Sara!