Around 35 million Americans suffer from migraines each year. A migraine is more than just a headache — it is a debilitating condition that can interfere with work, family time, and your day-to-day life. At Elevate Wellness Chiropractic, we address the underlying causes of migraine pain, helping patients find relief instead of just masking symptoms. Call us today if you want to learn more or schedule an appointment. 

What is a Migraine? 

A migraine is a neurological disease that often causes severe throbbing headaches, typically located on one side of the head. The headache phase usually lasts a few hours, but symptoms can last for days or weeks, interfering with your daily life. 

Common Causes

While the exact cause of migraines is not fully understood, changes in brain activity, nerve pathways, and chemicals, as well as genetics are believed to play a role. Several factors can trigger a migraine attack, including:

• Stress or hormonal fluctuations.
• Poor diet or eating habits. 
• Interrupted sleep patterns. 
• Changes in weather patterns. 
• Changes in medication. 
• Spinal misalignment, poor posture, nerve irritation, or past injuries. 

Those who are at a higher risk of experiencing migraines include: 

• Women.
• Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islanders.
• People with a family history of migraines.
• Those with depression, anxiety, and sleep problems.

Common Symptoms 

Everyone experiences migraines differently. But many people usually have one or more of the following symptoms:

One or two days before a migraine sets in, people may experience:

• Constipation.
• Mood changes.
• Neck stiffness.
• Increase urination.
• Fluid retention.
• Frequent yawning.

During an attack, they may experience: 

• A throbbing, pulsating, or pounding headache on one or both sides of the head.
• Nausea and vomiting. 
• Sensitivity to light, sound, smell, or touch. 
• Fatigue.
• Dizziness. 
• Difficulty concentrating.

During an attack, people may experience “aura” or reversible symptoms of the nervous system, which include: 

• Visual disturbances, such as flashing lights, zigzag lines, or blind spots, or vision loss.
• A feeling of pins and needles in the arms or legs.
• Weakness or numbness in the face or one side of the body.
• Trouble speaking. 

After an attack, people may experience a “migraine hangover” with symptoms such as:

• Fatigue.
• Body aches.
• Feeling drained, confused, or worn out for a day. 

After you have determined whether you suffer from headaches or migraines, you should consider chiropractic treatment if nothing else is helping your symptoms.

How Chiropractic Care Helps Migraines

Migraines are often linked to tension in the neck and spine, poor posture, or nerve irritation. Gentle chiropractic adjustments can restore proper alignment, improve nerve function, and reduce muscle tension, helping decrease the frequency and intensity of episodes. 

Chiropractic care for migraines may include:

• Gentle spinal adjustments.
• Soft tissue therapy to release muscle tension.
• Posture and ergonomic guidance.
• Lifestyle and stress management tips.
• Spinal decompression. 

Benefits of Chiropractic Care for Migraines

Patients who receive chiropractic care often report: 

• Improved overall quality of life. 
• Fewer migraine attacks
• Shorter, less severe episodes 
• Reduced reliance on medication. 
• Better sleep and boosted energy levels. 

Why Trust Elevated Wellness for Treatment? 

Trusting us with your chiropractic care can get you back to full functioning order and improve your quality of life. Rehabilitation is possible with consistent chiropractic care and the use of our spinal decompression methods. If you have tried other methods of treatment with little to no relief, chat with us about how chiropractic can help you.