Migraines can be caused by genetic, hormonal, physical or environmental factors.
When the nerves in the cervical spine are irritated, the nerves are irritated and transmit strong impulses to the vasomotor nerves of the skull. This means that an irritation to the nerves which exit the spine in the cervical (neck) and occipital (bone at the back of the head) areas can create, or worsen a headache or migraine.
When nerves become irritated, muscles go into spasm, creating more nerve irritation and a vicious cycle.
Even when other factors are at play (hormones, stress, food sensitivities, and so on), it is important to remember that removing or lessening one of the causes can have a dramatic effect on health and well-being. Removing nerve irritation can give the body strength to “fight” the other irritants (stress, environmental factors) that are difficult or impossible to avoid.
Therefore, removing irritation and restoring function to the areas where nerves travel can allow the body to become healthier and more functional, and may then lessen or eliminate migraines and headaches.
Many migraines are actually “cervicogenic”- which means that they are caused by irritation to the nerves in neck.
Chiropractic can help by removing the irritation from the nerves.
Many migraine sufferers who could be helped by chiropractic are afraid to try it (or may have tried it in the past and been dissatisfied.) It is understandable that someone who has excruciating head pain would not want to have their neck “twisted” or “popped”. The good news is that with the most modern technological advances it is no longer necessary to have any rough or painful treatment in order to benefit from chiropractic care. Gentle, specific treatments exist that deliver just the right amount of treatment without cracking, twisting or pain. Best of all, the treatment is still conservative and non-surgical and it does not require medication or needles.
A skilled doctor of chiropractic who is extensively trained in non-force methods (such as Activator and PulStar methods) can give you a thorough examination and evaluation and explain how chiropractic care can help you treat your migraines.
Dr. Gregory K. Alexander is a 1987 Cum Laude graduate of Western States Chiropractic College. He is trained in PulStar adjusting and analysis and is an Activator Technique Advance Proficiency Doctor. Alexander Chiropractic is located in Spring, Texas, and north of Houston.
For more information on Alexander Chiropractic and to see videos about the way non-force chiropractic technique works, visit us at http://steveh95.sg-host.com
