Migraines

Migraines and Headaches:

Headaches

There are a variety of different headaches with pain varying in intensity and location on the head. Headaches are typically described as a pressure or aching pain that can be located on the temples, the forehead, or the back of the neck. Headaches last anywhere from a few minutes to multiple hours at a time. Some common types of headaches are:

• Tension headaches: Most common form of headache. Can be mild to moderate pain that often feels like a pressure band around the head. Typically caused by eyestrain, stress, or hunger.
• Cluster headaches: Painful headaches that occur in “clusters” meaning they happen multiple times a day typically at the same time. This can last a few months. Typically caused by physical exertion, bright lights, or changes in altitude.
• Sinus headaches: These headaches tend to occur when the immune system is down
  due to being sick or congested. Pain is felt around the nose, cheeks, and eyes due to
  swelling of the sinus passages.

What is a migraine?

Migraines are a form of headache that causes severe throbbing or pulsating head pain on one side of the head. Neurologically, there are changes to the nerve pathways and chemicals in the brain in turn affecting blood in the brain and surrounding tissues causing a multitude of different symptoms including; sensitivity to light, sound, and smells, nausea or vomiting, dizziness, fatigue, and visual disturbances

​​​​​​​What causes a migraine?

Migraines have many triggers that vary from person to person. These triggers include:

• Gender and hormonal shifts: women are more likely to suffer from migraines as compared to men. Women experience hormonal shifts during the menstrual cycle which can trigger a migraine.
• Allergies: Migraines are associated with inflammation of the blood vessels in the brain. With allergies comes inflammation and irritation, potentially causing a migraine.
• Environmental: This category has many different triggers such as diet, weather, stress, food, smells, lack of sleep, etc.
• Genetic: People who have family members that suffer from migraines are more likely to have migraines themselves.

Chiropractic treatment for headaches and migraines in Charleston, SC

Chiropractic care has been shown to reduce the intensity and frequency of headaches and migraines. At JP Chiropractic, our trained doctor of chiropractic can perform spinal manipulation, soft tissue therapy (massage), electrical stimulation, dry needling, and we can recommend lifestyle changes for preventative measures. Headaches and migraines can be caused by a mechanical disorder, by correcting any subluxations, pain will be relieved, stress on the spine will be reduced, and range of motion will be improved. Pressure will be taken off the nerves and blood vessels to provide relief from headaches and migraines. Soft tissue therapy applies light pressure to muscles to relax the muscles and relieve tension. It is also important to discuss lifestyle changes with your chiropractor. Environmental factors such as our diet, exercise, sleep, and stress levels, play a role in headaches and migraines. By managing these factors and recognizing patterns, we can help to prevent future headaches and migraines.