Migraines are a debilitating neurological condition that causes sufferers to miss out on family, social, and work events. Sometimes, all you can do when a migraine attacks is lie down in a cool, dark room with a cold cloth on your forehead and try to rest until it passes. Even then, you may spend the next couple of days recovering and feeling very exhausted. Migraines are not just really bad headaches. In fact, they are not always accompanied by head pain, although it is one of their main symptoms. Other symptoms include:
Migraines are very common in today’s hectic world. As many as 39 million Americans, including men, women, and children, suffer from them. Migraines are the 3rd most prevalent illness worldwide. Out of every 4 households in the United States, 1 contains a person suffering from migraines. Women are 3 times more likely than men to get migraines. Migraines are most rampant among people in the age ranges of 25 and 55. If you have a family member with migraines, you may be at a higher risk for developing them.
To learn more about the connection between head and neck injuries and migraines, download our complimentary e-book by clicking the image below.
Doctors and migraine experts recommend that you keep a migraine diary to help you keep track of what occurred before your migraine hit. This can help you to see a pattern developing and identify what your particular trigger may be. You can download a version of WebMD’s migraine diary here. It helps you track warning signs, the type of pain and intensity, what you ate, what your stress levels were, and what activities you were doing before the onset of your migraine.
Certain things are known to be triggers for migraines. This is different for everyone and you may find something not listed below that is your personal trigger. This is just a general idea of things to watch out for when fighting migraines.
Tyramine is something that has been linked to migraines. It is a substance found naturally in some foods, especially aged and fermented foods. In particular, you will find it in:
Some triggers that are not related to tyramine are:
Non-food related triggers:
We are not recommending that you begin avoiding all the things listed here. Rather, be aware of them and if you notice they are causing your migraines to occur, then avoid them. Even though you may be working hard to avoid your triggers, migraines will probably still happen. It is a good idea to come see us, here at Premier Family Wellness and Spinal Care in Farmington, Michigan, as we have had much success in helping our migraine patients. Why is this so?
As upper cervical chiropractors, we recognize the connection between the central nervous system and migraines. The brainstem, a major component of the central nervous system, is located at the junction where the skull and neck meet. The C1 (atlas) and C2 (axis) are designed to take the weight of the head and also protect the brainstem from damage. However, these bones are easily misaligned when one has a car accident or even a simple trip and fall. If they move out of place, they begin to put pressure on the brainstem, causing it to not work at its optimum.
We examine our patients to pinpoint the exact location of the problem. In this way, we can target that area of the neck and encourage those bones to move back into place naturally, without the need to pop or crack the spine or back in any way. When this problem is corrected, the body can begin its natural healing process and correct any damage done to the neck and muscles of the neck. Communication is restored throughout the body, and you will feel better overall. Those in case studies have reported seeing a major improvement in their migraines. Some patients even experience them going away and not coming back!
To schedule a consultation with Dr. Perkins, call 248-780-8864 or just click the button below area
If you are outside of the local area you can find an Upper Cervical Doctor near you at www.uppercervicalawareness.com.
Dr. Perkins grew up in Novi, Michigan and attended Palmer College of Chiropractic in Davenport, Iowa. He received his Doctorate Magna Cum Laude with a focus on Upper Cervical Chiropractic care. Chris is well known in the community for his public speaking and holds a number of professional certifications. We are proud to say that Dr. Perkins and Perkins Family Wellness has been recognized by Hour Magazine as one of the Top Chiropractors in Metro Detroit for 3 years in row.