Any migraine chiropractor in Farmington will agree that migraines are not your ordinary headache. Migraines involve neurological symptoms that can be debilitating for sufferers, and these symptoms may or may not include an intense headache. Migraine episodes can last 4 to 72 hours and move through four stages:

• Prodrome Phase: This is the first indication that a migraine episode will take place. Prodrome symptoms can be felt anywhere from 2 hours to 2 days before the onset of a migraine. Some of the symptoms are moodiness, food cravings, nausea, sensitivity to odors and noise, and a stiff neck. It may or may not include an aura.
• Aura Phase: Auras are temporary neurological disruptions that can impact a person's visual, sensory, or motor abilities. People may experience balance issues, speech and coordination difficulties, and tingling sensations during this phase. It occurs slowly over a few minutes and usually lasts around an hour before the headache starts.
• Headache Phase: This is the stage that migraines are most known for. The headache of a migraine can be a painful throbbing sensation that worsens when you move or get exposed to light, sound, or odor.  It is often felt on one side of the head but may also affect both sides. The headache can even come with nausea or vomiting.
• Postdrome Phase: Once the headache subsides, there is the recovery stage. This phase is often referred to as the "migraine hangover" because the feeling can be compared to the hangover experience after a night of drinking.  In most cases, the symptoms of the recovery stage are the opposite of the prodrome stage, such as feeling very hungry when you initially lost your appetite.

What Is Causing My Migraines?

With over 1 billion people suffering from migraines, it is one of the most common neurological conditions worldwide. The cause of migraines was once unclear for researchers and health providers. The leading theory was that it was caused by the dilation and constriction of blood vessels. But recent studies revealed that migraines involve problems in the nerve pathways and chemicals in the brain.

What Can Trigger Migraines?

While researchers are still studying the physiological causes of migraines, many migraine sufferers can usually identify one or more triggers that prompt or worsen an episode. Listed below are some of the common triggers:

• Caffeine
• Altered sleep schedules
• Medication overuse
• Certain foods (e.g. processed meats, red wine, chocolate, etc.)
• Stress
• Dehydration
• Weather changes
• Hormonal changes in women
• Genetics

To learn more about the connection between head and neck injuries and migraines, download our complimentary e-book by clicking the image below.

Dealing with migraines can be tough, but being able to determine your potential triggers helps to prevent future migraine attacks. By keeping a simple diary with your food and beverage intake, activities, and monthly menstrual cycle (for women) can help you pinpoint things to stay away from.

Upper Cervical Chiropractic Care Helps Migraine Sufferers

Upper cervical chiropractic addresses one of the underlying causes of migraines – a misalignment in the upper cervical spine. The method used to treat it is a natural and proven-effective technique to reduce the frequency and severity of migraines.

The Link Between Migraines and the Upper Cervical Spine

The upper cervical spine is the area where the skull and the two topmost vertebrae of the spine – the atlas (C1) and axis (C2) – meet. Unlike the rest of the spine that is stable, this area is the most fragile and mobile as the head can move freely in many directions. Because of this, the upper cervical vertebrae are susceptible to misaligning, especially when there is regular wear and tear, or a history of head or neck injury.

Many things can happen when the upper cervical spine gets misaligned, including the following:

• Incorrect nerve signals are transmitted via the brainstem between the brain and body, disrupting the body's ability to function optimally.
• The flow of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) is blocked, which is accountable for circulating nutrients and removing metabolic waste products from the central nervous system.
• Blood flow is restricted between the brain and neck via the vertebral arteries.

How Premier Family Wellness and Spinal Care Treats Migraines

If you’re seeking a professional migraine doctor in Farmington, Michigan, Premier Family Wellness and Spinal Care has you covered. Our approach differs from other chiropractic experiences you may have tried in the past as we perform the following:

• Accurate analysis and evaluation: We do precise examination and assessment for each patient. We utilize specific diagnostic imaging and used a set of criteria to locate and determine the exact degree of your misalignment.
• No forceful twisting or popping: Our upper cervical adjustments are mild, painless and do not involve vigorous popping or cracking of the neck. Once we learn how your atlas has misaligned, we perform precise corrections to reestablish your normal vertebral alignment.
• Long-lasting effects: Our adjustments are designed to hold in place for a longer amount of time, permitting for the maximum amount of recovery to happen. Over time, your upper cervical spine should stabilize, and the normal function of your body can be restored.

If you have ever had any history of neck or head injury, you may be a candidate for upper cervical Farmington chiropractic care. Most of our patients have tried and failed to get better using traditional migraine relief care. After turning to upper cervical chiropractic care, they were happy to see significant results from our natural method. To further learn about upper cervical care and how we can relive your migraines, call us and schedule a consultation.

References:

https://www.merckmanuals.com/professional/neurologic-disorders/headache/migraine

https://www.migrainetrust.org/about-migraine/migraine-what-is-it/symptoms-and-stages/

https://migraineresearchfoundation.org/about-migraine/what-is-migraine/

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.