Migraines are a complex issue both from the debilitating symptoms associated with them and the most effective treatment to address symptoms and possible correction. Migraines, while debilitating, are not a measure of pain, i.e., a severe headache does not mean migraine. For example, cluster headaches are severe but not migraines, temporal arteritis is life threating but also not a migraine.
The first thing to know is the types of migraines:
- Classic: Meaning with AURA.
- Common: Without Aura.
- Aura: Without headache.
- Retinal: Results in loss of vision.
- Other!
Aura is the sensory symptoms that foreshadow migraine. These can be smell, vision, hearing as well as other Aura’s.
The issue of chiropractic and its value in treating migraines: Chiropractic care can be effective in reducing severity and frequency of complaints, but little evidence suggests that it is corrective.
Additionally, meditation, acupuncture, nutrition and a variety of alternatives are available. From a clinical perspective, I personally, as well as many if not all, of my colleagues have helped many patients with addressing migraines both in severity and frequency.
My approach: With migraines, the first thing is to ensure the accuracy of the diagnosis.
Next is to develop a treatment plan that includes Chiropractic spinal manipulation.
Lastly, evaluate the results of care and the value to the patient. In short, what is termed a Clinical Trial, assess what you’re treating, how you treat and does it have the desired result. Ultimately the result is what it always comes down to – if the severity and frequency of complaints is reduced or resolved, then does it require future management or not.
Suggestion: if you choose Chiropractic or another alternative treatment for migraines, give the care a reasonable amount of time, minimum one month. Be objective with your symptoms, is the severity and/or frequency reduced and does the reduction have value to you. Discuss the migraine treatment options with your provider, current and future. Many migraines will require treatment when they occur, and others can be prevented/managed all together with regular care.
I hope this has been helpful for you in deciding if chiropractic care for migraines is right for you!
And if you think chiropractic treatment is the right course for managing your migraine, get in touch with us to set up an appointment.