Chiropractic and Migraines: A Headache or Relief?

Reviewed by: Dr. Steven Knauf, D.C.

By Donna Stark

You know it’s going to happen before it even begins. You’ve learned that the light pain and pressure you feel in your head is just the start, the warning, for the most intense, stabbing, debilitating pain one can experience. Describing it as hot iron rods being plunged through your head doesn’t come close to what a migraine can feel like because even that doesn’t adequately depict all of its symptoms. Along with the pulsating pain that is felt with every heartbeat, migraines also serve up a potent combination of intense nausea, dizziness, and sensitivities to the world around you. At its best, you may only be down-and-out for a day or two. But at its worst? You could be incapacitated for days, unable to fully function as an independent human being.

Migraine headaches are no joke.

The American Migraine Foundation estimates at least 39 million Americans suffer from migraine attacks. That’s more than 10 percent of the population who are not only dealing with these insane levels of discomfort but who are also dealing with the immense physical and emotional toll that is associated with this type of pain.

Simply put, what migraines can do to your physical health barely holds a candle to what they can do to your mental and emotional well-being. But that doesn’t mean there isn’t hope. Many medical treatments are designed to help, including the all-natural and drug-free approach of chiropractic care.

The Differences Between Primary and Secondary Headaches

Most people have dealt with some type of head pain at one point or another in their life. For some, it’s not that big of a deal and nothing that a nap or an aspirin or two can’t take care of. Examples of when these types of headaches occur are when you don’t get enough sleep or when you are under a lot of stress or pressure at work. But for other types of head pain, it can be extremely difficult to find relief. That’s because these types of headaches need more attention than the others.

Knowing how to determine the different classes of headache pain (primary or secondary) is vital for finding relief. Chemical changes in the brain, issues with the nerves and blood vessels surrounding the skull, muscle strain, family history, stress, and food sensitivities are some of the more common risk factors for primary headaches.

Secondary headaches are a symptom of a separate underlying medical condition. They can be caused by a simple case of sinusitis or something more serious, such as a brain tumor or meningitis. These types of headaches can be quite intense and often come on quickly.

Generally, the easiest and most straightforward way to tell the difference between a primary headache and a secondary headache is by examining the severity and the symptoms that accompany them. Here are a few of the most common types of headaches, along with their classification.

Migraine Headache

Migraines are a common type of headache that seem to stand in a class of their own, simply for their debilitating symptoms and the number of people who are affected by them. Migraines are often described as an intense, throbbing pain that can consistently last between 4 and 72 hours. For some, the pain can last even longer. But what makes this type of headache worse is that symptoms of migraines go well beyond the head pain. Some people may also experience nausea, light or sound sensitivity, speech or sensory changes, confusion, mood changes, extreme fatigue, and flashing lights or other vision changes (migraine with aura). The urge to lie down and rest often accompanies migraines because the pain can get worse with activity. Migraine treatments may include prescription and over-the-counter medications, high-flow oxygen, dietary changes, rest, and hot or cold compresses.

Sinus Headache

A sinus headache is a great example of a mild secondary headache. The telltale signs of sinus headaches are a dull pain behind the eyes or in the area of the forehead and a runny or stuffy nose. Over-the-counter medication, such as decongestants and antihistamines, can usually help resolve sinus headaches, but if they don’t, make it a point to see your doctor because you may need some antibiotics. Typically, sinus headaches resolve as soon as the infection runs its course or after the standard course of antibiotics is taken.

Tension Headache

Tension Headaches are primary headaches that often cause pain and pressure across the forehead and on both sides of the head. Tension headaches feel as if a rubber band or tight hat is placed on your head. As their name suggests, tension headaches are often caused by tense neck and shoulder muscles, but they may also be a result of physical or emotional stress, jaw-clenching, and food sensitivities. They can last from a couple of hours to several days. They also respond well to physical therapy, relaxation therapy, anti-inflammatories, and muscle relaxants.

Cluster Headache

Cluster headaches are primary headaches that are brief, but they come on fast and strong. The pain associated with this type of rare headache is often described as explosive and piercing, and it generally lasts 15 to 90 minutes. While cluster headaches only affect one side of the head, they have been known to switch sides during a different attack. Symptoms may also include a stuffy nose and teary eyes during the episode. The most common medical treatments for cluster headaches include high-flow oxygen, triptans, steroids, and nerve blocks.

Although head pain can range in severity from mild to debilitating between the different types, the good news is that a variety of medical treatment options are available. However, if you are looking for a natural solution, chiropractic care stands out among the lot of them.

Chiropractic Treatment for a Variety of Headaches

Chiropractic care is an all-natural approach for the treatment of headaches including migraines, tension headaches, and cluster headaches. It’s an approach that encourages the body to heal itself innately because it specifically targets the underlying source of pain. Chiropractic care avoids the use of prescription medications, injections, and invasive procedures, which makes it a viable alternative for people of all ages.

Many people with migraine symptoms seek chiropractic care because they know it has been shown to bring relief. Here are some of the ways routine chiropractic care can make a difference.

• Alleviates symptoms such as pain, stiffness, nausea, and depression
• Eases muscle tension in the back and neck
• Removes joint restrictions and nerve interference
• Decreases pressure placed on nerves
• Restores function to the nervous system
• Regulates hormone production in the body
• Enhances proper blood flow
• Supports effective stress management techniques

Additionally, your doctor of chiropractic may provide support on how to manage the mental and emotional toll that often accompanies chronic migraine attacks. They may offer guidance on what to include in your diet, how to manage stress effectively, how to stretch your body, and how to prioritize sleep. With its emphasis on total well-being, it’s easy to see how chiropractic care can improve your overall health and quality of life.

Relief for an Aching Head and Spirit

Like an unwelcome guest, headaches of any severity can interfere with normal daily life. They can be debilitating, immobilizing, and long-lasting. And they don’t just cause physical pain and discomfort. Their overriding symptoms of stabbing pain, nausea, and sensitivities to light and sound can force their unwilling hosts into days of inactivity or complete isolation. This can affect work, hobbies, and, worst of all, relationships with people who may not be able to understand the extent of the suffering.

In short, headaches can take a significant toll on the quality of your life. It’s no wonder that so many people are desperately searching for effective ways to not only find relief when these attacks happen, but to help prevent migraines and other forms of headaches from occurring in the future.

Fortunately, there are plenty of options to consider, including chiropractic care, which takes a natural approach to providing relief. Speak with your primary care doctor or neurologist to determine the most effective treatment plan for your specific needs and interests, and visit The Joint Chiropractic for more information on the many benefits that routine chiropractic can bring!

The information, including but not limited to text, graphics, images, and other material contained on this page, is for informational purposes only. The purpose of this post is to promote broad consumer understanding and knowledge of various health topics, including but not limited to the benefits of chiropractic care, exercise, and nutrition. It is not intended to provide or be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your chiropractor, physician, or other qualified health care provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment and before undertaking a new health care regimen, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this page.