Migraine attacks affect a significant number of people, yet their exact cause remains unclear. Experts believe changes in blood flow, nervous system function, and chemical imbalances in the brain may play a role. Interestingly, chiropractic care has shown positive results for many migraine sufferers.
Migraines are usually classified into two main types: common and classic migraines. However, there are many subtypes beyond these categories.
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These account for about 80–85% of cases. Pain is often throbbing, pulsing, or stabbing, typically affecting one side of the head, one eye, or spreading from the back of the head forward. Researchers believe changes in cerebral blood flow could be a key factor.
It normally involves: a unilateral pulsating headache more commonly in females is usually found to have started in young adulthood. Headaches are usually severe although sufferers are able to carry on with their daily activities there is often associated nausea and vomiting.
This type of migraine accounts for about 10-15% of attacks with the typical throbbing unilateral headache as in a common migraine, but is preceded by what is known as ‘aura’ or ‘prodrome’. This describes symptoms experienced prior to the onset of the throbbing headache such as:
These represent about 10–15% of attacks. The headache is similar to a common migraine, but is preceded by an “aura”—a set of symptoms like:
Flashing lights (scintillation)
Blind spots (scotoma)
The aura usually lasts up to 30 minutes, followed by a severe headache that can last for several hours or even up to 3 days. Symptoms may also include:
Nausea and vomiting
Photophobia (sensitivity to light)
Pain worsened by bright lights or noise
Most people find relief by resting in a cool, dark, and quiet room.
If you want to read more about other types of migraine go to Chiropractic and migraine variants.
Identifying your personal triggers is a key part of managing migraines. Common triggers include:
Stress (especially after a stressful period, such as weekends or holidays)
Foods like chocolate, caffeine, cheese, wine, and nuts
Certain medications, including vasodilators
Sleep disturbances
Hormonal changes, especially during menstruation
Neck tension, particularly in the upper neck
In many cases, people experience a mix of headache types, not just a pure migraine or tension headache. Health professionals now often refer to a “headache continuum”, ranging from mild tension headaches to severe migraines.
Managing migraines starts with identifying and avoiding triggers. Simple lifestyle changes such as:
Maintaining a regular sleep schedule
Avoiding known food triggers
Managing stress levels
can make a big difference.
Supplements like omega-3 fatty acids, magnesium, calcium, and vitamin D may help reduce migraine frequency. Always consult a healthcare provider before starting supplements.
Over-the-counter medications are often effective for occasional migraines. If headaches become frequent or severe, your GP may prescribe prophylactic (preventative) medications.
Some studies show that acupuncture can help reduce migraine frequency and severity.
Chiropractic treatment has helped many patients reduce both the severity and frequency of migraines, particularly common migraines. Chiropractors address contributing factors such as:
Restricted neck movement
Muscle tension in the neck, shoulders, and upper back
Postural issues that may trigger or worsen headaches
Treatment often includes spinal adjustments, postural advice, and exercises to improve neck mobility and reduce stresson the nervous system.
A trial of chiropractic care may be a worthwhile option for those suffering from chronic or recurring migraines.
Restore movement and function with non-invasive and safe physiotherapy treatment services at Isis Chiropractic Centres in Aylesbury. Our highly trained physiotherapists work alongside chiropractors and osteopaths to treat a range of chronic pain conditions including back pain, neck pain, headaches, and migraines.
Chiropractic treatment is effective for Headaches and Migraines. Research shows that it is both safer and more effective than painkillers.
Chiropractic treatment,Migraines and Headaches. Read more about the different types of migraine variants. Cluster headaches, hemiplegic migranes and childhood migraines.
Lateral canal stenosis also called foraminal stenosis. A condition with narrowing of the canal where the spinal nerve exits from the spine. Can have many causes. It is therefore important to find out why the symptoms are there and not just say ‘it is a trapped nerve’.