Migraines can be a source of misery for people suffering from them. It not only impacts people’s physical health but it also disrupts their daily activities, jobs, and relationships with their families and friends.
If you live with this neurological condition, you are not alone. About 10% of the world population has migraines. While they affect people of all ages, adults in the age range of 25 to 55 mostly have them. Migraines are also seen more in women than in men.
Different medications are available for migraine management. However, they can be ineffective and accompanied by unpleasant side effects. The good thing is that a recent study shares an alternative option to treat migraines, without the need for drugs. Many migraine sufferers have attested to its effectiveness.
Evoke Spinal Care is here to talk over some of the ways to cure migraines and a final remedy that can stop the symptoms of migraines for good.
6 Ways to Stop Migraine Pain
- Tell other about your pain: A study conducted by the University of Michigan investigated 21,741 tweets about migraines. They found out that 65% of those tweeting was experiencing a migraine at the time of the tweets. They revealed that sharing your pain and emotions about migraines can ease some of the symptoms. Alexandre DaSilva, the author of the study, explained that neuroimaging research suggests cognitive and emotional parts of the brain can manipulate activities connected to physical pain. In simple words, talking about your migraines may offer an amount of relief beyond airing out your feelings.
- Rest after the stress: Many of us are aware that anxiety and stress can trigger a migraine episode. However, the Yeshiva University in New York has revealed that the relief after surviving a stressful event can also result in migraines. They stated that a decrease in cortisol and other stress-related hormones could bring about headache or migraine. If you are coming out of a stressful situation, better take all the safety measures you would if you suspected a migraine was coming on. Get enough rest, eat healthy, have mild physical exercise, and practice relaxation methods so your nervous system will function properly. You may also try out cognitive behavioral therapy.
- Do not overcare for your migraines: Some doctors send their migraine patients off for costly and unnecessary tests, such as CT scans and MRIs. Researchers at Beth Israel Deaconess Hospital exposed that 12 million Americans are needlessly examined when suffering from migraines. According to John N. Mafi, study author, doctors should be educating their patients on lifestyle changes before sending them for additional examinations which generally do not reveal anything essential. The first things you should work on are staying healthy, eating vegetables and fruits, and regularly exercising. Keeping a migraine diary is also highly recommended to track the foods you ate, things you were doing, weather conditions, and how you were feeling before a migraine episode. It can help you determine your personal triggers and steer clear from them.
- Biofeedback: This technique collects feedback about your brain waves, skin temperature, muscle tension, and other signals within the body to aid in reducing your stress. Data is gathered using electrodes, small metal sensors placed on your skin. The apparatus they are attached to displays data as sounds, numbers, or electrical waves on the screen. Research studies have shown the blood flow in the brain changes during a migraine. Through biofeedback, you can alter the blood flow to the brain to have more control over a headache.
- Herbs: Several different herbs could help with your migraines. Medical researchers have regarded butterbur and feverfew. Feverfew is the leading herbal remedy for migraine relief. Some studies have proven its benefits. Before trying any herb or supplement, it is essential to consult your doctor to ensure your safety. Some herbs may interact with medications you are currently taking and may have negative results.
- Acupuncture: This is a traditional Chinese technique in which very fine needles are put into various spots on the body. It is utilized to adjust energy imbalances and protect the body against diseases. Studies reveal that acupuncture may help the body discharge pain-blocking chemicals, including endorphins. Acupuncture also stimulates the brain to release other chemicals and hormones that boost the body to be restored.
Upper Cervical Chiropractic Ends Migraine Suffering
One of the most overlooked but highly effective natural solutions for migraines is upper cervical chiropractic care. A recent study on 101 migraine patients proves its significant contribution to migraine recovery. Following an assessment od each patient, it was revealed that all patients had a misalignment in the bones of the upper neck. Every one of them received a personalized adjustment from an upper cervical chiropractor. The results were amazing! Most patients reported improvement in their migraine pain, while some shared that their migraines disappeared and never returned.
Here at Evoke Spinal Care in Pleasant Hill, California, we use a similar method as the one used in the research study mentioned above. We realign the displaced bones using a gentle technique. Loud popping or cracking of the neck are excluded from our practice. The adjustments we do are based on scientific measurements and imaging. Our gentle techniques encourages the bones to return into position naturally. The outcome is a longer-lasting adjustment. If you aim for the same results as the study we’ve mentioned, the best migraine chiropractor in Pleasant Hill, CA is here to help — Evoke Spinal Care!