An Alternative and Natural Treatment for Migraines

What are Migraines?

A migraine is a chronic neurological disorder characterized by recurrent headaches and debilitating pain. According to the Mayo Clinic, migraines are estimated to affect more than 30 million Americans. Women are three times more likely to have migraines than men. 

Migraines are often described as a throbbing or pulsating pain and are usually accompanied by nausea and vomiting. Common triggers for migraines include stress, hormonal changes, bright lights, and even certain foods. As you can imagine, frequent migraines can quickly become a debilitating condition, resulting in loss of productivity, loss of mobility, and impaired quality of life.

Signs and Symptoms of Migraines

The most common symptoms of migraines include pain on one or both sides of the head, nausea, vomiting, and sensitivity to light. In particularly severe cases, migraines can also cause sensitivity to sound, difficulty with speech, blurred vision, and temporary paralysis.

How the Upper Cervical Spine Affects Migraines

The upper cervical spine is the portion of the spine that runs from the base of the skull to the beginning of the cervical vertebrae. The upper cervical spine is often overlooked as a source of migraines. However, this region of the spinal column is actually quite significant in terms of migraine management.

Because the upper cervical spine is so closely connected to the brainstem and central nervous system, any changes in the alignment of the upper cervical spine can lead to inflammation and tension around the brainstem. Since migraine pain typically stems from dysfunction in the brainstem, upper cervical misalignments will often lead to more severe and more frequent migraines.

How Our Migraine Treatment Works

The goal of upper cervical chiropractic care is to restore proper alignment of the upper cervical spine. 

Our migraine treatment begins with a thorough examination of the neck and upper back. If we detect any cervical misalignments, our expert chiropractor, Dr. Hoefer, will use digital X-rays and cone-beam computed tomography scans to ascertain the exact angle and location of the misaligned vertebra. 

Once the misalignment is located, Dr. Hoefer will use gentle, non-invasive chiropractic manipulations to realign the out-of-place vertebra. By correcting misalignments in the upper cervical spine, we can target the source of inflammation and musculoskeletal stress around the brainstem and central nervous system, thereby reducing, if not eliminating, your migraine symptoms.

If you’re looking for a natural and alternative treatment for migraines, Dr. Hoefer services Orange County, including Anaheim, Costa Mesa, Huntington Beach, Irvine, Laguna Niguel, Mission Viejo, Newport Beach, Rancho Santa Margarita, Dana Point, San Clemente, and Santa Ana.