Migraines are more than intense headaches; they can be a full-body experience. At Atkinson Chiropractic in Turlock, California, family chiropractor David Atkinson, DC, uses hands-on techniques that manipulate the muscles, tendons, and joints in your head and neck to relieve migraines. Call the office or schedule an appointment online to find out how chiropractic care can reduce migraine frequency.

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What are migraines?

A migraine is a neurological disease that causes throbbing headaches. Although migraines are usually one-sided, they can be debilitating. Migraine pain is a lifelong condition for many individuals. Understanding your migraine triggers and early warning signs can help reduce the frequency of your attacks.

What are the symptoms of migraines?

Migraines can be a full-body experience and cause a wide range of symptoms. While some individuals experience minor symptoms, like mild nausea and short-term headaches, migraines can diminish your quality of life.

Many people experience painful migraine attacks that leave them bed-bound for hours. Flare-ups can last for up to 72 hours without proper treatment.

Migraines typically occur in stages:

Prodrome

During the prodrome phase, you may feel subtle signs of a migraine. Constipation, neck stiffness, food cravings, and mood swings are telltale symptoms.

Aura

Aura usually occurs right before or during a migraine. You may experience vision changes, bright spots, or pins and needles in your arms or legs.

Attack

Throbbing, one-sided pain is the most obvious sign of a migraine attack. Nausea and sensitivity to light may also occur.

Post-drome

Many people feel drained, confused, and generally unlike themselves after a migraine ends.

What causes migraines?

Researchers don’t yet know the exact cause of migraines. They believe some people are vulnerable to these painful headaches due to chemical imbalances that narrow the blood vessels in the head.

Most migraine sufferers have specific triggers that can prompt a flare-up. Common migraine triggers include:

  • Alcohol
  • Stress
  • Certain foods
  • Poor sleep quality
  • Weather changes
  • Menstruation
  • Dehydration
  • Bruxism (teeth grinding)

Your provider at Atkinson Chiropractic works with you to identify your triggers and create a personalized plan to minimize the frequency of your flare-ups.

How can chiropractic care treat migraines?

Trigger identification is one of the most effective ways to prevent migraines. Your provider at Atkinson Chiropractic works with you to help find what triggers your migraines and control flare-ups.

Many migraines are also the result of chronic neck pain. The providers at Atkinson Chiropractic perform several manipulative techniques to treat neck pain that triggers migraines.

Your provider may refer you to an outside physician if you need medication, surgery, or other types of migraine treatments.

Call Atkinson Chiropractic or schedule an appointment online to learn more about migraines and headaches.