Migraine Treatment at Cornerstone Chiropractic in GA

Over 37 million women, children, and men suffer from migraines in the US. If you or someone you care for suffers from migraines, you know how difficult migraine treatment can be. Each person is unique and requires a customized treatment approach. 

That’s why we recommend chiropractic care as a migraine headache treatment. There are numerous studies that show the benefits of this treatment option for migraine sufferers. At Cornerstone, we have a team of experienced medical professionals who help patients find migraine relief. Learn more about chiropractic care for migraines below. Or if you’re ready to get started, contact our office to schedule an appointment at 770-439-7765.

What Is a Migraine Headache? 

Migraines are a neurological condition where severe, intense headaches are a symptom. Migraines cause throbbing pain on one or both sides of the head that lasts anywhere from a few hours to a few days. Many people also experience nausea, vomiting, and light sensitivity.

A migraine is not the same as a regular headache. Migraines are a condition that has to be diagnosed and treated by a doctor. They are much more intense and painful than a regular headache. 

The Evolution of Migraine Headaches: 

People often know when a migraine is coming due to the phases that build up to it. Read more about them below: 

Prodrome: 

The initial signs of an oncoming migraine may last a few hours or days before it hits. During this time, someone may feel fatigued or nauseous. They may also experience food cravings or have difficulty focusing. 

Aura:  

Some people experience the aura phase and some don’t. During this part of the migraine, the person may have numbness or pain in the head. They may also hear ringing in their ears or lose their vision temporarily. Sometimes, people will see flashing lights or wavy lines, hence the term aura. This phase is much shorter than prodrome, lasting an hour or less. 

Headache: 

The headache is the main event. It causes intense, throbbing head pain on one or both sides of the skull. These last hours to days. 

Postdrome: 

The postdrome phase is the aftermath. Many people call this the “migraine hangover” period. A day or two after the migraine ends, the sufferer must take time to recover. Common symptoms during this phase are fatigue, depression, and issues with concentration or comprehension. 

How Does a Chiropractor Help With Migraine Headache Treatment in Georgia? 

A skilled chiropractor can help with migraines through a variety of treatments. Many people visit the chiropractor to relieve migraine and headache symptoms through spinal manipulation, massage, and other techniques focused on relieving tension and pressure. 

When visiting a chiropractor’s office, you will receive an evaluation and provide your medical history. This helps the chiropractor to develop a targeted treatment plan. Often, chiropractors will discuss dietary or lifestyle changes to support your medical goals and help relieve migraine episodes.  

What Is the Treatment for Migraine Headaches? 

When visiting a chiropractor, they may recommend one or a combination of the following treatment options: 

Soft Tissue Therapy 

Soft tissue therapy targets the muscles, ligaments, tendons, and connective tissue throughout the body. This treatment may include massage therapy, taping, or manual resistance therapies. 

Spinal Manipulation 

Spinal manipulation involves applying limited force to the spinal joints or vertebrae. This improves blood flow and spinal function. It also alleviates pressure and stress on your nervous system. 

Lifestyle Changes 

Lifestyle changes vary from dietary changes to posture shifts. A chiropractor will discuss triggers and identify ways to avoid them to reduce the occurrence of migraines. 

What Are Migraine Symptoms? 

Migraine symptoms vary from person to person. The symptoms of migraines with an aura are slightly different than migraines without an aura. Both are outlined below: 

Aura Migraines 

These migraines include visual disturbances before the onset of the migraine. Symptoms include: 

• Temporary loss of vision
• Trouble speaking
• Abnormal sensations, weakness, or numbness on one side of the body
• Tingling in the face or hands
• Confusion 
• Nausea or vomiting
• Loss of appetite 
• Sensitivity to light, sounds, or smells 

Non-Aura Migraines 

Non-aura migraines are the more common type among sufferers. The symptoms for them include: 

• Quick onset of headache pain
• Nausea
• Confusion
• Blurred vision
• Mood changes
• Fatigue
• Sensitivity to light, sounds, or smells 

Some people see symptoms a day or two before either type of migraine. These symptoms range from mood changes to food cravings to neck stiffness. It’s important to document the symptoms before, during, and after migraines to create a more specific treatment plan. 

What Triggers Migraines?

Each person is different and has their own unique set of triggers. Below are the most common ones:  

Stress 

Stress is a common trigger for migraines. Many studies have been conducted to determine why stress is a trigger, but they are mostly inconclusive at this point. Many people with high levels of stress see the impact ripple across all areas of their lives through various health conditions. 

Hormones 

Hormonal changes can trigger a migraine. This is interesting since nearly 85% of sufferers are women. This suggests that hormonal changes throughout the menstrual cycle may be a factor. 

Alcohol 

Alcohol can trigger migraines in many people. Many people indicate that alcohol also worsens the symptoms related to migraines. 

Weather 

Changes in the atmosphere can trigger migraines in some. This could be a shift in barometric pressure or the changes associated with a storm or extreme temperature fluctuations. 

Scents 

Strong smells of any type, whether pleasant or not, are known to trigger migraines. Perfumes, gasoline, or other chemicals are all common avoidances for migraine sufferers. 

Diet 

What you eat can contribute to migraine symptoms. Diets high in salt, preservatives, or artificial sweeteners can trigger migraines. 

Visit Cornerstone Chiropractic and Spine Center for Migraine Relief Today! 

If you are ready to try chiropractic care for migraine treatment, Cornerstone Chiropractic and Spine Center is here to assist! Our dedicated team is well-versed in treating migraines and utilizes a holistic approach to wellness. Check out our new patient deal and contact us today to schedule your appointment. We look forward to seeing you soon!