According to the World Health Organization (WHO), it is estimated that about 14.7% of the global population suffers from migraines. Migraines are more prevalent in women than men, often starting during adolescence or early adulthood. Migraines are a relatively common neurological disorder, and many people experience them at some point in their lives. They are not considered “normal” in the sense that they are a typical or desired part of the human experience, but they are common enough that they are not rare. The frequency and severity of migraines can vary widely among individuals.
Triggers vary from person to person, but there are many different migraine triggers, such as but not limited to:
- Hormonal Changes
- Specific Foods or Food Additives
- Irregular Meal Patterns
- Dehydration
- Changes in Weather Patterns
- Poor Sleep Quality or Irregular Sleep Patterns
- Bright Lights, Loud Noises, and Strong Smells
- Emotional Stress
- Intense Physical Activity
- Certain Medications
Migraines often involve a pulsating or throbbing pain, usually on one side of the head. However, the pain can also be bilateral. Migraines typically last from a few hours to 72 hours if untreated. The duration can vary among individuals and even from one episode to another. Migraines are often characterized by moderate to severe pain that can interfere with daily activities. The pain intensity may escalate with physical activity.
$25 New Patient Migraine Health Screening
$25 for a complete chiropractic health screening including a consultation, exam, a report of findings, and a plan of action.
Many individuals with migraines experience sensitivity to light and may prefer dim or dark environments during an attack. Sensitivity to sound is common during a migraine, and loud noises may worsen the symptoms. Migraines often cause nausea, and some individuals may also experience vomiting.
Some people experience an aura before the onset of the headache phase. Auras are usually visual disturbances, such as flashing lights, zigzag lines, or blind spots, but they can also involve other sensory symptoms or disturbances. Before the onset of the headache, some individuals experience a prodrome phase that includes subtle symptoms like mood changes, food cravings, or increased thirst. After the headache phase resolves, some individuals experience a postdrome or “migraine hangover,” characterized by fatigue, confusion, and a general sense of not feeling well.
How Our Migraine Care Plan Works
1. Partner
At Brown Chiropractic, we treat people, not conditions. Our first priority is to get to know our patients, their lifestyles, and their goals for care. This allows us to partner with them and together create a care plan that is both individualized and specific to their needs.
2. Plan
Our comprehensive evaluation process not only identifies painful tissues but also the root cause of the condition. This allows us to take our patients through a step-by-step plan that gets them out of pain quickly and with lasting results.
3. Perform
Patients often find they not only get out of pain but feel better than they ever could have imagined. This allows them to perform at a higher level in all aspects of their life.
How We Treat Migraines in Yarmouth, ME
Comprehensive Consultation and Exam
Identifying the root cause of the problem
The first step in addressing migraines at our chiropractic clinic is a comprehensive consultation and exam. During this process, we will take the time to understand the details of your migraines, their impact on your life, and your goals for care.
We will then perform a thorough evaluation that includes orthopedic and neurological testing to determine which tissues in your neck and head are causing or triggering your migraines. Next, we’ll evaluate your spine to identify any restrictions or misalignments in the neck’s spinal segments that could contribute to your migraines. Finally, we will use a functional movement screen to assess abnormal postures, muscle imbalances, and dysfunctional movements that could be causing the tissues of your head and neck to be tight and painful.
Once we have identified the root cause of your migraine headaches, we will develop a specific chiropractic care plan tailored to your individual needs. Our first goal of care is to provide relief and facilitate healing by restoring motion and function to the restricted segments of your spine through adjustments.
Specific Chiropractic Care in Yarmouth, ME
Specific and targeted chiropractic adjusting
A joint restriction refers to an area in the spine where the joints are not moving to the best of their ability, potentially impacting nerve function. A joint restriction affecting the cervical spine may irritate the soft tissues connected to the head and contribute to migraines. The restriction can lead to altered nerve signaling, muscle tension, and vascular changes, all of which may contribute to migraine development.
Chiropractic adjustments aim to correct joint restrictions, restoring proper spinal movement. This can reduce nerve irritation and muscle tension and improve blood flow. For headache sufferers, especially those with migraines, chiropractic adjustments can relieve underlying causes and promote optimal nervous system function. Chiropractic care identifies and addresses the root causes of migraines, such as spinal inflammation, muscle tension, and nerve irritation. Unlike some conventional treatments that may rely on medications to mask symptoms, chiropractic care aims to correct the underlying issues, offering a more holistic and potentially long-lasting solution to migraine management.
Massage Therapy
The best of myofascial release and reduced muscle tension
Massage therapy helps relieve muscle tension, a common contributor to headaches and migraines. By addressing soft tissue tightness and trigger points, massage complements chiropractic adjustments, promoting relaxation and enhancing the overall effectiveness of the treatment plan. Massage therapy targets muscle tension and trigger points, preparing the muscles for chiropractic adjustments. It helps improve the flexibility and responsiveness of soft tissues, facilitating a smoother adjustment process and contributing to longer-lasting relief.
Both massage and chiropractic adjustments play unique roles in headache treatment. Adjustments correct spinal joint restrictions, while massage focuses on soft tissue relaxation. Combining therapies often yields superior results, addressing both structural and muscular components of migraines.
We will also use myofascial release and assisted stretching to provide complete relief and normalize spine mobility. These techniques will help reduce muscle tension and optimize the biomechanics of your neck and head, allowing the tissues to heal and become less inflamed. In many cases, we can address a specific muscle that directly alleviates headache pain.
Custom Therapeutic Exercise Plan
For faster recovery and long-term resilience
To complement your adjustments and myofascial release, we will create a custom exercise protocol to address the muscle imbalances identified in your movement screen. This plan is designed around your specific needs and goals for care and may include stretching protocols for the neck and shoulders and strengthening exercises for any weakness in the core or upper back.
For migraine relief, specific exercises can target areas prone to tension, reducing the frequency and severity of headaches. Muscles can contribute to headaches by becoming tense or developing trigger points. These issues may result from poor posture, stress, or joint restrictions, impacting the surrounding tissues and triggering migraines. Joint restrictions can lead to muscle imbalances and tension. As the spine loses its normal “slide and glide,” it can affect the supporting muscles, leading to headaches and migraines. Migraine exercises focus on strengthening neck and shoulder muscles, improving flexibility, and promoting better posture. These exercises aim to reduce muscle tension and contribute to long-term migraine relief.
Generally, we are working to reduce forward head posture and the associated muscle imbalances. We will also work with you to ensure you use proper posture and ergonomics at work or home to avoid exacerbating your migraines.
Cervical Spinal Decompression in Yarmouth, ME
Spinal discs are cartilaginous structures between vertebrae that act as shock absorbers and allow flexibility. They contain a tough outer layer (annulus fibrosus) and a gel-like inner core (nucleus pulposus). Disc issues, such as herniation or degeneration in the cervical spine, can potentially contribute to nerve compression, leading to headaches and migraines. Spinal decompression involves gently stretching the spine to alleviate pressure on the discs and nerves. This technique promotes healing, reduces inflammation, and relieves migraines. By reducing pressure on the spinal discs and nerves, spinal decompression aims to address underlying issues contributing to migraines, leading to long-term relief and prevention of migraine episodes.
Deep Tissue Laser
Deep tissue laser therapy uses focused laser light to penetrate deep into tissues, promoting cellular repair and reducing inflammation. The laser’s energy stimulates cellular activity, enhancing circulation, relieving pain, reducing inflammation, and accelerating healing, making it a valuable addition to migraine treatment.
Laser sessions are typically painless. Patients may feel a warming sensation as the laser penetrates the tissues. The duration and intensity of sessions depend on the specifics of the condition.
Nutritional Supplementation
A balanced diet supports overall health, providing essential nutrients for healing, reducing inflammation, and maintaining optimal function. A migraine-friendly diet may involve avoiding trigger foods and incorporating nutrient-dense, anti-inflammatory foods.
We advise patients to eat whole foods, including fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains, while avoiding potential triggers like caffeine, alcohol, and processed foods. Depending on individual needs, supplements such as magnesium, riboflavin (vitamin B2), and coenzyme Q10 may be recommended to support migraine prevention and relief.
Migraine Medication vs. Chiropractic Care for Migraines
While it may be easier to pop Advil, Tylenol, or another migraine medication, there are some great benefits of seeing a chiropractor for migraine relief.
- Natural and Non-Invasive – chiropractic care is a natural and non-invasive form of treatment that avoids using medications, which may have side effects for some individuals. This makes it an attractive option for those seeking drug-free alternatives for migraine relief.
- Focus on the Musculoskeletal System – particularly the spine. We believe that joint restrictions, muscle imbalances, and inflammation in the spine can contribute to various health issues, including migraines. By addressing these misalignments through manual adjustments, exercise therapy, and trigger point therapy, chiropractic care aims to correct potential root causes of migraines.
- Individualized Approach to Patient Care – chiropractors assess each person’s unique health condition, lifestyle, and medical history to tailor treatment plans accordingly. This personalized approach benefits individuals whose migraines are influenced by factors such as posture, stress, or musculoskeletal issues.
- Complementary Therapies – massage, stretching exercises, and lifestyle recommendations are included in many treatment plans. These additional therapies can contribute to overall well-being and may help reduce migraine frequency and intensity.
Some individuals find that regular chiropractic adjustments contribute to the prevention of migraines. By addressing potential triggers and maintaining optimal spinal health, chiropractic care may help reduce the likelihood of migraine episodes. Many individuals report satisfaction with chiropractic care for migraines.
Read Our Online Reviews
Marissa Lee2023-11-13I've been in a lot of pain since injuring my ribs, and they were able to get me in the same day I called. I feel a lot of relief after my first treatment, and confident in the treatment plan they've got set up moving forward. Everyone is super kind & welcoming. Definitely recommend, thank you for getting me in so fast!Lesley Proctor2023-11-02Brown's chiropractic has been a lifesaver for me! They are always so incredibly nice and friendly, right from the receptionist to physical therapy! They are always very professional and great at what they do. I would highly recommend them and have to thank them for helping me to feelin good again!!!Aaron Bowden2023-08-03Overall, a Great Team! 🌷8-1-23 update! Everything is going well Well! Brown Chiropractic STAFF is AMAZING !! I feel so good with the attention I’ve been receiving. Improved posture and strength. Continuously improving, and Maintaining.joseph pugh2023-07-24Everybody was very friendly and moved along fast. Really nice experienceHeidi Copeland2023-07-20Dr Brown gave me an amazing treatment. I felt relief for the first time in four months. Thank you!!Andrine Belliveau2023-07-12Everyone here is wonderful. They’ve been helping me through some neck and back issues over the last year and have significantly improved my quality of life.Eliza Lee2023-07-10Excellent, thorough and most importantly, effective care. I highly recommend Dr deBethune and the team at Brown.
Common Causes of Migraines in Yarmouth, ME
Stress
Whether from work, personal life, or environmental factors, elevated stress levels may lead to muscle tension, altered blood flow, and trigger migraine attacks. Adequate and quality sleep is crucial for overall health and well-being. It allows the body to repair and regenerate, supports cognitive function, and helps maintain a healthy immune system.
Poor sleep patterns, including irregular sleep schedules or insufficient sleep, can contribute to increased stress, hormonal imbalances, and heightened sensitivity to triggers, all of which may elevate the risk of migraine attacks.
Chiropractors provide guidance on optimal sleep hygiene, including recommendations for maintaining a consistent sleep schedule, creating a comfortable sleep environment, and addressing any musculoskeletal issues that might disrupt sleep.
Hormonal Changes
Fluctuations in estrogen, particularly during the menstrual cycle, can trigger migraines in some individuals. Changes in hormonal levels may affect blood vessels and neurotransmitters, contributing to migraine episodes.
Lifestyle changes to regulate hormones include maintaining a balanced diet, managing stress through relaxation techniques, regular exercise, and ensuring proper sleep hygiene. Chiropractic adjustments may help optimize nervous system function, which can influence hormone regulation. Addressing spinal joint restrictions contributes to overall hormonal balance.
Caffeine and Alcohol
Both caffeine and alcohol can affect blood vessels and neurotransmitters in the brain, potentially acting as triggers for migraines in susceptible individuals. Caffeine can lead to vasoconstriction followed by rebound vasodilation, impacting blood flow. Alcohol may cause dehydration and affect serotonin levels, contributing to migraines.
Moderating caffeine and alcohol intake, staying hydrated, and identifying personal triggers can help manage migraine risk. Chiropractors may also address lifestyle factors that contribute to migraine susceptibility.
Weather Changes
Weather-related triggers can include changes in temperature, humidity, barometric pressure, and storms. These shifts may affect blood vessels and increase migraine risk. Weather changes can alter atmospheric pressure and oxygen levels, potentially impacting blood flow and triggering migraines in susceptible individuals. Managing exposure to extreme weather conditions, staying well-hydrated, and considering preventive measures, such as wearing sunglasses, may help reduce the impact of weather-related triggers.
Bright Lights and Strong Smells
Light and smell sensitivity are common migraine symptoms and can be triggered during an attack, exacerbating the overall discomfort. Sensitivity to light and smell is thought to be related to changes in neurotransmitter levels during a migraine, affecting the brain’s response to sensory stimuli. Managing environmental factors by wearing sunglasses, reducing exposure to strong odors, and creating a dark and quiet space during an attack may help alleviate these sensitivities.
Specific Foods or Food Additives
Certain foods and ingredients, such as processed foods, artificial additives, and particular triggers like tyramine, can contribute to migraines in some individuals. Potential migraine triggers include aged cheese, chocolate, caffeine, alcohol, and foods containing MSG. A balanced diet emphasizing whole, nutrient-dense foods can be beneficial. Maintaining hydration is also crucial.
Diet plays a vital role in overall health, supporting the immune system and providing essential nutrients to recover and prevent various health conditions, including migraines. Chiropractors may offer guidance on dietary choices, hydration, and lifestyle modifications. Additionally, addressing musculoskeletal issues through chiropractic adjustments can contribute to overall well-being.
Certain Medications
Frequent use of certain medications, especially pain relievers, can lead to medication overuse headaches, worsening the frequency and intensity of migraines. Overusing medication may result in medication dependency, rebound headaches, and potential adverse effects on overall health.
Chiropractic care, lifestyle modifications, relaxation techniques, acupuncture, and dietary changes are among the natural alternatives that may offer pain management and migraine relief.
Check Out Our Location Near You
50 Forest Falls Drive, Suite 4, Yarmouth, ME 04096
Frequently Asked Questions
Can going to a chiropractor help with migraines?
Yes, chiropractic care can help address musculoskeletal issues, spinal misalignments, and lifestyle factors contributing to migraines.
Can your neck being out of alignment cause migraines?
Yes, joint restrictions in the neck (cervical spine) may contribute to migraines by affecting nerve function, blood flow, and muscle tension.
Are migraines bad for the brain?
While migraines themselves are not harmful to the brain, frequent and severe migraines may be associated with an increased risk of certain neurological conditions.
Is massage good for migraines?
Yes, massage therapy can help alleviate muscle tension and relieve migraines by promoting relaxation.
What is the quickest way to get rid of a migraine?
While there is no guaranteed quick fix, strategies such as resting in a dark, quiet room, staying hydrated, and using cold or warm compresses may provide relief.
How do you permanently cure a migraine?
Achieving a permanent cure for migraines may involve a combination of lifestyle changes, preventive measures, and ongoing management strategies. Chiropractic care can be part of a holistic approach.
What is the most effective treatment for migraines?
The most effective treatment varies among individuals. Chiropractic care, lifestyle modifications, and personalized approaches addressing triggers can contribute to effective migraine management.
Does exercise help with migraines?
Regular exercise can contribute to overall health and may help reduce the frequency and intensity of migraines. However, individual responses to exercise may vary.
What is the best preventative medication for migraines?
Preventative medications are prescribed based on individual needs and medical history. Consultation with a healthcare professional is essential for personalized recommendations.
What food to avoid during a migraine?
Migraine triggers can vary, but common food triggers include chocolate, aged cheese, caffeine, alcohol, and food additives.
$25 New Patient Migraine Health Screening
$25 for a complete chiropractic health screening including a consultation, exam, a report of findings, and a plan of action.
