Migraine Treatment Vancouver BC

A migraine is a type of headache that can be very painful and severe.  Although migraines are fairly common and can affect a significant number of people, the triggering process is still not completely understood.  It is thought that changes in the blood flow and nerve signaling in areas of the brain and different chemical balances within the body contribute to migraine headaches.

The pain of the headache is usually moderate to severe and described as being a throbbing, pulsing, or stabbing sensation. It is normally one sided and localized around the forehead and eye, but can also spread from the back of the head and include both eyes.
Migraines are usually divided into two main categories, Classic Migraines and Common Migraines.

Common Migraines:

This is the most common type of migraine and accounts for about 80% of migraine attacks. Some research shows that a change in the blood flow to and around the brain may be responsible for the symptoms experienced from these migraines.
These typically involve:

• A one-sided pulsing headache
• Normally have found to start in early adulthood
• More common in Females
• Often associated with nausea and vomiting
• Of moderate to severe intensity that inhibits or prohibits daily activities

Classic Migraines:

The classic migraine accounts for about 20% of migraine attacks. These types of migraines have the typical unilateral throbbing headaches as seen with common migraines, but are preceded by what is known as a ‘prodrome’ or ‘aura’.  A prodrome or aura is used to describe a set of symptoms experienced before the throbbing headache begins. These symptoms usually include the presence of a blind spot (scotoma) and the illusion of flashing lights (scintillation). This prodrome usually lasts up to 30 minutes and is then followed by a disabling headache that can last from hours to days. With these Migraines, nausea and vomiting may occur, as well as photophobia (sensitivity to bright lights). Many Classic Migraine sufferers report that resting in a dark and quiet room is one of the only factors that give them relief.

Again, the causes of Migraine headaches aren’t completely understood, but are thought to be associated with changes in blood flow, nerve signaling, and the presence of certain chemicals. That being said, there have been numerous Triggers that have been identified, which have been shown to be related to the onset of these headaches.
These Triggers include:

• Increased periods of stress (common after holidays or at the end of the week)
• Changes in sleeping habits or patterns
• Foods (commonly caffeine, chocolate, nitrates, wine, cheese)
• Some medication (commonly vasodilators)
• Hormonal changes (commonly associated with menstrual cycles)
• Tension in the upper neck

Chiropractic Treatment of Migraine:

Indentifying Triggers:
There are numerous approaches to treating Migraines, but identification of the Triggers is essential in managing this problem. Once the triggers are identified lifestyle and behavioral changes can be made, which will play an important role in limiting the frequency and severity of the Migraine attacks.

Chiropractic:
Chiropractic has been shown to help reduce the frequency and severity of Migraine attacks. Many Migraine sufferers also report that receiving chiropractic care during the prodrome stage will help to halt the onset of the headache. Chiropractic care also helps with contributory factors including movement restriction and tension in the upper neck, back and shoulders as well as helping to correct postural issues. All of which may influence the occurrence of migraines and other types of headaches.

In addition to Chiropractic care:
Other therapies that have shown benefit in the management of migraines or have been known to provide relief are:

• Nutritional and herbal supplements
• Acupuncture
• Medications