By: Adam Renelt, DC
Updated 5/7/2024
Our Sioux Falls chiropractors see many patients that suffer from migraine headaches. Migraines are a common condition that affect millions of people every year. These headaches are typically more severe than tension headaches and can be debilitating. The typical length of a migraine ranges from about 4-24 hours. Some people suffer from migraines on a regular basis while other people may only have them occur very rarely. People with frequent migraines may struggle with disruption of both their personal and professional lives. Even someone with rare migraines will wish to avoid them as they can make it hard to enjoy life, participate in sports or even to complete works assignments.
Causes and Symptoms of Migraines
Migraines are thought to be caused by abnormal brain activity that may affect blood vessels, chemicals, and nerves in the brain. Some people may have triggers that cause them such as the menstrual cycle, stress, trauma, exercise, or even certain foods or drinks. Some migraine sufferers may have an aura that precedes a migraine. An aura may be a visual change, hearing change or speaking change that starts before the pain. After the aura, the symptoms may move to throbbing headache, light and/or sound sensitivity, nausea and even vomiting. If someone experiences the symptoms of a migraine for the first time it is a good idea to see a medical doctor to check if the symptoms are caused by a migraine or from another medical condition that could be a concern such as a tumor, stroke or other serious health condition.
Migraine Treatment
Medical doctors will often recommend medication for migraine sufferers. Sometimes it an “as needed” (or prn) medication for the person to take when a migraine begins. Other times it is a daily prescription to try to help prevent the headaches. They also may perform testing to rule out tumors or other conditions that can cause migraines. Lifestyle changes to avoid triggers may also be beneficial in preventing or reducing migraine headaches. In our office we have found that chiropractic adjustments are often able to help reduce the severity and frequency of migraines.
Sioux Falls Chiropractic Care and Migraines
When a patient that suffers from migraines comes to our chiropractic office, we will typically start by taking a history of their condition and performed a spinal evaluation checking for subluxations, or misalignments. Typically, we may find that a subluxation in the neck and/or upper back is present. These regions are commonly a factor and having them addressed often will help with migraines. We have some patients that call for an appointment as soon as they feel a migraine begin because they find that an adjustment helps the migraine to end sooner. If you suffer from migraines, we welcome the opportunity to try to help you with chiropractic care. Please contact our office if you would like to schedule an appointment with a chiropractor or if you have any questions.