Migraine Headaches
Migraines are prevalent among Americans reeking havoc in peoples lives. Causing millions to miss out of work, school, sports,etc. Womenshealth.gov states that over 29 million Americans experience migraine headaches, and that it is the most common form of disabling headache seen by physicians. Migraines are more common in women (75% of all migraine sufferers) than men and that the migraines can frequently be associated to their menstrual cycle.
What are migraines? Headaches are not necessarily migraine related but rather one of the symptoms of a migraine. The intensity is important in defining a migraine. If it is disabling or preventing you from performing your normal daily activities, then you may be suffering from migraines. Besides headaches a migraine can have other symptoms such as nausea and vomiting and sensitivity to lights. Many individuals have what are called aura’s that appear around objects just prior (10 to 30 min) to the onset of a headache. These aura’s can also appear as flashing lights, zigzag lines or blind spots, numbness or tingling of the face or hands, an odd sense of smell or taste, or just a general disoriented sense. I’ve even had patients that were so sensitive to light that they required complete darkness, shutting themselves in dark rooms for days at a time. What is worse is when the frequency is weekly. I once treated a teenage girl, who for several years, suffered from migraines twice weekly that would last one to two days. That averages out to 3 days a week, just under half of her life was spent laying in bed, in a dark room.
Do I have a migraine or a sinus infection? Sinus infection can cause headaches and even some of the facial pain and tingling that are common symptoms for migraines. Do you have nasal discharge or a fever? These symptoms are not commonly associated with migraines. You should seek professional help if these symptoms remain mild but fail to resolve on their own in a few days or if the symptoms intensify and interfere with your normal activities of work, school, or of daily life.
What’s causing my migraines? Presently the cause of migraines are unknown. Researchers theorize that there is a increase in certain inflammatory substances produced by braincells. The increase of these substances cause an inflammatory response resulting in swelling of the blood vessels, which compress adjacent nerves. What initiates this cycle of events is still unknown, but what is known is that certain things in our daily life tend to trigger this brain state.
Common triggers? Womenshealth.gov states that common trigger are: stress, lack of or too much sleep, low energy due to skipped meals, bright lights, loud noises, strong odors, hormonal changes during menstrual cycle, anxiety, weather changes, alcohol (often red wine), foods that contain nitrates (such as hot dogs and lunch meats), food that contain MSG ( monosodium glutamate a flavor enhancer found in fast foods, broths, seasonings, and spices), tyramine (which is in aged cheese, soy products, fava beans, hard sausages, smoked fish, and Chianti wine), Aspartame (NutraSweet and Equal).
Can Chiropractic Cure a Migraines ? An article by Rebecca S. Fischer, D.C., F.I.A.C.A., reports that 78 percent of all headaches can be related to biomechanical problems in the upper cervical spine. These biomechanical problems can be effectively treated by chiropractic. Chiropractic adjustments help realign the spine, relieving pressure on the nerve roots and bringing about proper blood flow and nerve conduction. I have found over the past 20 years of treating people with migraines that most all of them have had a favorable response. From complete remission to a reduction of intensity and frequency. I believe that my chiropractic treatments aid in your bodies ability to handle the stressors that trigger the migraine brain state. Giving them a drug free path to a better life.
Dr Sam offers a drug-free, non-surgical hands on approach to help you get out of pain quickly and feel great. We provide the highest quality health care, at an affordable price, with an objective to help you live life to your fullest potential.
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Dr. Sam Salas, Chiropractic Physician is presently located at: 248 Park Ave, Amherst, OH 44001, ph: 440.670-5975, web: drsam.me