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A Beginner's Guide to Migraine

nearest migraine chiropractor based in Pataskala

Migraine has become a common condition that people tend to take it lightly. Some people even think that it's just a regular headache. But you'll be surprised by how many people suffer from migraine if you visit the nearest migraine chiropractor based in Pataskala. And no, it's not a regular headache; it's beyond that. Headaches are one symptom people living with migraines tend to complain about. However, it may not always be present.

Migraine is known to be the third most common disease in the world. According to the review published in The Journal of Headache and Pain, evidence suggests that 52% of the global population is affected by a headache disorder every year and a whopping 14% report migraines. In the US alone, at least 39 million Americans are living with migraines, as the American Migraine Foundation estimates. However, the actual number can be higher because many people do not get a diagnosis or any treatment they need.

 

A migraine is beyond a headache.

You cannot easily tell the difference if you have not experienced migraines yet. So let us give you more information about migraine to help you understand this condition better.

Living with a migraine, you usually experience severe pain accompanied by throbbing on one or both sides of your head. Migraine is a debilitating health condition that usually guarantees to ruin your day. In addition, if someone from your family suffers from a migraine, there is a big chance that you will get it too. This is because migraine can be passed on through your genes.

Apart from headaches, migraine is usually accompanied by other symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, light, sound, and smell sensitivity, and even episodes of vertigo. If you're one of the unlucky ones who get chronic migraine episodes, you will benefit from visiting the nearest chiropractor in Pataskala. They can provide a personalized care regimen to match your needs.

Migraine can happen to anyone. However, women are three times more likely to experience migraine than men. This is due to several factors and triggers. But men and children also suffer from crippling migraine episodes.

 

Types of Migraines

There are two types of migraines:

Migraine Without Aura

This is the more common type of migraine, which does not include any warning symptoms that can tell you a migraine attack will happen soon.

Migraine With Aura

Albeit less common, it still comes with debilitating symptoms. This type of migraine show warning symptoms through visual disturbances, including flashing lights or curved lines, which you experience at least an hour or so before your migraine fully attacks.

Common Migraine Triggers

The exact cause of migraine remains unknown, so many people match their episodes to possible triggers. That way, they can seek proper care and will have a better understanding of their condition. Below are some of the typical migraine triggers we know so far:

Hormones

This is probably the big reason women experience migraines more than men. Fluctuating estrogen levels in women can trigger a series of symptoms, including migraine-related headaches. Women experience fluctuating hormone levels regularly because of their menstrual cycle. Pregnancy also causes a rise and drop in hormones and the menopause period. As a result, some women, unfortunately, experience migraine attacks every month due to their period.

Poor sleep quality

Poor sleep quality, lack of sleep, or interrupted sleep are all recipes for a migraine episode. Getting a good night's sleep is essential to repair your body cells and give you enough energy for the next day. It's also crucial in improving your mood and reducing the impact of a migraine episode. Therefore, maintaining a proper sleep schedule is essential to your health. If you've been experiencing sleep problems, raise that concern by going to the nearest migraine chiropractor based in Pataskala.

Dehydration

Even mild dehydration levels can trigger migraine episodes in those suffering from chronic migraine. Therefore, consuming the recommended daily amount of water is recommended to avoid dehydration and migraine.

Caffeine

Caffeine has been a part of life for many people, but it's also a significant contributor to migraine episodes, especially for those who overconsume caffeine daily. Caffeine is present in several beverages, including coffee, tea, and soda. Limiting your consumption of such drinks and switching to healthier options may feel necessary.

If you've been consuming caffeine regularly, we do not recommend immediately stopping your intake because it can also prompt migraine attacks. Best to gradually cut down your caffeine intake, eventually reducing your migraine episodes.

Poor diet

Having no regular schedule or skipping meals can prompt a migraine episode. Your blood sugar tends to drop when you have not eaten and can influence migraine episodes. Food products and ingredients are also known to trigger migraines, such as sweet or sugary food and food products containing tyramine.

Stress

Stress is a part of life. But consistently high levels of stress should not be happening. If you tend to experience high-stress levels regularly, you may need to find ways to manage and eventually lower your stress levels. Meditation, breathing exercises, aromatherapy, massage, and listening to music can help effectively lower your stress levels. Find the best one that works for you.

Weather

Weather changes and disturbances can trigger migraine episodes; sadly, there is no way to control this. Altitude, humidity levels, barometric pressure, and the sun can trigger migraine episodes. If you're one of those who experience migraines due to the weather, keeping updated with the report and avoiding the outdoors during extreme weather conditions may be helpful.

Medication overuse

If you've recently started taking specific medications and noticed an onset of symptoms pointing to migraines, you might want to talk to your doctor about it. If it's a prescription medication, you may need to explore various options to get the right one for you. Ask your doctor's opinion so you can switch to a new drug or adjust the dosage.

Upper cervical spine misalignment

Due to the rising cases of migraine, upper cervical chiropractic doctors have noticed a pattern where upper cervical spine misalignments lead to migraines. Unfortunately, this is not something you can notice by yourself as you will need an expert to confirm this. Fortunately, there is also a higher demand for upper cervical care to help manage conditions such as migraine.

 

Upper Cervical Care For Migraine

If this is your first time hearing about Upper Cervical Care, it's a branch of chiropractic care that deals only with your upper cervical spine or the top two bones in your neck - the C1 and C2. When these bones shift out of alignment, it can trigger migraine and other symptoms. This is because these bones protect the brainstem, responsible for sending messages and signals to and from the brain. When the brainstem endures excessive pressure and stress, it sends incorrect signals to the brain, leading to migraine attacks. 

When you visit the nearest migraine chiropractor based in Pataskala, they recommend correcting the misalignment of your upper cervical spine using a non-invasive, generally safe, and gentle procedure to move your bones back. Some patients claim to experience significant improvement in as few as one or two visits to an upper cervical chiropractor.

 

Call Your Nearest Migraine Chiropractor based in Pataskala 

If you suspect a spine misalignment is the mystery reason for your migraine, you should not wait any longer. Instead, consult with Dr. David M. Claggett of Genesis Chiropractic. Let a passionate and caring chiropractic doctor who aims to help as many people as possible unlock your wellness potential. He has received certification in technique and philosophy through Advanced HIO Knee Chest and Upper Cervical Revolution.

Time to bid your migraine episodes goodbye. Call us today at (740) 951-0011 or visit our website to fill out a contact form.

 

To schedule a consultation with Dr. Claggett, call our Pataskala office at 740-951-0011. You can also click the button below.

If you are outside of the local area, you can find an Upper Cervical Doctor near you at www.uppercervicalawareness.com.

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