Migraine
is a term applied to a special type of vascular (blood circulation)
headache that is generally thought of as more sever than a regular
headache and has sometimes been referred to as a 'sick headache.'
Migraine headaches affect more women then men by a ratio of about 70%.
There is thought to be a recessive gene responsible for migraines,
which means the problem could be an inherited one (passed down through
a family.) Migraines are usually proceeded by a strange sensation
called a prodome. This stage of the migraine usually involves seeing an
aura (visual disturbance) before the headache begins. The headache is
usually unilateral (on one side of the head) but can be felt
bilaterally (both sides of the head) in some cases. The throbbing
associated with a migraine is associated with changes in blood flow to
the brain. It is currently thought that the greatest disturbance is
experienced when too much blood is allowed to enter the brain. What
triggers a migraine attack? It has been documented that a migraine can
occur due to increased anxiety, tension, or rage, often with a stifled
expression of resentment. Often there is water weight gain associated
with the onset of the event. Migraines can commonly occur upon
awakening in the morning.
The number
of migraines over a defined period of time, how they feel, where the
pain is located, (e.g., side of the head, behind an eye, etc.) vary a
great deal from person to person. If you think you may be suffering
from migraine headaches, you should consider contacting a Doctor of
Chiropractic.
A Doctor of
Chiropractor is trained and licensed in the diagnosis of many forms of
headaches, including migraines. Through careful history, examination,
and the aid of x-rays, or in rare cases, if needed, computer
tomography, or MRI. A Doctor of Chiropractic can often determine the
cause of your head pain and recommend a treatment program, which may
include adjustment (manipulation) of misaligned vertebra (the bones of
the spine) to reduce the number of migraines you experience and the
severity and duration of an attack. In some cases, an adjustment has
been reported to stop an attack from proceeding to the headache phase.