Do You Suffer from Chronic Headaches and Migraines?

If you suffer from headaches and or chronic migraines, you are probably on the lookout for any treatment or remedy that you have yet to try.

That level of pain, sensitivity to light and sound, and attacks being triggered by long days at work or stress can take over a large portion of your life.

Research shows that spinal manipulation offered by chiropractors may be an effective treatment option not only for those who get tension headaches, but for migraine sufferers who find that their pain often originates in the neck.

Perhaps you have heard that some people receive some degree of relief by seeing a chiropractor, but have been uncertain if it could help you. Can it really help?

Chiropractic Treatment for Migraines

Chiropractic treatment involves moving, stretching and manipulating the spine. Chiropractic therapy does not include drugs or surgery, but uses X-rays and other exams to analyze how the patient’s spine might impact the patient’s health. Chiropractors use devices such as shoe inserts, braces, straps and other tools. They also advise patients on lifestyle issues such as exercise, nutrition and managing stress.

Chiropractic Management of Migraine

Chiropractic treatment has been studied for different types of headaches, including migraines. The study combined the results of 22 studies, which had more than 2,600 patients total. The studies show that chiropractic treatment may serve as a good preventive treatment for migraines.

Another trial found that 22% of people who had chiropractic treatment saw the number of attacks drop 90%. In that same study, 49% said they had a significant reduction in pain intensity.

Chronic Migraine and ChiropracticTtreatment

One study of 127 migraine sufferers in Australia found that those that received chiropractic treatment had fewer attacks and needed to take less medication. The 1999 study found that more than 80% of the patients blamed stress for leading to their migraine attacks. Therefore researchers believe chiropractic care might physically help reduce the body’s reaction to stress.

A 2001 Duke University report released in 2001 by researchers at their University Evidence-Based Practice Center in Durham, NC, found that spinal manipulation resulted in almost immediate improvement for headaches that originate in the neck, including migraines.

It also found that patients had significantly fewer side effects and longer-lasting relief than if they took commonly prescribed pain or migraine medication.