Migraines can disrupt your life for days at a time and don’t always go away, even with pain medication. If you suffer from chronic migraines, you might not think that seeing a chiropractor in Newark, NJ, can help your condition. However, many New Jersey locals are turning to doctors of chiropractic for migraines.
Can a chiropractor help reduce migraine symptoms? Learn more about this holistic migraine treatment below.
The Benefits of Seeing a Chiropractor for Migraine Relief
According to the American Migraine Foundation, migraines affect one billion people worldwide, making it the third most common health condition globally. Migraines aren’t like any other headache because they usually occur in four different stages, each of which presents symptoms like irritability, pain, and fatigue.
Seeking chiropractic care for migraines can help you recognize the stages of a migraine and reduce the symptoms with various relaxation techniques and trigger point therapies. See why migraine patients are turning to chiropractic care over other forms of treatment.
Natural Treatment Remains the Focus
Opting to see a doctor of chiropractic for migraines means you won’t need to resort to medications to relieve your symptoms. These healthcare providers take an all-natural approach to relieving tension in the neck, back, and head. An expert will use strategies like spinal manipulation or applying pressure at certain trigger points to relieve pain rather than drugs or invasive treatments.
A study published in Cureus finds that approximately 1.2 million people end up in hospital emergency rooms every year seeking migraine treatment. That same study reports that healthcare providers traditionally prescribe opioids to patients experiencing migraine pain which can lead to dependence. In fact, 40% of all opioid overdose deaths stem from the use of prescription medications.
By visiting a doctor of chiropractic for migraines, you’ll avoid the costs of getting treatment in a hospital and won’t need to depend on potentially addictive medications.
Chiropractors Evaluate Your Entire Musculoskeletal System
You might assume that chiropractors only treat back pain. However, according to the 2010 Practice Analysis of Chiropractic, the average provider’s patient load includes 12% headache-related cases.
Experts look at the entire musculoskeletal system and identify any issues that may lead to pain in certain limbs or frequent migraines. They use these findings to treat the underlying cause of pain rather than just masking it when symptoms flare up. This provides migraine patients with long-term solutions rather than temporary pain relief.
You’ll Discuss Lifestyle Factors Contributing to Migraines
When you see a chiropractor for migraine relief, they’ll review environmental factors that may be responsible for muscle tension, such as:
- Improper posture
- Stress levels
- Poor sleep
- Activity levels
It’s possible that you’re suffering from migraines because of outside factors and need to take steps to control them. For example, a study from Georgetown University Medical Center finds that 52.5% of premenopausal women experience migraines during menstruation. Uncovering the factors that exacerbate migraine symptoms helps you minimize the severity of each attack.
Chiropractic Techniques for Treating Migraines
What can you expect when you see a doctor of chiropractic for migraines? After taking your health history and performing a quick physical exam, the doctor will decide on a proper course of treatment. Every patient receives a personalized approach based on their symptoms and physical capabilities.
If you have significant muscle tension in your neck and don’t have much range of motion, you can benefit from soft tissue therapy to reduce inflammation and pain. A patient without as much stiffness could receive a chiropractic adjustment or exercise therapy.
Experts will take you through a series of guided movements that relieve inflammation and stress. If migraines occur because of an undiagnosed issue with your spine, chiropractors will treat that problem as well. The following treatment methods prove effective for migraine patients:
- Spinal manipulation therapy: Professionals put their patients into a certain position and use a combination of pressure and movement to relieve pain and stiffness throughout the musculoskeletal system.
- Trigger point therapy: Applying pressure onto certain parts of the body relieves pain associated with migraine headaches. This treatment is great for anyone with chronic migraines because they can get relief at home using the techniques an expert teaches them in a clinic.
- Massage and soft tissue therapy: You can stimulate tense muscles or inflamed tissue by massaging the area with gentle pressure.
A major part of chiropractic treatment is educating patients on ways to relieve their symptoms. Your provider will give you tips for preventing migraines and making them less painful. This could include adjusting your posture or applying pressure to key areas when a migraine attack occurs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you have more questions about seeing a doctor of chiropractic for migraines, work injuries, or other ailments? Get the answers to some frequently asked questions below.
Can Spinal Misalignment Cause Migraines?
Yes, misaligned vertebrae along your spine can induce migraines because the nerves around the spinal cord can’t fully respond to the brain’s signals. Chiropractic adjustments help realign the spine and prevent headaches.
Can You See a Doctor of Chiropractic for Work Injury Treatment?
Yes, chiropractors can diagnose and treat certain work-related injuries, including back pain due to sitting in front of a computer or lifting heavy objects.
How Often Should You See a Chiropractor for Migraine Treatment?
You should visit a chiropractor once a week or every other week for migraine treatment. The frequency of your visits depends on the severity of your symptoms.
Choose Mount Prospect Health Center for Chiropractic Care in New Jersey
Don’t suffer from debilitating migraines anymore. Turn to Mount Prospect Health Center and our experienced doctors of chiropractic for migraines. We’ll provide effective treatments for head and neck pain and give you tips to help you reduce the symptoms at home.
Our doctors accept most insurance plans, including workers’ compensation, no-fault, and PIP (personal injury protection). Same-day appointments may be available. Call Mount Prospect Health Center at (973) 485-2332 to make an appointment.
Take advantage of chiropractic care for migraine headaches by visiting a trusted healthcare specialist.
