All of a sudden the left side of my body went numb. At first, I thought it was from the pressure of the hair tie around my left wrist that was cutting into my circulation. Even after taking the hair tie off, the numbness got worse. Shortly after, my eyes got sensitive and I started to feel a pulsating pain at my right temple. My best friend looked at me, knew something was not right, and told the teacher she was taking me to the nurse’s office. The pain started to feel like someone was stabbing me in the head. At the nurse’s office, the pain was so unbearable that I started vomiting. I had no idea what was wrong with me and unfortunately the doctors didn’t help much either. I remember having two bottles of prescriptions: one for catching it in the beginning and one for when the headache occurred. Honestly, neither worked and I had no faith in either bottle.
This personal story was one of my most memorable migraine experiences when I was only 12 years old. I truly believe that no one can understand the severity of a true migraine headache other than a migraine patient. I was one of the lucky ones. My parents started taking me to a chiropractor when I was about 14 years old, but didn’t know it could help me with my headaches. I have not had one migraine since. In fact, I rarely ever get a headache at all. I am so lucky that I fell out of the vicious cycle of pain medications that have rough side effects and simply did not work; even better, dietary modifications or “triggers” that did nothing. I found the source of my condition, corrected it, and let my body regain its health.
What causes Migraines? How can Chiropractic care help Migraines?
In my practice, we joke about having a “Headache Club” which consists of patients, and of course myself, who have not had one migraine since they started care. Many headache patients, like me, have subluxation or misalignment to the upper cervical portion of the spine. Upper cervical subluxation is most likely caused by birthing trauma or any type of hit to the head at a young age. This subluxation interferes with the blood supply to the brain which can lead to migraine headaches. The chiropractic treatment, called an adjustment, will affect the blood supply to the brain. This is the process that Migraine medications try to mimic but of course with side effects.
Upper neck subluxation can affect health to any part of the head region including ears (children with ear infections), nose, throat, face, and even circulation to the hands. Every nerve in your body must pass through the upper cervical portion of your spine so it is imperative to the health and communication of your nervous system to make sure it is well aligned.
The health of the upper cervical portion of the spine is also imperative for proper brain function. You see, your brain is mush when you are born and movement in your spine allows the brain to grow. The most stimulation to the brain comes from the upper cervical portion of your spine. Subluxation prevents movement in a joint and thus interferes with the healthy brain stimulation. This is why I see amazing results with children who have neurological disorders such as ADHD, speech delay, and even Autism.
Is correcting subluxation the end all to Migraine Headache relief?
No, not necessarily. However, if you have tried other treatments and have had no relief, it could definitely be stemming from problems in your spine. If you have had a traumatic birthing process or impact to the head, your headaches are most likely due to subluxation. A full examination will determine if we can help you relieve your headaches.
I, and many of my patients, will never have to experience that pain ever again. Will you be the next to join the club? Call us and schedule a free consultation today 978-969-6105!
Do you know anyone who suffers from migraine headaches? Share this blog with your friends and family to teach them that there is a natural solution!