Migraines affect 38 million Americans and are a leading cause of disability. Although studies about chiropractic’s efficacy and safety for migraine headaches are limited, a 2015 survey shows that 87.2% of chiropractors report treating patients with headache problems.
What Is Chiropractic Care?
Also known as spinal manipulation, chiropractic care is a procedure wherein chiropractors use their hands or a small instrument to apply a sudden but controlled force to a spinal joint. Its goal is to improve our body’s physical function. In addition to headaches, people with low back and neck pain often seek chiropractic adjustments.
There is no special preparation or requirements needed prior to your appointment. What matters is you choose the right chiropractor for headaches and migraines if it’s what you need.
Chiropractic for Migraine: How Does It Work?
While experts are unclear on how the treatment helps with migraines and headaches, it is most likely because of its versatile approach. For example, reducing muscle tension can lessen overall musculoskeletal pain. That’s why you have to make sure that the expert you choose is not only a chiropractor for neck pain or shoulders or head. In other words, choose a versatile chiropractor.
When treating migraine headaches, chiropractors perform spinal adjustments or manipulation to lessen stress and improve spinal function. This treatment also involves:
- Massage, including kneading of joints and muscles
- Myofascial release massage is aimed at the membranes, which connect and support muscles
- Trigger point therapies, which target tense areas within muscles
In addition, The American Chiropractic Association (ACA) also recommends lifestyle management, including:
- Changing diet and taking supplements, like Vitamin B complex
- Avoiding heavy exercise and starting to walk and do low impact aerobics
- Posture advice, such as sitting correctly at work
Other lifestyle suggestions are as follows:
- Teeth clenching, which can stress the jaw joint and trigger headaches
- Encouraging patients to drink plenty of water every day to prevent dehydration that triggers headaches.
Chiropractic Care for Migraines in Pregnant Women
Experts recommend chiropractic adjustments rather than preventive medications for pregnant women suffering from migraine headaches. Unlike chiropractic, preventive drugs might affect the patient and her developing fetus.
While there’s little research on the use of chiropractic for migraine during pregnancy, a 2009 case study suggests that it may be safe and effective.
The subject of the study is a 24-year old pregnant woman who had experienced chronic migraine headaches for twelve years. She had previous unsuccessful treatments that included massage, physical, and complementary therapy. She also took a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug with codeine, resulting in temporary relief.
After chiropractor sessions and some additional therapies, her symptoms improved, and she became independent from medication.
Choosing the Right Chiropractor
Your chiropractor is your partner in your spine, joints, and muscle health. You depend on their knowledge and expertise to help you recover not only from your migraine headaches but also from an injury or other spine conditions.
Here are some ways to find a chiropractic professional to ensure you choose the right one:
- Ask for recommendations
- Research the chiropractor’s credentials
- Consider their experience
- Read previous patients’ testimonials and reviews
- Assess their communication style
- Ask about their telehealth capabilities
- Know what your insurance covers
For your chiropractic needs in the UK, you may reach out to The Neuro-Muscular Clinic. They don’t only have chiropractic adjustments for migraines, but they also have an expert chiropractor for shoulder pain.