How Do Chronic Migraines Affect People?

Migraine chiropractors in South Carolina often get a lot of questions about migraines. Most of the questions center on the symptoms, triggers, and effects of this neurological condition. In this blog post, we will provide the answers to these sought-after questions about migraines:

• What are the symptoms of migraines?
• How do chronic migraines affect people?
• What can trigger a migraine attack?
• Is there a natural solution for migraines? 

Migraines and Their Symptoms

Migraines are very disabling. They can make patients suffer from extreme headaches and other symptoms for a couple of days or even weeks. However, some people experience migraine headaches on 15 or more days per month — chronic migraines as doctors call it.

Patients with chronic migraines may feel that relief is impossible, which is not true as there are numerous options out there to manage their symptoms. 

Chronic migraines display the same warning signs as typical migraines, except they come with additional challenges because they happen so often. Migraines can cause the following:

• Intense pounding or throbbing headache
• Pain often on one side of the head, but can also be on both sides
• Visual disturbances
• Dizziness
• Nausea and vomiting
• Sensitivity to light, sounds, and certain odors

Besides those symptoms, people with chronic migraines may have additional things to face:

• Depression
• Anxiety disorders
• Sleep problems

According to the Migraine Research Foundation, about 88% of people with chronic migraines have at least one other disorder that occurs with it. Chronic migraines may also coexist with other disorders such as the following:

• Arthritis
• Hypertension
• Bipolar disorder

Recognized Causes of Migraines

There are many theories as to how migraines occur. One theory is that migraines originate from underlying neurological abnormalities produced by genetic mutations at work in the brain.

Migraines can also be due to a problem in the trigeminal nerve, a vital part of the nervous system. The trigeminal nerve is a system of nerves that connects to sensors in the muscles, tendons, facial skin, and other parts of the face and head area. When the system malfunctions, electrochemical activity occurs within the surface of the brain. People with migraines start to experience odd sensations, such as visual disturbances, headaches, and nausea. 

Migraine Triggers You Should Be Aware Of 

Some things can bring about a migraine attack. Watching out for these triggers can help you avoid or minimize future episodes of migraines. Some of the common migraine triggers include the following:

• Bright, flashing lights

Exposure to sunlight can prompt a migraine episode. Also, bright lights can cause severe migraine headaches, which happened half of the time in migraine patients who participated in a study. Wearing sunglasses, a hat, and avoiding sunny or bright places can help. 

• Loud noises 

Too loud or disturbing noises like fireworks, concerts, or construction can bring on a migraine. Specific patterns of sound can also instigate symptoms of migraines. Wear earplugs to block noises around you.

• Odd or strong odors

Cigarette smoke, perfumes, and the smell of foods — all these can trigger a migraine or make an existing episode much worse. 

• Hunger

Skipping meals can reduce your blood sugar, resulting in migraines. 

• Physical activity

Too much or too intense exercise can make migraine episodes worse. Exercise moderation is the key to steer clear of migraines. 

• Dehydration

Be sure to drink 8 to 12 cups of water every day to keep yourself hydrated. A migraine attack is likely to happen if you are not drinking enough water.

• Hormones

Three times  as many women get migraines than men do. Many female migraineurs report having migraine attacks during menstruation. Oral contraceptives are also another culprit. Pregnancy may bring relief or worsen migraine headaches. 

• Changes in the weather

Many migraineurs also experience attacks when the temperature changes from hot to cold. Lightning and thunderstorms are also to blame in some cases. 

• Certain medications

Overuse of painkillers and other medications may result in more frequent or worse headaches.

• Caffeine

Too little or too much intake of caffeinated beverages such as coffee and energy drinks can bring about migraine headaches. Also, know that some over-the-counter medications contain caffeine. 

• Food additives

MSG, aspartame, and other flavor enhancers can also cause migraines. 

• Food

According to a study, about 12 to 60% of patients report foods as their main migraine trigger. Here’s a list of migraine food triggers.

• Salty foods
• Chocolate
• Aged cheeses
• Citrus fruits
• Spicy foods
• Processed meat such as bacon, pepperoni, salami, and sausage

Lasting Relief for Chronic Migraines

Patients who live with chronic migraines live in constant fear that another migraine attack can be just around the corner as soon as they recover from one headache. 

One relief option that has been backed by studies as a successful chronic migraine solution is upper cervical chiropractic care. Doctors who practice upper cervical chiropractic focus on the topmost bones of the upper cervical spine — the C1 and C2 vertebrae. They make sure that these bones maintain their proper alignment. 

As mentioned above, researchers believe that issues in the central nervous system (CNS) cause migraines. The C1 and C2 vertebrae are vital parts of the (CNS) as they protect the brainstem, which is the body part that facilitates blood flow leaving and getting into the brain. Damage of the brainstem can irritate the nerves surrounding it, disrupting the communication of signals in the brain and body. This results in many health problems, such as migraines.

Here at Upper Cervical Health & Restoration in Seneca, South Carolina, we use a gentle technique to adjust the misaligned C1 and C2 bones. We use scientific measurements and devices to identify the misalignments. We adjust the vertebrae accordingly, gently encouraging the bones to return to their correct positions. 

After receiving upper cervical chiropractic care, migraine headaches in patients can be less severe and less frequent or disappear entirely. Contact us to start consulting with trustworthy migraine chiropractors in South Carolina.