What Causes Migraines?

Migraines are a neurological condition that can cause severe head pain and other debilitating symptoms. They are different from regular headaches in terms of intensity, duration, and accompanying symptoms. Migraines can significantly impact a person's quality of life, making it essential to understand their causes and find effective management strategies.

A migraine is a genetically acquired neurological disease. People who have migraines have changes in how their brains process information. Ther ion channels are different from those of a normal individual. This makes them more sensitive to normal everyday stimulus. For example strong smells, bright lights , and or food sensitivities can trigger a migraine attack because their neurons are “trigger happy’ compared to a normal persons’ ions channels. 

What is a Migraine and How is it Different from a Headache?

A migraine is not just a simple headache. It is a complex neurological disorder characterized by recurrent episodes of moderate to severe pain. Unlike headaches, migraines often come with additional symptoms. These symptoms can last anywhere from a few hours to several days, making it difficult for individuals to carry out their daily activities.
 

Common Symptoms of Migraines

Migraines present a wide range of symptoms, which can vary from person to person and from one episode to another. The most common symptoms include:
 

• Throbbing or pulsating head pain: The pain associated with migraines is often described as throbbing or pulsating. It tends to worsen with physical activity and can be so severe that it interferes with daily functioning.
• Sensitivity to light and sound: Many migraine sufferers experience increased sensitivity to light and sound during an attack. Exposure to bright lights or loud noises can intensify their pain and discomfort.
• Nausea and vomiting: Nausea and vomiting are common symptoms that accompany migraines. These symptoms can be severe and may further contribute to the overall distress experienced during an episode.
• Visual disturbances: Some people with migraines experience visual disturbances known as aura. These can include seeing flashing lights, blind spots, or zigzag lines. Auras typically occur before the onset of a migraine attack and can last up to an hour.

What things trigger Migraines?

There are several factors that contribute to the development of migraines. These include:
 

• Misalignment: Misalignment of the spine, particularly in the upper cervical region, has been found to play a role in migraine development. Misalignments can put pressure on nerves and blood vessels, leading to irritation and inflammation that trigger migraines.
• Muscle tension: Muscle tension in the head, neck, and shoulders can contribute to migraines. Chronic muscle tightness and spasms can cause pain and restrict blood flow to the brain, increasing the likelihood of migraine attacks.
• Neurological dysfunction: Many migraine patients have issues with coordination of their eye movements, balance issues, coordination of their arms and legs and autonomic dysfunction.
• Diet: Common triggers include processed meats, artificial sweeteners, wine, citrus fruits, cheese, coffee, chocolate, gluten, dairy, alcohol, tyramine containing foods and histamine containing foods.
• Hormonal Influences: Fluctuations in estrogen levels, particularly during the menstrual cycle, pregnancy, and menopause, can contribute to migraines in some individuals.
• Lifestyle Factors: emotional stress, lack of sleep, too much sensory stimuli, and changes in weather or barometric pressure.

Managing Migraines the Calibration Way

At Calibration Chiropractic and Functional Health we take a comprehensive approach to treating migraines. We address all the components of migraines during treatment. We will assess your structural, nutritional, hormonal, lifestyle, and neurological function to create a customized treatment protocol to reduce your migraines. 
 

Taking Control of Your Migraines with the Help of Calibration Chiropractic + Functional Health

Migraines can be debilitating, but with the right understanding and treatment, you can regain control over your life. Our care offers a natural and effective approach to managing migraines by addressing all of the components of migraines.

Schedule your consultation and take the first step towards managing your migraines effectively, visit Calibration Chiropractic + Functional Health at our office in Mansfield, Texas, or call (817) 779-3435 to book an appointment today.