Everyone gets headaches from time to time, but migraines are a different story. It’s a form of severe headache that can be intense enough to influence time away from work, school, and family obligations. Migraine sufferers can find their lives significantly disrupted by persistent and consistent headaches. With proper treatment from a chiropractor in Houston, TX, however, it’s possible to reduce the effects of migraine headaches.
For many of those who live with migraines, quick fixes like coffee and other caffeinated beverages are a go-to for attempting to alleviate symptoms. However, while these kinds of things work for normal headaches, they can worsen the effects of a migraine.
The Problems With Migraines
Migraines are more than just a bad headache; they can significantly affect day-to-day life. Around 12% of Americans get migraines, most of whom are women between the ages of 15 and 55. It is more prevalent in those with a family history of migraines and regularly co-occurs with mental illness.
“Migraines are more prevalent in those with a family history of migraines and regularly co-occur with mental illness.”
Migraines are more than just physical, however; those who suffer see effects in all areas of life. Negative consequences include:
- Missed work and compromised work performance
- Trouble sleeping
- A compromised diet due to trouble eating on migraine days
- Interference with hobbies
- Less time spent with family and friends
- Increased risk of anxiety or depression
Ongoing migraines can also have physical effects, like neck pain and back pain.
Treating Migraines
The specific cause of migraines is not known, making treatment through standard medical avenues a challenge. Many doctors believe that migraines are related to abnormal changes in the brain. It leads to inflammation in a way that puts pressure on the nerves.
Most doctors offer limited care options for migraines that focus primarily on medication use, including triptan drugs, ergotamine drugs, and standard pain relievers. These may provide some relief but are more effective in masking symptoms than actually treating the condition. Other patients may seek piercings and Botox treatment with varying but largely limited results.
Chiropractic Care for Migraines
In many cases, migraines can be triggered by things like stress on the body, creating issues that prescription medicine can’t fix.
Addressing migraines often means focusing on triggers. It can vary from one person to another and can range from hormonal shifts to poor posture. For many patients, even those with outside triggers, postural issues can increase the severity of a migraine as well as increase the frequency.
“When the body is under stress from things like sitting hunched over a computer all day, health consequences are possible,” says Dr. Franson. “In these cases, chiropractic alignment can correct postural problems that are contributing to inflammation in the brain and, consequently, severe headaches.”
“Drinking caffeine in an attempt to stave off a migraine is an effort to stop symptoms but fails to address underlying causes,” he explains. “To get any relief, you need to target pain at the source, not just on the surface. That’s where a chiropractor can help.”
Seeking Chiropractic Care
When you visit your Houston chiropractor for migraines and associated neck pain or back pain, your doctor will help you find a treatment that addresses all of your needs.
“Visit a Houston chiropractor for migraines and associated neck pain or back pain.”
Treatment by a chiropractor can vary from patient to patient based on physical condition and desired results. But often, it includes realignment of the spine to improve posture as well as feedback on things like diet and nutrition, advice related to ergonomics to improve comfort and posture while at work, and exercises and stretches that can alleviate future issues. With ongoing treatment from a chiropractor in Houston, it’s possible to deal with chronic pain in a responsible and sustainable way.
If you live with migraines, there are treatment alternatives beyond standard pain and migraine medications. Due to the connections between posture and migraine frequency and intensity, a chiropractor can offer valuable treatments that will minimize the effects of migraines will also preventing problems in the future.
Contact Houston Chiropractor Dr. Franson to Get Experienced Help for Your Migraines
If you are seeking chiropractic care in the greater Houston area, Dr. Franson can help. With a wide range of experience and expertise, he can provide comprehensive treatments for your migraines. Contact us today to schedule an appointment.
Suffering from Migraines? Ditch the Coffee and Start Treatment Says Dr. Brett Franson | Franson Chiropractor, Houston, TX
