Why Do I Keep Getting Migraines?

Migraines are a common problem for millions of Americans. While many people consider migraines as just headaches, they’re actually a complex neurological condition that can cause a wide range of symptoms, including chronic pain, nausea, and sensitivity to light and sound. 

At The Clinic Houston Chiropractic in Katy, Texas, chiropractor Michael Shiha, DC, uses chiropractic care to complement traditional migraine treatments, such as prescription medication and trigger avoidance.

Read on to learn what causes migraines and how chiropractic care can help support your treatment efforts. 

What are migraines?

A migraine is a neurological condition that typically causes severe pain on one side of your head. Unlike tension headaches, which last about half an hour and feel like a rubber band is being stretched across your forehead, migraines cause an intense throbbing sensation that lasts for hours or, in some cases, days. 

Many people with migraines also experience symptoms that worsen with physical activity and/or exposure to light, smells, and sounds. You may even have to miss work or other activities to sit in a dark room and wait for your migraine to pass.

Common migraine triggers

Another thing that makes migraine headaches unique is that they’re often brought on by specific triggers. A trigger is something you do or encounter in your environment, increasing the likelihood of a migraine attack. Common migraine triggers include:

• Poor posture
• Stress
• Spinal misalignment
• Temporomandibular joint dysfunction (TMD)
• Muscle tension

Lifestyle factors can also increase your risk of migraines. For example, you might notice you get headaches whenever you’re dehydrated, overly tired, or hungry. 

Since migraine headaches are often tied to issues with your musculoskeletal and nervous system, chiropractic care can be a safe and effective complementary treatment.

How chiropractic care can help with migraines

Chiropractic care uses a combination of hands-on therapy, spinal adjustments, and healthy lifestyle changes to support musculoskeletal and nervous system health. The theory behind chiropractic care is that when your spine and joints are aligned, your body moves better, and you feel better. 

While research is limited, a growing body of evidence suggests that regular spinal adjustments can reduce pressure on your nervous system, decrease inflammation, and increase blood flow to your brain. And since it’s entirely drug-free, you may be able to cut back on migraine medications that cause unpleasant side effects.

After discussing your symptoms, completing a physical exam, and reviewing diagnostic imaging, we make personalized care recommendations that may include supportive therapies such as myofascial release, postural education, and ergonomic tips for work and home.

When to see a chiropractor for migraines

Make an appointment with our caring team if you experience migraine headaches one or more times per month and they keep you from work or other activities you enjoy. This is especially true if your headaches occur alongside stress or tension in your neck and shoulders. 

Chiropractic care isn’t necessarily a quick fix, but patients who commit to regular spinal adjustments and healthy lifestyle changes often notice an improvement in the intensity and frequency of their migraines over time. Many are also better able to identify triggers and avoid them. 

Schedule chiropractic care for migraine relief

Migraine headaches can be debilitating, but you don’t have to accept the status quo. Including chiropractic care in your treatment regimen may provide the relief you’ve been looking for. 

To learn more, call Dr. Shiha at 346-387-0622 or request an appointment online today.