Migraines are extremely painful headaches that can be debilitating for days at a time. In the time leading up to the attack, you may begin to experience light sensitivity, fatigue, a ringing in your ears, or vision problems. In the thick of the attack, you may suffer from severe head pain, muscle weakness, nausea, or vomiting. This can go on for hours, or days. After the worst is over, you may still suffer from exhaustion or a poor appetite for yet another day or two.
When you do feel a migraine coming on, here are some tips for helping you get through it.
1) Retreat to a Dark, Quiet, Comfortable Place
Research suggests that migraines may be caused by abnormal brain activity that affects nerve signals. This may change the way your brain processes light, sound, and smells. When you feel a migraine coming on, you may be able to keep the pain at bay—or at least minimize it—by going somewhere that allows you to avoid these stimuli.
2) Try Warm or Cold Compresses
Cold sensations can distract you from the pain by stimulating other nerve endings and may have a somewhat numbing effect. Prepare an ice pack for a cold compress, and protect your skin by placing a towel over the area before using the ice pack.
Warm compresses can help you relax and soothe those tense muscles. Make a warm compress by dipping a towel in hot water and wringing it out; place it on your head or the back of your neck once it is warm. Alternatively, you can use a heating pad, take a warm shower, or sit in a warm bath.
3) Get Hydrated
For approximately one-third of migraine sufferers, dehydration can trigger an attack. Keeping yourself hydrated in general may help prevent attacks. If you do feel a migraine coming on, getting well-hydrated may help it pass more quickly.
4) Destress Yourself
Stress can contribute to migraine attacks by making them more frequent, or more severe. Anything you can do to help relax your muscles when you feel a migraine coming on may help prevent it or help it pass quicker. Try meditation, mindfulness, or rubbing your temples with your thumbs.
How Our Migraine Treatment in Walnut Creek Works
The upper cervical spine consists of the top seven vertebrae of the spinal column that begin just below the skull and brain stem. A misalignment of vertebrae in this area can cause inflammation and swelling that compress nerves and blood vessels. New research suggests this inflammation may be the root cause of migraines for some people.
Correcting the upper cervical spine’s alignment helps alleviate nerve compression and reduces tension and stress in the neck area. The body’s natural healing processes then kick in and repair the damage, restoring proper functions.
Advanced Upper Cervical Chiropractic in Walnut Creek is owned by elite upper cervical specialist, Dr. Noah Kaplan. As a member of the Blair Chiropractic Society, Dr. Kaplan is a Board Certified practitioner of the Blair Chiropractic Technique.
The Blair Technique is a modern chiropractic technique that utilizes state-of-the-art technology to accurately measure and calculate each patient’s spine. Cone Beam computed tomography (CBCT) has revolutionized the chiropractic industry, and Dr. Kaplan’s office is the only office in the East Bay area that offers this technology.
Once any misalignments are detected, the doctor can make more precise corrections using a gentler touch than traditional chiropractic methods. Chiropractic care offers a safe, non-invasive, drug-free treatment for migraines.
If you are suffering from migraines, make an appointment for a consultation with Dr. Kaplan. The office is located in Walnut Creek, California, but Dr. Kaplan also services Pleasant Hill, Concord, Lafayette, Danville, San Ramon, Dublin, Pleasanton, and Livermore.
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