If You Are Dealing with Migraines in Walnut Creek, We Can Help

What are Migraines?

If you’re not sure if you have a migraine, you probably don’t have one as these types of headaches are hard to mistake for normal headaches. Migraines are a painful, often debilitating, type of headache characterized by intense, long-lasting pain.

Some people may only have migraines occasionally, but others may suffer chronically from these headaches. They are so severe that they make it impossible to go on functioning in your daily life. 

Many different factors may contribute to migraines. Most often, they are chalked up to hormonal changes, dehydration, or stress. New data suggests that irregularities in the central nervous system (CNS) may be the culprit for migraine sufferers. 

Signs and Symptoms of Migraines

Extreme headache pain is the telltale sign of a migraine. The pain may be throbbing, pulsing, or feel like it is squeezing your head. It may affect both sides or only one side of your head. 

People suffering from migraines may look flushed and their eyes may look red. They may have a runny nose, feel nauseous, or vomit. Migraines can make you extremely sensitive to sound, smells, and light. Worst of all, these headaches can last for hours, sometimes days. 

Before a migraine, some people experience what is known as the “aura” phase. Preceding the migraine they may experience flashes of light blind spots in their vision. After the migraine, many people go through the “postdrome” phase. Also known as a “migraine hangover,” during this phase you may feel weak, and tired, have trouble concentrating, and experience dizziness and/or achiness. This phase can last up to a few days.

How the Upper Cervical Spine Affects Migraines

The upper cervical spine is the top of the spinal column beginning just below the skull and brain stem. It consists of seven vertebrae that run down the neck into the lower back. The brain and spine make up the CNS.

The upper cervical area has the highest concentration of delicate nerve endings connected to the brain and the CNS. This part of the spine is also the most vulnerable. It is prone to become misaligned from jolts to the head or neck, such as fender-benders or sports injuries. Even persistently poor posture can result in misalignments of the vertebrae. Misalignments may impede the flow of signals along the CNS, resulting in a host of health problems. One such problem disrupted nerve signals may cause is migraines. 

How Our Migraine Treatment In Walnut Creek Works

Just as a misalignment of the upper cervical vertebral column can cause migraines, correction of the alignment can help alleviate the pain and decrease migraines. When the upper cervical spine is properly aligned, the nerve signal flow resumes and the body’s natural healing mechanisms are activated. This is why an upper cervical specialist may be your best option for a safe, non-invasive, drug-free treatment of migraines. 

At Advance Upper Cervical Chiropractic in Walnut Creek, we can offer elite treatment of the upper cervical spine. Owner Dr. Noah Kaplan is a board-certified specialist in the Blair Chiropractic Technique and a member of the Blair Chiropractic Society. 

The Blair technique is a modern chiropractic technique that utilizes advanced 3D diagnostic imaging to calculate spinal misalignments. Trained Blair practitioners can then make more precise corrections using far less jarring manipulations than traditional chiropractors. Using the Blair technique, Dr. Kaplan applies gentle, swift pressure to coax the spine back into a healthy state of alignment that will hold longer than those made by traditional chiropractic methods.

Dr. Kaplan’s office is the only office in the East Bay area to offer Cone Beam computed tomography (CBCT), a specialized 3D x-ray that can view the Cranio-Cervical Junction (CCJ) more thoroughly. If you are suffering from migraines, consider making an appointment to consult with the doctor. The office is located in Walnut Creek, and Dr. Kaplan also services Pleasant Hill, Concord, Lafayette, Danville, San Ramon, Dublin, Pleasanton, and Livermore.