Migraines and headaches are similar in that they both cause a person pain in the region of the head. Migraines usually have a headache as a symptom. There are two types of headaches—primary and secondary. Here’s a brief breakdown of what causes these to occur:
Primary headaches are due to lack of blood and oxygen to the brain and/or nerve damage.
Secondary headaches are due to external or environmental factors. For example:
- Too much or too little caffeine
- Certain foods
- Weather conditions
- Concussions – When a part of the brain (cerebrum) collides with the skull causing bruising
- Whiplash – Overextending of the neck muscles due to a forceful blow
As one can see, some of the triggers of secondary headaches can be avoided if recognized. Others, however, are unavoidable. No matter what type of a headache a person is experiencing, the main concern is finding help for it. This requires discovery of what may be the underlying cause. A good place to begin that search is to make an appointment with an upper cervical chiropractor. Why is that the case?
Alleviating Migraines and Other Headache Types with Proper Spinal Alignment
Often a headache or a migraine can be linked to a misalignment in the upper cervical spine, particularly the C1 and C2 vertebrae. These are the top two bones of the neck often referred to as the atlas and axis. The reason that a misalignment here leads to headaches and migraines is because of the fact that these bones have the job of protecting the brainstem. However, a misalignment affects that arrangement. It is possible for the misalignment to put pressure on the brainstem causing a change in blood and oxygen flow to and from the brain. Signals being sent to and from the brain and body may also be altered. These are the perfect conditions for headaches and migraines to occur.
By using a gentle method to help the bones realign themselves naturally, this misalignment can be corrected. Communication, blood flow, and oxygen flow can all be restored. This often leads to fewer headaches and migraines overall. Some see their head pain go away entirely.
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