Chiropractic For Migraine: Does It Work?

The evidence for the effectiveness of chiropractic for migraines is limited. However, some studies suggest that it may be as effective as other preventative drugs that doctors prescribe for the condition.

According to the oldest 2011 research, there may be some benefits to having chiropractic treatment to prevent migraines. Chiropractic is an alternative and complementary medicine that treats conditions affecting bones, muscles, nerves, ligaments, and tendons.

People can see a chiropractor for migraine because they often have associated symptoms, such as neck pain and stiffness, which chiropractors commonly treat. According to American Chiropractic Association (ACA), treatment may involve spinal manipulations and soft tissue therapies, as well as lifestyle counseling on nutrition, exercise, and posture.

The Migraine Research Foundation report that 39 million people in the United States suffer from migraines. It is more common in people between the ages of 18 and 44.

Keep reading to learn more about using chiropractic for migraine, how it works, how safe it is, and how effective it is during pregnancy.

Migraine has no cure, and many medications that doctors prescribe for migraine have serious side effects. For this reason, individuals often opt for alternative or complementary therapies, such as chiropractic.

Although the symptoms of migraines vary, more than 75% of people with the disease, associated neck pain. Many of them also report muscle tension, neck stiffness, and jaw function issues.

Doctors typically prescribe nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, muscle relaxants, and physical therapy to treat these associated symptoms. However, these treatments do not completely solve the problems underlying the symptoms. The expertise of a chiropractor includes the treatment of these symptoms and often relieves the underlying problems.

The evidence for the safety and effectiveness of chiropractic treatment for migraines is limited but encouraging. One older 2011 review evaluated clinical trials on the effects of chiropractic spinal manipulation, massage therapy, and physiotherapy for migraine headaches.

The results suggest that each of the therapies may be as effective as conventional preventative drugs, such as propranolol (Inderal) and topiramate (Topamax). However, the review found gaps in clinical trials, which led the authors to request further studies, following strict clinical guidelines.

Despite limited research on chiropractic for migraine headaches, treating the condition accounts for a substantial percentage of practitioner workload.

A 2017 survey surveyed 1,869 chiropractors to determine the prevalence of migraine treatment and management. The results showed that 53% had a high workload among people with migraine headaches.

To treat migraines, chiropractors perform spinal adjustments or manipulations to reduce stress and improve spinal function. The treatment too understand soft tissue therapies, which may involve:

  • massage, which includes kneading the joints and muscles
  • myofascial release massage targeting membranes that connect and support muscles
  • trigger point therapies that target tight areas in muscles

According to TO THAT, chiropractic for migraines also offers lifestyle management suggestions, such as:

  • make dietary changes and take B-complex vitamins
  • avoid strenuous exercise and encourage walking and low-impact aerobics
  • advice on posture, such as sitting correctly at work

Additionally, chiropractic may include other lifestyle recommendations that can help prevent migraines. Examples include advice on clenching teeth, which can stress the jaw joint and trigger headaches, and encourage people to drink plenty of water each day to prevent dehydration, which is another trigger for it. headache.

The goal of a chiropractor when treating migraines is to reduce pain and maximize neuromusculoskeletal health. Experts aren’t sure exactly how the treatment helps, but believe it’s likely due to its multi-faceted approach. For example, reducing muscle tension can decrease overall musculoskeletal pain.

Some experts are concerned that the side effects of preventative drugs could affect the health of a pregnant person and the developing fetus.

As such, a pregnant person might consider taking additional therapy, such as chiropractic.

There is little research on the use of chiropractic for migraine during pregnancy. However, a former case study 2009 suggests that it can be safe and effective.

The study involved a 24-year-old woman who was pregnant and had suffered from chronic migraines for 12 years. His previous unsuccessful treatments included massage therapy, physiotherapy, and some other type of complementary therapy. She also took nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs with codeine, but this only provided minor temporary relief.

After chiropractic spinal manipulation treatment and complementary therapies, her symptoms improved and she became independent of medication. More research is needed, but the case study suggests that chiropractic may be safe and effective for treating migraines during pregnancy.

People often see a chiropractor for migraine treatment because they get relief from the disease but don’t experience the side effects that they can get from medications.

Studies are limited, but earlier research indicates that chiropractic can help treat migraines.

Even fewer studies have examined the use of chiropractic treatment for migraines during pregnancy, but a case study suggests that it is effective and safe.

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