What are migraines?
A migraine is a sudden headache that causes intense, throbbing pain on one side of your head. Often, it’s accompanied by nausea, vomiting, and increased sensitivity to light and sound.
Migraines are different from tension or cluster headaches in that they can last hours or even days. Without diagnosis and treatment, migraines can interfere with your quality of life, keeping you from work or other activities you enjoy.
What are the symptoms of migraines?
Common symptoms of migraines include:
- Mood changes
- Neck stiffness
- Frequent yawning
- Vision loss
- Difficulty speaking
- Throbbing or pulsing pain
- Nausea
Following a migraine, it’s normal to feel worn out or exhausted.
What causes migraines?
Experts aren’t entirely sure what causes migraines, but several factors are thought to play a role, including genetics and certain environmental factors. Imbalances in brain chemicals might also contribute. Currently, scientists are studying the effect of serotonin in migraines.
Some people are also susceptible to migraine triggers. Some of the most common migraine triggers include hormonal changes, stress, weather changes, and consuming certain foods and beverages.
Who is at risk of experiencing migraines?
Migraines affect people of all ages and races, but several factors may increase your risk, including:
- Being in your teens or 20s
- Being a woman
- Having a family history of migraines
- Having your period
You’re also more likely to experience migraines if you’re going through menopause. Menopause occurs when a woman goes 12 consecutive months without a menstrual cycle.
How are migraines diagnosed?
To diagnose migraines, Little Elm Chiropractic reviews your medical history, asks about your symptoms, and conducts a comprehensive physical. Usually, these measures are enough to make recommendations for treatment. If your provider suspects another more serious problem, they might recommend additional tests like a computed tomography (CT) scan or an MRI.
How are migraines treated?
Little Elm Chiropractic uses holistic, integrative treatments to manage chronic migraines. Depending on the frequency and intensity of your headaches, they might recommend:
- Routine chiropractic adjustments
- Massage therapy
- CBD products
- Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS)
- Dietary changes
- Biofreeze®
If your headaches persist or get worse, you might benefit from nutritional supplements or dietary modifications. Following an in-office consultation, the team can make recommendations to align with your needs.
Don’t let migraines prevent you from living your best life. To schedule an appointment at Little Elm Chiropractic, call to speak with the administrative staff or click the online booking tool.
