Nearly half of the world’s population suffers from migraines or headaches, according to recent estimates. Dealing with life’s daily stresses is compounded for those with a headache disorder, and even more so if they would like an actual diagnosis so they can treat the problem. Another challenge for headache sufferers is finding a physician who will look deeper than treating symptoms and who will search out the reason behind their frequent headaches. The good news is that there are specific neurological explanations for several of these disorders.
The brainstem acts as a communication messaging board between the body and the brain. It located within the top portion of the neck and is the path through which communication signals are sent and received. If anything slows or disrupts this communication route, it can hinder oxygen, cerebrospinal fluid, and blood flow to the brain.
The upper neck vertebrae are located at the base of the skull, housing the brainstem, which acts as a bridge between the brain and the body. When these vertebrae shift from their proper position, it can disrupt healthy blood flow and distort neurological function. How can you know if a misalignment has happened, and what can you do about it?
Upper cervical chiropractors are specially trained to identify even the slightest misalignment to the uppermost vertebrae. Their examinations are not only thorough but they also use digital imaging and other specialized equipment to measure your subluxation exactly. This is how upper cervical chiropractors are able to provide gentle, precise and effective adjustments that last longer than the typical ones that involve a cracking or popping sound.
In most cases, family physicians do not know to consider the possibility of a misalignment being the cause of conditions like migraines and headaches. The usual protocol is to rule out food or environmental triggers, but lasting relief can be hard to grasp going these routes. Getting the health of your upper cervical region of the spine checked to be sure that it is properly aligned can open communication and nutrient flow routes that are vital for neurological health. Many patients who pursue this kind of treatment experience immense benefits that can result in permanent relief.
References:
Stovner LJ, Hagen K, Jensen R, Katsarva Z, Lipton R, Scher A, Steiner T, Zwart JA. The global burden of headache: a documentation of headache prevalence and disability worldwide. Cephalgia 2007;27(3):193-210.
Hope through Research. www.ninds.nih.gov/health_and_medical/pubs/headche. Bethesda, Maryland: National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, National Institute of Ebersberger A. Pathophysiology of migraine: models to explain the generation of migraine headache. Anaesthesist 2002 Aug; 51 (8): 661-7.
Hamel E. Current concepts of migraine pathophysiology. Can J Clin Pharmacol 1999
Elster EL. Upper cervical chiropractic care for a patient with chronic migraine headaches with an appendix summarizing an additional 100 headache cases. J Vert Sublux Res
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