Migraines are very common, over 12% of the U.S population suffer from them. Statistically women are more likely to have migraines than men. Migraine also tends to run in families, if a parent suffers from migraines there is a 40% chance that the child will suffer from them as well.
Migraines are more than headaches. They can be debilitating and can detract from quality of life. Someone with a migraine is going to face challenges at work, school or home. The majority of people that suffer from migraines are unable to continue with work or life normally when they have a migraine, and millions of people have chronic migraines, migraines occurring more than 15 days a month for more than six months.
Migraines usually produce intense throbbing on one or both sides of the head. Often nausea, dizziness, and vomiting accompany an attack. There will usually be extreme sensitivity to touch, sounds, smells and light. Sometimes there will be numbness or tingling around the face.
36 million people suffer from migraines in the United States. The majority of people that suffer from migraines do not seek medical attention. The pain and difficulty of dealing with a migraine can be overlooked or ignored by people that have not suffered from one. That may be one of the reason that people don’t seek help, they may feel that a migraine is something they just have to live with, or deal with on their own.
Those that do seek medical attention often seem to try medication after medication and suffer through the side effects without finding relief. Migraine is a neurological disorder. It is characterized by the over excitability of areas of the brain. Because migraines are still not well understood, the medication can be guesswork to a certain extent.
Migraines begin with decreased blood flow to the brain. The blood vessels constrict, reducing flow and leading to many of the symptoms that people can use to tell that an attack is imminent. After the constriction the blood pressure in the head increases quickly, As the heart beats it sends wave after wave of blood, leading to the pounding sensation that accompanies headaches.
There are many things that can trigger a migraine, but the reason the blood vessels constrict in the first place is not completely known. Triggers like foods that high in amino acid, flickering lights, strong smells, lack of sleep or even changes in the weather can bring on an attack. Learning what may trigger your particular attacks and making a lifestyle change can help you to avoid migraines.
Each individual is different, so Dr. Elsey will take the time to become familiar with your situation. Spine manipulation can be very helpful when addressing migraines, in conjunction with avoiding food and lifestyle triggers.
If you are suffering from migraines call our office. We can help!
