Don’t let migraines control your life. Our Richmond, VA, chiropractic specialist can help!

A migraine is a severe pounding headache that can last anywhere from a couple of hours to a few days. The pain can be excruciating, making it impossible to do anything but curl up in bed with the lights off. If you are someone who suffers from frequent or severe migraines, you may be relieved to hear that our Richmond chiropractor Dr. Scott Shaw can help!

What are the symptoms of a migraine?

A migraine can last anywhere from four to 72 hours if left untreated, and auras (e.g. flashes of light or visual disturbances) are often the first indicators of an impending migraine. Other symptoms include,

• Throbbing or pulsing headache on one or both sides of the head
• Sensitivity to light and sound
• Nausea and/or vomiting
• Blurred vision
• Dizzy or lightheaded
• Feeling faint

If you’ve been dealing with symptoms of a migraine it’s important that you make note of the symptoms that you’ve been experiencing so you can talk to your doctor about your headaches. If pain is severe, debilitating, or accompanied by a head injury, it’s important that you seek immediate medical attention.

What causes migraines?

Figuring out what triggers your migraines is crucial, as you may be able to prevent a headache if you avoid the trigger altogether. While genes may play a role in who develops migraines there are environmental factors that can also trigger attacks. Common triggers include,

• Hormonal fluctuations in women (e.g. menstrual cycle; pregnancy)
• Certain foods such as salty and processed foods
• Skipping meals or fasting
• Food additives (E.g. aspartame; MSG)
• Caffeine or alcohol
• Stress
• Loud sounds
• Strong smells (e.g. perfume; smoke)
• Jet lag or poor sleep
• Extreme physical exertion (e.g. marathon running)
• Environmental changes (e.g. weather; barometric pressure)
• Certain medications (e.g. birth control pills)

How can a chiropractor treat my migraine symptoms?

One of the main goals of chiropractic treatment is to improve the alignment of the body to reduce pain and improve overall functionality and mobility. It’s also great for stimulating the body’s natural healing process.

Spinal manipulation is the most popular chiropractic treatment we offer here in Richmond, VA, because it can target a wide range of musculoskeletal complaints such as neck and back pain, headaches, migraines, and joint problems.

When the spine is out of alignment, this impacts the nerves, which can then lead to migraines. By realigning the spine, we can reduce tension and improve how the nerves, ligaments, and tissue in the body function as a whole to reduce your risk for the condition.

There are also lifestyle modifications we can recommend to reduce migraine triggers such as eating a healthy diet, avoiding caffeine and alcohol, getting regular exercise, and getting quality sleep every night.

Need relief? Give us a call!

Are you living with migraines in Richmond, VA? If so, it’s time to see how the team at Shaw Chiropractic Center can help—dial (804) 741-3068 today!