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A common misconception is that a migraine is just a really bad headache. In fact, a migraine is actually a neurological condition. The bad headache that accompanies a migraine is just one symptom. It’s a symptom that doesn’t even have to be present for a migraine to occur. A migraine episode lasts longer than the actual headache (if a headache is present). This article will describe the four phases of migraine and introduce you to a relief that has been successful for migraine patients.
Migraine Phase #1 – Prodrome
Since migraines are a neurological condition, there are neurological signs that an observant person can pick up on before any head pain or other symptoms start. Approximately 30-40% of migraine sufferers experience the prodrome phase. Symptoms of this phase can vary from person to person and even from episode to episode for the same person. Some of the prodrome phase symptoms include the following:
- Mood changes such as irritability, anxiety, or depression
- Neck pain
- Excessive yawning
- GI symptoms such as constipation or diarrhea
- Fatigue
- Food cravings
- Difficulty finding the words to say something
Migraine Phase #2 – Aura
The aura phase is most known for its visual symptoms, like seeing flashing or zig-zagging lights that are not actually present. About 25% of migraine sufferers experience the aura phase. If they don’t experience the prodrome phase, they might experience the aura phase, and it can help serve as a warning that a migraine is coming on. Listed below are some of the aura phase symptoms:
- Visual disturbances such as blind spots, floaters, hazy vision, zig-zag lines, or flickering light
- Hearing changes, including loss of hearing or hearing sounds that aren’t actually present
- Vertigo or dizziness
- Confusion
- Hypersensitivity to touch
Migraine Phase #3 – Headache
The headache phase is what migraines are most known for. This phrase is when the head pain begins and often forces people to stop what they are doing and seek out relief. For some, a dark, quiet room helps. Others rely on pain medication. A migraine headache is usually different from other types of headaches. It usually affects a person in the following ways:
- Pain is most frequently on one side of the head
- Pain is throbbing or pulsating
- Adults experience the headache for 4-72 hours.
- Children experience the headache for a shorter amount of time than adults.
- Sometimes migraines are misdiagnosed as sinus headaches because the pain can occur in the area of the sinuses, jaw, and eyes (this is due to the trigeminal nerve being irritated)
In addition to having a headache, or sometimes without the presence of a headache, this phase can include other symptoms:
- Neck pain
- Nausea or vomiting
- Runny nose or nasal congestion
- Vertigo or dizziness
- Extreme sensitivity to light, sound, and smell
- Issues with temperature regulation leading to hot flashes or chills
- Anxiety or panic
Migraine Phase #4 – Postdrome
After the symptoms from the headache phase subside, the postdrome phase is when additional changes happen in the body as it tries to recover from the migraine episode. This phase is often called a “migraine hangover” because a person feels drained from the migraine episode and may still have lingering symptoms. Interestingly, the symptoms in this phase can be the opposite of how a person felt in the prodrome phase. For example, if someone was feeling fatigued during the prodrome phase, they might feel energetic during the postdrome phase. If this reversal of symptoms does not happen, the following symptoms are very common:
- Fatigue
- Reduced cognitive function such as poor comprehension and lack of ability to concentrate
- Mood changes that can range from depression to feelings of euphoria
Upper Cervical Chiropractic Relief Care for Migraines
Many migraine sufferers are left feeling hopeless when they continue to experience migraine episodes even though they are taking prescription medication and trying to avoid any personal triggers. However, there is hope for relief through upper cervical chiropractic care. Instead of relieving migraine symptoms, this type of care tries to get at the cause of migraines.
While migraines are a complex condition and seem to be caused by a variety of factors, one factor that many migraine sufferers have in common is neck pain and neck misalignment. Upper cervical chiropractors are experts who focus on the two uppermost vertebrae of the spine, known as the atlas (C1) and axis (C2). These vertebrae are the part of the spine through which the brainstem passes. Considering that migraines are a neurological condition, it’s easy to see how these two vertebrae could affect the central nervous system if they were not in proper alignment.
When the atlas and axis misalign, they are often stuck in a tilted position that puts pressure on the brainstem. This pressure can do a number of things. It can prevent or distort messages traveling to and from the brain via the spinal cord. It can create a partial blockage to blood and cerebral spinal fluid going to and from the brain. It can also irritate nerves in the area and cause inflammation. All of these effects make it harder for the central nervous system and the body as a whole to function properly. They also create an environment in which migraines are more likely to occur. Fixing the problem is often simple enough with the help of a professional: an upper cervical chiropractor.
Consult with Us for Migraine Relief
At Source Chiropractic and Wellness, in Draper, Utah, we want to help you find relief from your migraines and feel better in general. If we determine that you are in need of an adjustment to your atlas or axis vertebra, we use a gentle technique to encourage the bones to move back into their correct alignment. Many migraine patients notice an improvement in their condition after the first visit. Ongoing care can help them fully recover and maintain their health. If you are looking for migraine relief, contact our office today to see what upper cervical care can do for you.
References:
http://www.merckmanuals.com/professional/neurologic-disorders/headache/migraine
https://migraine.com/migraine-basics/migraine-phases/
https://www.migrainetrust.org/about-migraine/migraine-what-is-it/symptoms-and-stages/
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