Migraines are a common, disabling condition. They affect about one in five people at some point in their lives and are the second leading cause of disability in adults in the United States. According to statistics, migraine is responsible for more than $11 billion annually in lost productivity, direct expense, and indirect cost.
Migraines can get triggered by several factors, including hormonal shifts, food sensitivities, and overuse or misuse of certain drugs or medications. They can also stem from a head injury, although this type of migraine is rare compared with others that develop without any identifiable cause.
As you read on, you will learn about how injuries and concussions can lead to migraines and where you can potentially find a source of lasting Oklahoma City, OK Migraine relief.
What are concussions?
A concussion is a traumatic brain injury. It manifests after a blow to the head that causes the brain to move inside its skull. It often results in nausea, vomiting, confusion, and memory loss. Some of the usual events that can lead to a mild traumatic injury like concussion include the following:
- A fall
- Car accidents and whiplash
- Sports injuries (head to head collision in football, basketball, etc.)
How Are Concussions Related To Migraines?
According to the American Migraine Foundation, 90 percent of individuals who sustain a concussion experience headaches or migraines after the injury. Some studies explain that migraine or headaches might happen to patients healing from a concussion because of post-concussive syndrome. On the one hand, other researchers think the two crippling health concerns stem from the physical and chemical changes that happen in the brain due to the injury.
The brain is a very delicate organ encased by the skull. It comprises several billion neurons and other cells communicating through electrical signals. When the communication pathway gets disrupted because of an injury, the brain fails to transmit messages properly, leaving you highly susceptible to problems like migraine headaches.
If you have migraines due to concussions, you may experience migraine headaches more often than before your injury. You may experience cognitive problems like difficulty concentrating and remembering things like names or faces. These symptoms could lead to social isolation or depression because those around us may think we’re not acting right based on how little attention we give them!
How to Cope When You Have Concussion-related Migraines or Headaches
Post-traumatic migraines or headaches will vary from one patient to another. Some might notice their symptoms several times a week, while others have fewer episodes. It would be wise to find a sustainable source of Oklahoma City migraine relief when you recover from a concussion or other traumatic brain injuries. Some examples of these include the following:
Pain medications (Prescribed or over-the-counter)
Preventing migraine headaches from getting worse is sometimes possible with the help of medications (triptans, anti-seizure medication, etc.). So, it might help to consult with your physician or neurologist during your recovery period. Doing so will help you identify drugs that might come in handy in managing your post-concussion symptoms.
Natural remedies
You can help your body recuperate faster by getting enough rest. Refrain from doing physically and mentally taxing activities for a few days. You might also find it helpful to try popular natural remedies like hot and cold therapy, aromatherapy, and acupressure. Additionally, we suggest making necessary modifications to your lifestyle, like drinking enough water and eating food products that combat inflammation.
Upper cervical chiropractic
Cervical subluxation is relatively common among patients who previously hurt their head or neck. Hence, seeking an upper cervical doctor for Oklahoma City migraine relief may be a worth it option. The sooner you can restore your neck’s neutral curvature, the better chances you have at eliminating your symptoms and helping your central nervous system heal faster.
Most Recommended Oklahoma City Migraine Relief
Are you looking for a promising option for Oklahoma City migraine relief? We suggest exploring upper cervical chiropractic care! Over time, chiropractic care has shown to be a safe and effective way to manage chronic migraine pain. You can use it in conjuction with one or more other relief options, such as physical therapy or medication management. It can help reduce your symptoms by addressing the underlying cause of your migraines through adjustments and manipulation of your spine.
Chiropractors like Dr. Sheppard look at the whole body when helping patients with headaches or any other type of pain. That’s because several factors can contribute to the onset of illnesses and health concerns. One example of which is cervical spine misalignments.
Notably, the brainstem and other nearby tissues suffer the impact when you have a postural imbalance in your cervical spine. You also become at risk for neurovascular compression – one of the leading contributors to painful migraines and headaches.
Correcting the problem through careful chiropractic adjustments can restore your brainstem function and provide your body a better shot at healing naturally and holistically. It can also help you maintain good health by eliminating interference between the brain and various body parts.
Whether you need help in managing your migraines or embracing a healthier and happier version of yourself, we suggest reaching out to our upper cervical doctor.
Dr. Jennifer Sheppard is a Board Certified chiropractor in Oklahoma and has been practicing the NUCCA adjustment technique for 26 years! We encourage you to visit Precision Chiropractic at 0420 Greenbriar Pkwy, Oklahoma City. You may also reach us at (405) 378-3100 or through our website contact form.
To schedule a consultation with Dr. Sheppard, call our Oklahoma City office at 405-378-3100. You can also click the button below.
If you are outside of the local area, you can find an Upper Cervical Doctor near you at www.uppercervicalawareness.com.
