Migraines and headaches can be debilitating and significantly impact a person’s quality of life. While there are numerous treatment options available, some people have found relief through upper cervical chiropractic care. In this blog post, we’ll explore what upper cervical chiropractic is, how it can help with migraines and headaches, and why it might be a good fit for you!
What is Upper Cervical Chiropractic?
Upper cervical chiropractic is a specific approach to chiropractic care that focuses on the uppermost vertebrae of the spine – the atlas (C1) and the axis (C2). These vertebrae are responsible for supporting the head’s weight, allowing for movement, and protecting the brainstem.
Upper cervical chiropractors perform gentle adjustments to these vertebrae to realign them and remove any pressure on the nerves and blood vessels that run through them. This can help restore proper communication between the brain and the rest of the body, leading to improved overall function.
How Can Upper Cervical Chiropractic Help with Migraines and Headaches?
Migraines and headaches can have many different causes, and upper cervical chiropractic may not be effective for everyone. However, some people have found relief through this approach. Here are a few ways that upper cervical chiropractic may help:
- Reducing tension in the neck muscles: Tight neck muscles can contribute to migraines and headaches. By realigning the upper cervical vertebrae, upper cervical chiropractic can help relax these muscles.
- Improving blood flow to the brain: Misalignments in the upper cervical spine can also restrict blood flow to the brain. By removing this restriction, upper cervical chiropractic can improve circulation and reduce the frequency and severity of migraines and headaches.
- Addressing underlying nervous system dysfunction: Upper cervical chiropractic can also help address any underlying nervous system dysfunction that may be contributing to migraines and headaches.
What Does Research Say About Upper Cervical Chiropractic for Migraines and Headaches?
While more research is needed, some studies have shown promising results for upper cervical chiropractic in treating migraines and headaches. Here are a few examples:
- In a case series published in the Journal of Chiropractic Medicine, six patients with migraines received upper cervical
chiropractic care. All six reported significant improvements in the frequency and intensity of their migraines. - A randomized controlled trial published in the Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics found that upper cervical chiropractic was more effective than a placebo in reducing the frequency and intensity of migraines in participants.
- A case study published in the Journal of Upper Cervical Chiropractic Research followed a patient with chronic tension headaches who received upper cervical chiropractic care. After just one adjustment, the patient reported a significant reduction in headache intensity.
While these studies are promising, it’s important to remember that everyone’s experience with upper cervical chiropractic will be different. No 2 human beings are alike, so results can vary.
Upper cervical chiropractic is a specific approach to chiropractic care that focuses on the uppermost vertebrae of the spine. Personally, I have worked with hundreds of Migraine sufferers with promising results. If you would like to schedule an appointment and get testing done to see if Upper Cervical Chiropractic is a good fit for you, Schedule Online Today!
Sources:
- Grostic JD, Denton T, et al. Upper cervical chiropractic care for a patient with chronic migraine headaches with an appendix summarizing an additional 100 headache cases. Journal of Chiropractic Medicine. 2010 Sep;9(3