If you go for a consultation with Dr. Barrett, our chiropractor for migraine in Wichita, he will most certainly ask about your family history of migraines. Patients with family members who suffer from migraines have a 50 to 70 percent chance of experiencing the same problem and eventually passing it on to the children. Studies attribute this trend to two genetic factors: association and causal.
Association genetic factors in migraineurs refer to the specific gene variations that contribute to the onset of migraine in family members. Researchers explain that migraines can develop because of several gene variations. So, if you have these in your DNA because of your family history, you will likely experience migraines at some point.
Meanwhile, causal genetic factors refer to the gene mutations that trigger familial hemiplegic migraines. This type of migraine is uncommon and only develops in people with the following gene mutations: CACNA1A, ATP1A2, and SCN1A. These causal genes affect nerve activity in the brain, increasing a person’s risk of experiencing chronic migraines.
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Coping With Migraines, Regardless of the Risk Factor
Thankfully, you can manage migraines with the right patient care plan and remedies. Some causes may not be evident to the patient. With the help of a chiropractor for migraine in Wichita, you will know if a spine misalignment can be a contributing factor to this family affair of headaches.
There is still no specific reason why migraines happen, but your genetic makeup can be top of the list of causes. Different migraine triggers prompt unwanted attacks, and it varies from sensory overload, hormones to your diet and even stress.
Common Migraine Symptoms
Migraines bring differing levels of pain and discomfort. While some can still function despite the episodes, others may have more than just a headache and may need to skip a day of work or school. The results are pounding or throbbing headaches. But in some cases, there is no head pain. Instead, just the presence of several migraine symptoms such as:
- Pounding or throbbing headache on one or both sides of the head
- Vertigo or bouts of dizziness
- A visual disturbance, called an aura, sometimes serves as a warning before an attack happens
- Nausea that may or may not lead to vomiting
- Blurry vision
- Increased sensitivity to smells, lights, or sounds
To learn more about the connection between head and neck injuries and migraines and other headaches, download our complimentary e-book by clicking the image below.
Common Migraine Triggers
Note that triggers are not migraine causes but only a contributing factor to migraine attacks. When identifying the cause of your migraine, you must look for why you developed migraine. Here are some examples:
- Skipping a meal
- Irregular sleeping schedule
- Diet and specific food
- Medications side effects
- Medications overuse
- Sensory overloads such as bright lights or excessive noise
Our chiropractor for migraine in Wichita can help you develop a better plan to manage your migraines with lifestyle changes and upper cervical chiropractic adjustments. Additionally, Dr. Barrett can also help you become more aware of your triggers with the help of a migraine diary.
Common Types of Migraine
Migraines vary from common to rare; below are common types people usually experience.
Chronic Migraines
This type of migraine causes headaches at least 15 times a month. Chronic migraines can also trigger accompanying migraine symptoms that can linger for three consecutive months. Studies note that chronic migraines usually stem from aggravated episodic migraines. However, it can also get triggered by other factors such as obesity, snoring, anxiety, depression, disrupted sleep, caffeine, emotional or physical trauma.
Migraine with Brainstem Aura (MBA)
This type of migraine prompts headaches that usually start in the brain’s lower part, called the brainstem. In addition, if you suffer from MBA, you will experience additional disorienting symptoms such as double vision, dizziness, and lack of coordination. Notably, these can happen before the onset of your migraine-related headaches.
The headaches can start on one side of your head and gradually progress, and they can last between four to 72 hours. However, you may need more time to recover from this type of migraine when episodes come, as 24 hours after the episode, you may still be feeling drained and exhausted.
Migraine without aura
This type of migraine is the most common, with symptoms ranging from headaches on one side of the head, throbbing head pain, nausea and vomiting, sensitivity to lights, sounds, and smell. These symptoms are usually on the severe side, making it difficult for you to do normal daily activities.
Since it does not come with an “aura” or the flashing lights that can serve as a warning sign, this type of migraine can catch you off guard. Additionally, it can last for four hours to three painful days. If left untreated, it can even recur several times a week for a few years.
Look for a Chiropractor for Migraine in Wichita
At Barrett Chiropractic, we always urge our patients to take action as soon as possible. Otherwise, the migraine symptoms can completely take over day-to-day activities and leave worse impacts on your overall wellbeing.
To help patients like you, we provide helpful chiropractic adjustments to resolve one of the most commonly overlooked triggers of migraine attacks: cervical subluxation.
Using precise measurements of the atlas and axis bones, we can provide gentle cervical spine manipulations to remove interferences in the nervous system. The atlas and axis bone adjustments also come in handy in removing excess pressure on your brainstem.
Our chiropractor for migraine in Wichita uses safe and proven techniques to correct cervical spine misalignments. So, you can be confident of seeing results after you start seeking upper cervical care.
Headaches are not typical and should not be considered a part of life, don’t let them take over your life! If you’ve tried other remedies and still get the usual symptoms, we’re here to help. If you want to try out this unique form of care, you can book your appointment by calling our office directly at 316-844-1351 or using this form.
To schedule a consultation with The Barrett Chiropractic clinic, call 316-844-1351 or just 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.