Surprisingly, about 10% of school-aged children experience migraines. More than half of these children have their first episode before age 12, and research shows that even babies as young as 18 months may experience migraine symptoms.
What Makes a Migraine Different from a Headache?
A headache is just one symptom of a migraine. Migraines are a neurological disorder, affecting the brain and nervous system. In children, additional symptoms may include:
- Dizziness
- Nausea and/or vomiting
- Sensitivity to light, sound, touch, or odors
- Abdominal pain
- Changes in mood or irritability
While migraines in children tend to be shorter and less frequent than adult migraines, the pain can still be extremely severe, disrupting school, social life, and family routines.
Common Medical Approaches and Their Limitations
Unfortunately, there is no one-size-fits-all solution for pediatric migraines. Some common medications doctors may recommend include:
- Antidepressants
- Anticonvulsants
- Beta-blockers
- Antihistamines
- NSAIDs
- Calcium channel blockers
Sometimes a combination of medications provides relief, but all come with side effects. Most importantly, these medications treat symptoms after they occur rather than addressing the root cause, which means migraines may continue to recur.
How NUCCA Upper Cervical Care Can Help
There is a natural alternative that has shown remarkable success: upper cervical chiropractic care using the NUCCA technique.
Research and clinical cases show that a misalignment in the upper neck vertebrae (C1 or atlas) can place pressure on the brainstem. This pressure may disrupt normal nervous system communication and create an environment in which migraines are more likely to occur.
NUCCA care is gentle, safe, and non-invasive, making it appropriate for children and adults alike. Instead of relying on medications, NUCCA works to realign the upper cervical spine, restoring proper brainstem function and communication between the brain and body.
Case Example:
A young girl suffering from frequent migraines received NUCCA care for a misalignment in her upper cervical spine. After care, her migraines reduced significantly, allowing her to return to normal activities and enjoy her life without severe pain.
Why Parents Should Consider NUCCA
- Non-invasive, precise, and gentle adjustments
- Addresses the root cause rather than just the symptoms
- Reduces frequency and severity of migraines
- Safe for children and adults
- Improves nervous system function, which can support overall health
If your child struggles with migraines, exploring upper cervical care may be a safe, effective, and natural option for long-term relief.
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Dr. Craig Lapenski at Advanced Spinal Care, in Graham, Washington is one of 27 Board Certified NUCCA Doctors worldwide. His clinic serves the highest quality upper cervical care in the Pacific Northwest. Dr. Lapenski also serves a number of patients who are out of state including Alaska, Arizona, California, Hawaii, Kansas, Montana, Nevada, New York, and more! He is uniquely trained to correct problems in the upper cervical spine (upper neck). This vital area is intimately connected to the central nervous system and problems in this area have been shown to be an underlying cause of a variety of different health problems, including migraines, headaches, fibromyalgia, vertigo, neck pain, back pain, and more. More information can be found on our website at https://www.nuccawashington.com/