As many as 10% of people worldwide suffer from migraines. In the United States alone, 1 out of every 10 people experiences migraine headaches, with women being three times more likely than men. That’s nearly 36 million Americans—a staggering number affecting lives every day.
Migraines are difficult to diagnose and treat. New research has revealed a concerning fact: individuals who experience migraines with aura may have a higher risk of developing heart disease compared to those who experience migraines without aura. Interestingly, migraine sufferers without aura appear to have a lower risk of heart disease. While the exact cause of this connection is still unclear, migraines are linked to blood flow to the brain, which can be disrupted by misalignment in the upper neck.
Natural Relief from Migraines in Graham, Washington
Many people seek natural solutions for migraine relief, as medications often provide only temporary relief and may have unwanted side effects. One promising approach is upper cervical chiropractic care.
The atlas bone (C1), the top vertebra of the neck, sits where the brainstem and spinal cord meet. Misalignment of this bone can restrict blood flow to the brain and disrupt the nervous system, potentially contributing to migraines—and possibly increasing cardiovascular risk for those with aura.
Correcting this misalignment through gentle, precise upper cervical adjustments can restore proper alignment, improve nervous system function, and help regulate blood flow. Many patients report reduced frequency and severity of migraines, and some experience complete resolution.
A study of 100 patients found that upper cervical chiropractic care led to improvement in migraine symptoms. Addressing the underlying misalignment may not only help relieve migraines but could also support overall cardiovascular health for those affected by migraine with aura.
References:
Migraine Research Foundation. Migraine Fact Sheet. http://www.migraineresearchfoundation.org/fact-sheet.html (accessed 8 May 2015).
Dallas ME. Migraines and Link to Higher Heart Disease Risk. http://www.webmd.com/migraines-headaches/news/20150702/migraines-link-to-higher-heart-disease-risk-may-not-be-genetic (accessed 6 July 2015).
Elster EL. Upper cervical chiropractic care for a patient with chronic migraine headaches with an appendix summarizing an additional 100 headache cases. J Vert Sublux Res 2003;AUG(3):1–10.
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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/