Migraines.com recently highlighted the link between migraines and panic disorders.
The Mayo Clinic defines migraines as:
“Intense throbbing or pulsing in one area of the head, commonly accompanied by nausea, vomiting, and extreme sensitivity to light and sound.”
WebMD defines panic disorders as:
“Sudden attacks of fear and nervousness, as well as physical symptoms such as sweating and a racing heart.”
While most medical research focuses on drug therapies for both conditions, Upper Cervical chiropractors look for physical restrictions at the base of the skull. Using advanced imaging, they examine the opening at the base of the skull in 3D and correct any misalignments that may interfere with the nerve structures just beneath the brainstem.
Drug-Free Approach to Migraines
Dr. Raymond Damadian, the inventor of the MRI, has conducted groundbreaking research using upright MRIs and specialized software. His studies show that misalignments in the upper neck can disrupt the flow of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF)—the fluid that lubricates the brain and spinal cord.
These misalignments may contribute to migraines, panic disorders, and other complications.
When the first few cervical vertebrae become misaligned, CSF flow can be obstructed, leading to increased intracranial pressure. Studies show that correcting these misalignments with an upper cervical procedure such as NUCCA can normalize CSF flow and reduce head pressure.
Research Example
One study examined two patients with severe, long-standing migraine headaches following whiplash injuries. Using upright MRI with specialized software, doctors found:
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Misalignment of the C1 vertebra (Atlas)
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Substantially reduced CSF flow between the skull and neck
Both patients received an upper cervical correction targeting the C1 misalignment.
Results:
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Within an hour, rescans showed normal CSF flow
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Headache pain was nearly eliminated immediately
The researchers concluded:
“Prior research has demonstrated a correlation between CSF flow obstruction and intracranial pressure headaches. This is a potentially significant clinical finding (CSF obstruction) that can lead to long-term and often unexplained complaints of unresolved headaches, neck pain, tingling, numbness, and a variety of other symptoms.”
Next Steps
If you experience migraines or panic disorder symptoms, consider consulting with a Board Certified NUCCA Doctor to evaluate whether a misalignment in the upper neck may be contributing to your condition.
For more information, visit www.nuccawashington.com.
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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/