Migraine Headache Treatment in Santa Fe, NM
If you're tired of dealing with migraines' constant pain and disruption, you're not alone. Migraine headache treatment is essential for those seeking lasting relief from the debilitating symptoms. Dr. Brian Short, DC, offers effective treatment for migraine headaches using chiropractic care to address the root causes and provide both immediate and long-term relief in Santa Fe, NM.
Whether you're suffering from frequent migraines or more severe episodes, our personalized approach can help you regain control of your life and reduce the frequency and intensity of your headaches.
Migraine vs. Headache: Key Differences and Effective Treatments
Migraines and headaches are both types of head pain, but they differ significantly in terms of severity and symptoms. A migraine is a neurological condition that causes intense, throbbing pain, usually on one side of the head. It’s often accompanied by additional symptoms like aura (visual disturbances), nausea, and sensitivity to light and sound.
In contrast, a headache refers to any type of head pain, with the most common being a tension headache, which is typically a dull, pressing pain caused by stress or poor posture.
Why Choose Dr. Brian Short for Migraine Treatment
- Expert Chiropractic Care
Dr. Short specializes in chiropractic adjustments to address the root causes of migraines, ensuring long-term relief. - Personalized Treatment Plans
He customizes treatment based on individual needs, targeting specific migraine triggers for better outcomes. - Proven Success
Dr. Short has a track record of helping patients reduce migraine frequency and severity with effective chiropractic care.
Different Types of Migraines
Understanding the different types of migraines is crucial for effective migraine headache treatment. Each type has unique symptoms, triggers, and frequency patterns. Here's a quick overview of the most common types:
Episodic Migraines
Episodic migraines are occasional headaches that occur fewer than 14 days a month. These are typically intense, unilateral (one-sided) headaches.
- Symptoms: Pulsating pain, nausea, vomiting, and sensitivity to light or sound.
- Triggers: Lack of sleep, emotional stress, bright lights, or specific foods.
- Frequency: Occurs sporadically, usually less than 14 days per month.
Chronic Migraines
Chronic migraines happen more often, with headaches occurring 15 or more days a month, often resulting in long-lasting, debilitating pain.
- Symptoms: Persistent headache pain, sensitivity to light and sound, nausea, and dizziness.
- Triggers: Hormonal changes, poor sleep habits, weather fluctuations, and stress.
- Frequency: At least 15 days per month, potentially more.
Vestibular Migraines
Vestibular migraines affect your balance, causing dizziness or vertigo, sometimes without a headache.
- Symptoms: Vertigo, dizziness, loss of balance, nausea, and sometimes sensitivity to light.
- Triggers: Certain head movements, visual stimuli, stress, or even dehydration.
- Frequency: This can occur sporadically, with dizziness sometimes lingering after the headache subsides.
Optical (Ocular) Migraines
Optical migraines, or ocular migraines, are characterized by visual disturbances, such as temporary vision loss or blind spots.
- Symptoms: Flashing lights, blurred vision, or temporary loss of vision.
- Triggers: Bright lights, screen exposure, fatigue, or stress.
- Frequency: Vision problems occur shortly before or during a headache.
Menstrual Migraines
Linked to hormonal changes, menstrual migraines are typically experienced by women during their menstrual cycle.
- Symptoms: Severe, throbbing headache, nausea, and sensitivity to light and sound.
- Triggers: Hormonal fluctuations before or during menstruation, stress.
- Frequency: Occurs around the time of menstruation, typically monthly.
Silent Migraines
Silent migraines, also known as acephalgic migraines, involve the usual migraine symptoms like nausea and light sensitivity but without the head pain.
- Symptoms: Nausea, dizziness, visual disturbances, but no headache pain.
- Triggers: Stress, changes in the weather, or food sensitivities.
- Frequency: Less common but can occur intermittently.
Abdominal Migraines
Common in children, abdominal migraines cause severe stomach pain and discomfort without the traditional headache.
- Symptoms: Abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, and loss of appetite.
- Triggers: Stress, certain foods, or genetics.
- Frequency: Most often experienced in children, though can also affect adults.
Hemiplegic Migraines
A rare and severe form of migraine, hemiplegic migraines cause temporary paralysis on one side of the body, along with a migraine headache.
- Symptoms: Paralysis, confusion, difficulty speaking, severe headache, and sometimes visual disturbances.
- Triggers: Stress, certain foods, hormonal changes, and environmental factors.
- Frequency: Rare but extremely intense when they occur.
Why Do You Experience Chronic Headaches?
Over 70% of chronic headaches and migraines are linked to misalignments in the cervical spine, often caused by poor posture, improper ergonomics, or daily stress. These misalignments affect nerves, muscles, and blood flow to the head, resulting in ongoing discomfort.
The primary cause is often vertebral subluxations, which irritate nerves and lead to inflammation. While treatments like massage or medication may provide temporary relief, they don’t address the root cause of the problem.
FAQs
How does chiropractic care help with migraine relief?
Chiropractic care helps relieve migraines by correcting misalignments in the cervical spine, which can irritate nerves and muscles. Adjustments improve blood flow and reduce tension, alleviating migraine symptoms.
Can chiropractic treatments prevent migraines from coming back?
Yes, chiropractic care can prevent migraines by addressing the root cause, such as spinal misalignments. Regular adjustments help maintain proper alignment, reducing the frequency and severity of future migraines.
How many chiropractic sessions are needed for migraine relief?
The number of sessions varies depending on individual needs. Many patients experience relief after a few visits, but ongoing care may be necessary to maintain results and prevent future migraines.
Are there any side effects of chiropractic treatments for migraines?
Chiropractic care is generally safe. Some patients may experience mild soreness or discomfort after the first few sessions, but this is usually temporary and resolves quickly.
What is the best chiropractic treatment for migraines?
The best chiropractic treatment for migraines involves spinal adjustments to correct misalignments, particularly in the cervical spine. This reduces nerve irritation and muscle tension, leading to long-term migraine relief.
