What is a Migraine Headache and What are the Symptoms?

Migraine is a syndrome, not just an occasional headache.  Are you unsure if you are a migraine sufferer?  Consult this check-list to learn the common symptoms of migraines:

Do you have headaches with the following characteristics:

• Throbbing, pounding pain
• Begins on one side of your head and may spread to both
• Concentrated pain around temples
• Lasts from four to 72 hours

You may also experience the following symptoms along with the headache:

• Nausea and vomiting
• Dizziness and/or vertigo
• Loss of appetite
• Fatigue
• Visual disturbances (i.e. seeing flashing lights, temporary blind spots or blurred vision)
• Parts of your body may feel numb or weak
• Light, noise and movement (especially bending over) make the pain increase
• Irritability

The following symptoms may linger after the headache is gone:

• Feeling mentally dull
• Sleepiness
• Neck pain

If these symptoms sound familiar, you may consider seeking the treatment of a Seattle Chiropractor that specializes in migraine headaches.  The National Migraine Association recommends alternative methods of treatment to incorporate with your medical care, including Chiropractic care.  Chiropractic treatment encompasses a holistic approach through massage, spinal manipulation and adjustments of your joints and soft tissue, and is a popular treatment for migraines.

Why Chiropractic Treatment for Migraines?

Seattle Chiropractors work with the belief that migraines originate in the spine.  Many times there is a misalignment of the vertebrae, which can irritate the nerves that go through the spine to the brain.  This condition makes a person have a higher risk of chemical imbalances in the brain and research has shown that realigning the vertebrae relieves the pressure against those nerves and can provide Migraine relief.

Chiropractors also recommend that in between migraine treatments you gently stretch your neck, avoiding sudden movements. Migraine sufferers should also pay attention to their posture and sleep on their side or back with a firm pillow that supports their neck.

Does Science Support Chiropractic Treatment for Migraines?

If you are reluctant to try a Seattle Chiropractor for frequent headaches or migraines, consider the following study published in the Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics in February 2000.  The study was entitled “A randomized controlled trial of Chiropractic spinal manipulative therapy for Migraine.” One hundred and twenty-seven Migraine patients were divided into two groups.  Group one received chiropractic treatment and group two served as the control group and received inactive treatment.  Group one reported improvement in Migraine frequency, duration, disability and medication use after just two months of chiropractic treatment.  One in five participants in group one showed a 90 percent reduction in Migraines and half showed improvement in Migraine severity.

The same journal conducted a study that compared the use of spinal manipulation with a daily amitriptyline dosage.  In the study, 218 patients who were frequent migraine sufferers improved by 40 to 50 percent, regardless of which treatment they chose.  However, four weeks after the treatments were stopped, the Chiropractic group were still experiencing the benefits.  To the contrary, the group that chose the amitriptyline treatment or those that combined both treatments lost about half of their improvement.

Professionals in the treatment and study of headaches agree.  “I would caution that overaggressive manipulation of the neck can actually make migraines worse.  However, less vigorous manipulative techniques, especially when combined with an active exercise program, can be beneficial for many migraine sufferers,” says Frederick G. Freitag, a Chiropractic and Associate Director of the Diamond Headache Clinic in Chicago.  “Some patients do have postural or mechanical factors that contribute to their headache situation. In that kind of patient, it can occasionally be useful to use manipulative therapies such as chiropractic or physical therapy, along with exercise conditioning programs or postural retraining programs to address the underlying problem,” says Freitag.

Where to find a top Seattle Chiropractor for Migraine Headache Relief?

Are you tired of Migraine headaches ruining your day?  Are over-the-counter medications proving less effective?  Are you reluctant to try prescription drugs because of potential side effects?  Try fighting the pain with a different approach,  why not discuss the benefits with a top Seattle Chiropractor that treats migraines and end the pain that causes so many to feel hopeless for relief?  Fremont Spine & Wellness in Seattle Washington employs top Seattle chiropractors that help relieve patients from migraine pain on a regular basis through chiropractic treatment.  Call us today to schedule an appointment with one of our Seattle chiropractors at (206) 634-1300 or schedule an appointment online and a Fremont Spine and Wellness staff member will get back to you promptly.

The temporomandibular joint, located on both sides of the head in front of your ears, allows your jaw to function.  The definition of a TMJ disorder is the temporomandibular joint experiencing pain, inflammation, or tenderness. Some of the symptoms seen are headaches, pain in or around the ear, locking of the jaw, facial pain, limited jaw movement, erosion or misalignment of the articular disc, or an uneven bite.  These symptoms can occur while the joint is stationary or while performing functions such as talking, yawning, making facial expressions, or chewing.

Although the cause of TMJ is often unknown, there is a wide range of conditions and trauma that can be considered contributing factors.  These include chronic illnesses such as Arthritis, Fibromyalgia, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, and Endometriosis.  They can also be caused by issues more acute like damage to the joint from an impact, or as a result of dental procedures, infection, and joints fatigued from overwork, clenching, or grinding.  The risk of TMJ can also be increased through hormonal, genetic, or environmental factors.  Since occasional jaw discomfort is normal, it is best to see a professional for your diagnosis.

Choosing Seattle Chiropractic Care for TMJ Relief

TMJ treatment is not limited to conventional solutions that include medication, therapy, or surgery; Our Seattle Chiropractors will do all they can to help you before you need to turn to other solutions.  Medications prescribed for TMJ disorders consist of anything from over-the-counter pain medications to a stronger, prescribed pain-killer.  Other medications used are tricyclic anti-depressants, muscle relaxers, Botox, and corticosteroid drugs.  Therapies taught by psychotherapists such as stress reduction or relaxation techniques are also used.  Bite guards are recommended in some cases, as well as more intensive procedures like athrosentesis, surgery, or corrective dental treatments.  Our goal is to avoid doing such drastic and time consuming surgeries.  Come see a Fremont Spine and Wellness chiropractor in Seattle to start the healing process in a natural way.

Alternative methods have also gained in popularity.  Some of these alternative therapies include Acupuncture, Yoga, Meditation, Guided Imagery, Deep Breathing, and Seattle massage therapy.  The belief is that any reduction in stress can have a positive outcome on TMJ, as stress can worsen symptoms.

So how can seeing a Seattle Chiropractor for TMJ help?

Whether your case presents as acute or chronic, a Fremont Spine and Wellness chiropractor takes into account many factors when evaluating your situation.  The information collected can involve everything from bone misalignments, medical and family history, to lifestyle and daily routines.   A thorough examination will take place to determine the severity of your TMJ disorder, and a complete treatment plan is produced.  The treatment plan will not only include the correct chiropractic adjustments specifically for your case, but also an in-depth look into everything that can be done to assist those adjustments.  The individual plan is put in place to try and rehabilitate, and entails combining therapies and adjustments to help avoid medications and surgery.

Common Lifestyle Changes for TMJ Disorder Relief

Blending chiropractic treatments with lifestyle changes and home remedies can be very beneficial.  Lifestyle changes often recommended are decreasing or quitting gum-chewing, clenching the jaw,  and cradling a telephone, or trying not to open the mouth too wide when yawning.  In addition, eating soft foods, cutting food into smaller bites, and avoiding chewy or sticky food can help.  Home remedies frequently used are applying heat or cold to the sides of the face, and jaw exercises.  Anything that reduces stress, or allows the joint and muscles to relax is the key. Practicing facial muscle relaxation, stretching or massaging, and meditation are all ways to help alleviate symptoms.  It has also been found that sleeping on your side with support from a pillow between the neck and shoulder can also be effective.  Our Staff is available to answer any questions you may have.

Contact Fremont Spine and Wellness today if your experiencing TMJ

No matter what your choice is regarding your treatment of TMJ pain in Seattle, Fremont Spine and Wellness is always available to answer your questions and provide you with the relief you seek, call us today to make an appointment (206)634-1300.

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