Headaches & Migraines

If you find yourself or a loved one in the clutches of regular headaches or migraines it is vitally important to understand what you’re actually experiencing so you can navigate your care properly and emerge from the pattern of pain.  Understanding the difference between a headache and migraine makes all the difference in the treatment and outcome for those who suffer.

What is a headache?  Headaches are unpleasant pains in your head that can cause pressure and aching. The pain can range from mild to severe and usually occurs on both sides of the head. Some specific areas where headaches can occur include the forehead, temples, and back of the neck. A headache can last anywhere from 30 minutes to a week. According to the Mayo Clinic, the most common headache type is a tension headache. Triggers for this headache type include stress, muscle strain, and improper head or neck positioning.

What is a migraine? A migraine is usually an intense pounding headache that can last for hours or even days. The pounding or pulsing pain usually begins in the forehead, the side of the head, or around the eyes. The headache gradually gets worse. Just about any movement, activity, bright lights, or loud noise seem to make it hurt more. Nausea and vomiting are common during a migraine. Migraines may happen only once or twice a year, or as often as daily. Women are more likely to have migraines than men. There are different types of migraine headaches. The most common types of migraines are:

Classic migraines start with a warning sign called an aura. These types of migraines are also called “migraines with aura.” The aura often involves changes in the way you see. You may see flashing lights, colors, a pattern of lines, or shadows. You may temporarily lose some of your vision, such as your side vision. You may also feel a strange prickly or burning sensation, or have muscle weakness on one side of your body. The head pain of classic migraines may occur on one side or both sides of the head.

Common migraines don’t start with an aura. These types of migraines are also called “migraines without aura.” Common migraines may start more slowly than classic migraines, last longer, and interfere more with daily activities. The pain of common migraines may be on only one side of your head. Common migraines are more common than classic migraines.

How do we treat migraines and headaches?

The treatment for a migraine is very similar to the treatment for a headache with the exception of the focus. At Align Healing Center we treat migraines with a focus on reducing neurological inflammation and increasing circulation whereas with headaches we focus on the reduction of muscle tension and physical stress.  Depending on the individual a combination of the following therapies are used to break the patients pain cycle.

• Class IV Laser Therapy: Laser treatments are very effective at treating migraines and headaches. The laser is a form of light therapy that increases blood flow to the affected area in order to release the tight muscle and pump away inflammation that has built up around the nerve. It is a very gentle and relaxing treatment that almost always causes IMMEDIATE relief from the pain.
• Gentle Chiropractic Care: This can help to realign vertebrae that have become misaligned and have begun to irritate the nerves in the head and neck. By gently adjusting the neck, the pressure on the nerve is decreased and symptoms of headaches and migraines begin to decrease. This can be done without rotating or “popping” the neck.  
• Specialty Lab Testing: In chronic cases, nutrient deficiencies can be found to contribute to headache and migraine symptoms. By specifically testing for inflammation, vitamins, minerals, amino acids, offending foods and toxicity we can pin-point specific issues that are contributing to the migraines or headaches.
• Custom Treatment Protocols: Once labs reveal specifics about the patient’s personal status, we go to work creating a custom treatment plan to help the body heal and reduce the irritation to the muscles and nerves.

How effective is this treatment?

We have treated hundreds of people suffering from headaches and migraines and our patients have seen a huge decrease in the incidence and severity of their migraines and headaches allowing them to get back to normal life.

Dr. Niele Maimone, DC of Align Healing Center Maimone Chiropractic Inc. in Danville, CA has been active in natural health & functional medicine since 1999. For more information or to set up a complimentary consult call 925.362.8283 or visit www.alignhealingcenter.com.