So, when it comes to migraines, they are a monster with a mind of their own. We mean that figuratively of course, but they render a person who experiences them helpless to do anything about them for hours or even days. Besides just excruciating pain, migraines can be associated with various other symptoms. One common migraine symptom is nausea. The nausea may even become so great that vomiting results.
The causes of migraines are not completely understood but researchers believe that some migraines may be hereditary while others may be the result of injury. Some have come to find that taking part in certain activities or eating particular foods such as chocolate or red wine is what brings on a migraine. The pain of the migraine may be the cause of the nausea, or it could be related to the chemicals in the brain that are released during a migraine.
Why Migraines Accompany Nausea
Migraine patients often experience nausea due to the complex interplay of nerve pathways in the brain that are activated during a migraine attack. When a migraine occurs, it can trigger the release of certain chemicals in the brain that affect the nervous system. Also, it can activate the part of the brain known as the vomiting center, which is responsible for controlling nausea and vomiting. This activation is thought to be a protective mechanism, aiming to rid the body of toxins, though in the case of migraines, it’s a misfired response to the intense pain and neurological disruption. As a result, nausea and vomiting are common symptoms that accompany the severe headaches and sensory sensitivities of migraine episodes.
Characteristics of Migraines
- Neurovascular Disorder – Migraines are thought to be a disorder of the nerves and blood vessels that starts in the brain and spreads to the blood vessels.
- Aura – About 15-20% of migraine sufferers also experience aura, which are symptoms that precede the actual headache. These may include visual disturbances, nausea, or more. They may last throughout the migraine and they may even remain after the migraine.
- Pain – No one is quite sure what causes the pain that accompanies migraines. One theory is the central nervous system structures (the brainstem and diencephalon for example) play a major factor. Peripheral activation, perhaps from sensory nerves surrounding blood vessels in the head and neck may also be a factor. Other proposed causes are dural arteries, pial arteries, and extracranial arteries below the scalp.
Common Treatments
Many doctors will prescribe an antidepressant, beta blocker, or even an anti-seizure medication to help mitigate symptoms or reduce the occurrence of migraines. Each of these types of medications have side effects. But what can you do if you prefer a natural remedy?
Keeping a journal to discover what triggers your migraines is one good way to try and prevent them from occuring, but to really treat the problem, you have to get to the source. An upper cervical chiropractic visit may help you to discover if an upper neck injury could be the cause of your migraines. If so, a specialized upper cervical chiropractic procedure could reduce the number of migraines you experience, or eliminate them completely.
NUCCA Chiropractor in Chicago, Illinois
So, while migraine headaches are distinct in their origin, pain that sometimes accompanies them, and the pain of the headache itself, so also the steps a person must take to alleviate themselves of a migraine are also different. The best way a person can alleviate themselves of migraine headaches, and any pain that may accompany them, is to get to the source of the pain.
The best way to do that is to have an upper cervical chiropractor examine your upper neck vertebrae for any misalignments. That misalignment can cause the brainstem to not function properly leading to an irritation to the nerves between the brain and the spinal cord and the blood vessels to the head. This irritation has been demonstrated as a frequent cause of migraines and other headaches.
To find an upper cervical specialist in your area go to http://www.NUCCA.org/ or if you are in the Chicago, Illinois area click the button below to schedule a consultation:
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Dr. Young Chung of NUCCA Wellness Clinic of Chicago, with a location in Chicago and a 2nd location in Wheeling is an Upper Cervical Specialist trained by the National Upper Cervical Chiropractic Association (NUCCA). His upper cervical clinic also serves Northbrook, Long Grove, Lincolnshire, Buffalo Grove and Vernon Hills. 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 and other headaches, whiplash injuries, post-concussion syndrome. This type of care has also shown benefits for athletic performance and pregnancy outcomes. More information can be found on our website at https://nuccawellnesschicago.com/
