
Migraines are a neurological condition that is both disabling and very painful. They are known for the following symptoms:
The most common solution that doctors and headache specialists will provide for migraines is pain medication prescriptions. While medications provide short-term relief, they can also have dangerous side effects. They can even cause real damage if they are not taken properly. When choosing to take medication for the pain, it is very important to read all the instructions on the label carefully and to follow them closely.
The medications used to care for migraines fall into one of two categories:
Acute Care Drugs
When using these drugs more than 2 times a week, you should be warned that it can lead to rebound or medication overuse headaches. The kinds of a headaches result from medication overuse and can be more intense than migraines. Many times the only way to get rid of them is to stop taking medication entirely.
Side Effects (long-term use)
Drugs for Preventative Care
Considering the multiple side effects and other concerns listed above, it is no wonder that so many migraine sufferers are looking to natural remedies to resolve their pain. Here is one option that has provided dramatic results.
Upper Cervical Care Brings Relief for Migraines Symptoms
One source of migraines that is not so well-known is a misalignment of the top two vertebrae in the spine. These top bones of the neck are vulnerable to misalignment because of their wide range of mobility that allows the head to move in many directions. If the bones move from their correct position, the brainstem (located in the same area) can come under pressure, restricting oxygen-rich blood flow and cerebrospinal fluid flow from getting to the brain, which can result in migraines.
At Upper Cervical Cedar Falls in Cedar Falls, Iowa, we encourage the bones back into place using a gentle method. Following these precise and gentle adjustments, most patients report a decrease in severity and frequency of migraines after only one or two visits. The best part is that there are no dangerous side effects like those that accompany medications, and upper cervical chiropractic care can provide a solution to the root cause of the problem rather than just treating symptoms. Call us today to see what we can do to help relieve your migraines.
- Throbbing and pounding head pain usually in one part of the head
- Sensitivity to certain smells, loud noises, and bright lights
- Nausea and vomiting
- Dizziness or vertigo
- Visual disturbances
The most common solution that doctors and headache specialists will provide for migraines is pain medication prescriptions. While medications provide short-term relief, they can also have dangerous side effects. They can even cause real damage if they are not taken properly. When choosing to take medication for the pain, it is very important to read all the instructions on the label carefully and to follow them closely.
The medications used to care for migraines fall into one of two categories:
- Medications to stop migraines (acute care): For migraines in the mild to moderate category, it will probably be recommended that you begin with an over-the-counter drug to calm the pain. Usually these kinds of pills have fewer side effects than prescription drugs. When these don’t provide enough relief, other prescription drugs may be recommended. Sometimes a mixture of over-the-counter and prescription medications could be the suggested next step. Acetaminophen or naproxen may be taken with a prescription medicine like triptans, for example.
- Medications to prevent migraines (preventative care): These actually prevent migraines from even occurring and are taken on a daily basis. These are commonly recommended when you have more than 15 migraines in a month’s time. However, it can take weeks or months before these drugs take effect. While these drugs are often used for other conditions, they have been seen to have helpful results for migraines as well.
Acute Care Drugs
When using these drugs more than 2 times a week, you should be warned that it can lead to rebound or medication overuse headaches. The kinds of a headaches result from medication overuse and can be more intense than migraines. Many times the only way to get rid of them is to stop taking medication entirely.
- Painkillers: There are a few over-the-counter painkillers that are recommended for migraines but most are only available with a prescription from your doctor. Along with Tylenol (an analgesic that only relieves pain), there are several drugs that are nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) that can bring pain relief and reduce inflammation.
- Naproxen
- Aspirin
- Diclofenac
- Ibuprofen
- Acetaminophen
- Ketorolac
Side Effects (long-term use)
- Heart attack
- Kidney damage
- Stroke
- Stomach ulcers
- Ergotamines: These drugs reduce migraine pain by causing the blood vessels surrounding your brain to contract.
- Methylergonovine
- Ergotamine and caffeine
- Methysergide
- Ergotamine
- Dihydroergotamine
- Triptans: These relieve migraines by reducing inflammation and constricting blood vessels, due to an increase of serotonin levels in your brain.
- Naratriptan
- Almotriptan
- Frovatriptan
- Zolmitriptan
- Rizatriptan
- Sumatriptan
- Eletriptan
- Sumatriptan and naproxen
- Drowsiness
- Tightness or discomfort in your throat or chest
- Nausea
- Tingling or numbness in your toes
- Dizziness
- Opioids: This is a very potent painkiller that usually is only prescribed if you cannot take any of the previously listed medications.
- Codeine
- Oxycodone
- Morphine
- Meperidine
Drugs for Preventative Care
- Beta-blockers: These drugs reduce the impact that stress hormones can have on your heart and blood vessels and are commonly prescribed for high blood pressure.
- Atenolol
- Timolol
- Nadolol
- Metoprolol
- Propranolol
- Insomnia
- Depression
- Dizziness upon standing
- Fatigue
- Nausea
Considering the multiple side effects and other concerns listed above, it is no wonder that so many migraine sufferers are looking to natural remedies to resolve their pain. Here is one option that has provided dramatic results.
Upper Cervical Care Brings Relief for Migraines Symptoms
One source of migraines that is not so well-known is a misalignment of the top two vertebrae in the spine. These top bones of the neck are vulnerable to misalignment because of their wide range of mobility that allows the head to move in many directions. If the bones move from their correct position, the brainstem (located in the same area) can come under pressure, restricting oxygen-rich blood flow and cerebrospinal fluid flow from getting to the brain, which can result in migraines.
At Upper Cervical Cedar Falls in Cedar Falls, Iowa, we encourage the bones back into place using a gentle method. Following these precise and gentle adjustments, most patients report a decrease in severity and frequency of migraines after only one or two visits. The best part is that there are no dangerous side effects like those that accompany medications, and upper cervical chiropractic care can provide a solution to the root cause of the problem rather than just treating symptoms. Call us today to see what we can do to help relieve your migraines.