Category: Headache

Is Medication the Best Option for Migraines?

10/14/2018

Migraines are a neurological condition that is both disabling and very painful. They are known for the following symptoms:

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

Some people may get a warning sign that a migraine is coming, called an aura. Migraines can be so impairing that they can prevent you from going to work or being able to perform normal daily activities.

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.

What are these drugs and what are their common side effects?

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

*A number of these drugs are marketed for migraines specifically when combined with a light dose of caffeine, which helps them work more quickly and effectively. This is particularly helpful for mild migraines.

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

Side effects from these drugs can be very dangerous. They are toxic when taken in high doses and can cause birth defects and heart problems. For anyone who is pregnant, breastfeeding, or has heart disease, they should not take these drugs. They also could interact to other drugs such as antifungal and antibiotic medications.

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

Side Effects:

Drowsiness
Tightness or discomfort in your throat or chest
Nausea
Tingling or numbness in your toes
Dizziness

Anyone who has heart problems or is at risk of stroke should not take triptans. They can cause a potentially fatal serotonin syndrome when combined with other drugs that also increase serotonin, such as antidepressants.

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

All of these drugs bring with them a serious risk of addiction and are prescribed as little as possible.

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

Side Effects:

Insomnia

Depression
Dizziness upon standing
Fatigue
Nausea

This list summarizes only a number of the drugs that are used to treat migraines. The full list would include up to 87 medications according to WebMD. Interestingly, 26 of these drugs are not approved for migraine care and are listed as being off-label when prescribed for migraines.
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.

Getting the Scoop on Vertigo and How to Stop the Spinning

8/5/2018

Vertigo is defined as feeling as if you or the things around you are spinning when there actually is no movement. Vertigo is a type of dizziness, but to be true vertigo, it must have a rotational component to it and a false sense of motion. Those suffering from this condition are anxious to find a way to make the spinning stop as it often interferes with their daily activities. It may be so severe that it causes a person to have to stop and sit or lie down until the sensation goes away.

Causes of Vertigo

Most often, vertigo is brought about due to an inner ear issue. Here is a brief list of some of the most common conditions having vertigo for one of their main symptoms:

Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo: This is often abbreviated as BPPV, and it happens when small crystals of calcium, called canaliths, clump together in the semicircular canals of the inner ear. The inner ear is responsible for sending signals to the brain about how the head and body are moving in relation to gravity. If these crystals are present, they can interfere with proper signals being sent and lead to vertigo. Sometimes BPPV is connected to a person’s age; other times it occurs for no reason whatsoever.
Labyrinthitis or vestibular neuronitis: This is an inner ear problem usually related to a viral infection. Because of the infection, inflammation is present, and this prevents the inner ear from helping you keep proper balance.
Meniere’s disease: An inner ear disorder, Meniere’s disease is thought to be caused by an increase of fluid in the inner ear and, in turn, a change in pressure. It is known for tinnitus (ringing in the ears), hearing loss, and a feeling of congestion in the ear, along with vertigo.
Vertigo may also be associated with other causes:
- Certain medications that cause damage to the hairs of the ear
- Brain problems, such as a stroke or a tumor
- Migraine headaches
- Head or neck injuries

Vertigo Symptoms

Even though vertigo is not a condition, but rather a symptom, it comes along with additional symptoms. It is often triggered by a change in the position of your head. Here are a few symptoms you may experience. Just remember that vertigo is different for each person experiencing it, and it depends on the underlying cause, too.

Tilting
Swaying
Feeling unbalanced
Spinning
Feeling as if you are being pulled in one direction
Feeling nauseated and possibly vomiting
Nystagmus (jerking eye movements)
Sweating
Tinnitus (ringing in the ears)
Abnormal headaches
Hearing loss

These symptoms can last for just a few minutes or go on for as long as a few hours. They may be intermittent, coming and going for days at a time.

Traditional Care for Vertigo

Your medical doctor will want to determine the cause of vertigo before he begins suggesting a certain type of care. Often, vertigo goes away on its own without any medical intervention. This has to do with how the brain was created to adapt so well to different circumstances in the body. It reacts to inner ear changes by relying on other mechanisms to keep you in balance.

There are recommended ways to care for vertigo which may be given by your doctor:

Canalith repositioning maneuvers: The American Academy of Neurology gives guidelines on a specific set of head and body positions and movements which can help with BPPV. This helps to realign the calcium crystals back into the inner ear chamber so they will get absorbed into the body. This may cause you to have vertigo symptoms during the process. However, the movements are safe and effective and will probably help with your vertigo symptoms.
Vestibular rehabilitation: A type of physical therapy, this is aimed at strengthening your vestibular system. The vestibular system has the vital responsibility to send signals to the brain about how your body is moving in relation to gravity. If you have reoccurring bouts of vertigo, vestibular rehabilitation may help. It works to train your other senses to compensate for vertigo.
Medication: Medication is often aimed at caring for individual symptoms, such as nausea or motion sickness. If your vertigo is due to inflammation or an infection, you may be given steroids or antibiotics to reduce swelling and help with the infection. If Meniere’s disease is behind your vertigo, water pills or diuretics may help relieve some of the pressure from fluid build up in the inner ear.
Surgery: This is used as a last resort but can be helpful in some vertigo cases. Tumors may need to be removed or an injury to the head or neck may need to be corrected. Surgery is rare.

Finding a Natural Way to Cope with Vertigo

Vertigo has been connected to a misalignment in the bones of the upper cervical spine, especially the C1 and C2 vertebrae. There are a number of reasons a misalignment could cause you to experience vertigo. For one thing, these bones are located in close proximity to the brainstem. The brainstem has the important job of sending signals to the brain about what is happening in the body. If there is pressure put on the brainstem, causing a mix up in signals, and the brainstem tells the brain you are moving when you are actually standing still, vertigo may be the end result. Another problem comes in when the misalignment causes a problem with the eustachian tube. If this tube is stressed, it can begin to develop lesions which can negatively impact your hearing and cause vertigo to occur.
In order to correct misalignments in the neck, upper cervical chiropractors have been specially trained how to do this without the need to pop or crack the spine or neck. Rather, their adjustments are based on scientific measurements and precise, gentle movements that encourage the bones to move back into their original position. This often alleviates the symptoms of vertigo.

Vestibular Migraines: Can Anything Help Their Disabling Effects?

4/8/2018

Migraines are one of the most disabling and chronic conditions in the USA. In fact, they are more common than diabetes and asthma and as common as high blood pressure. Sadly, they affect people most often in the years they are most able to be productive – between the ages of 20 to 40 for women and slightly higher ages for men. Even though migraines are so common, approximately 50% of those with them are improperly diagnosed and often mismanaged.

Symptoms of MigrainesMigraines are often referred to as “sick headaches” and are known for:

Throbbing or pounding head pain
Pain that is usually, but not always, one-sided
Pain is severe and progressive
Pain that often interferes with one’s daily routine
Sensitivity to light, sound, or certain odors
Nausea and vomiting

Migraines and Vestibular DisorderAs many as 40% of migraine patients will experience some sort of balance disorder or dizziness at one time or another. This may be before, during, after, or in no relation to their migraine event. There are quite a few parallels between migraines and non-migrainous vestibular dysfunction. Both of these conditions are triggered by food and environmental factors. Things such as hormone fluctuations, weather changes, and certain foods can make them worse. Similar diet modifications and medications are used to care for both conditions.
Vestibular migraines are accompanied by severe dizziness or vertigo and are known for the following symptoms:

Dizziness
Motion intolerance with respect to the head, body, and eyes
Inability to focus the eyes
Light sensitivity
Spontaneous vertigo attacks
Nausea and vomiting
Loss of balance
Tinnitus
Ataxia
Confusion
Anxiety and panic
Feeling disoriented
Neck pain

Some of the same triggers that affect those with migraines may also affect those with vestibular migraines. These can include:

Food
- Processed, smoked, or cured meat – bacon, ham, salami, pickled herring, chicken livers, hot dogs, pepperoni, sausage
- Ripened or aged cheeses – cheddar, stilton, gouda, parmesan, bleu, feta
- MSG – monosodium glutamate often used in Asian cooking
- Olives, pickles, onions
- Alcohol – red wine, port, sherry, gin, bourbon, Scotch
- Pea pods and broad beans – lima, navy
- Too much tea, coffee, or cola
- Peanut butter and other nuts
- Hot, fresh bread, doughnuts, raised coffee cake
- Buttermilk, sour cream, yogurt
- Some fruit – figs, red plums, avocados, citrus, banana, papaya, passion fruit
Hormonal fluctuations
Barometric pressure variations
Sleep disturbances
Certain medications
Stress
Low blood sugar due to missing meals

It is important to find out what may be the trigger for your migraines as this is different for every person. A good idea, whether you have vestibular migraines or other migraines, is to keep a migraine diary. Keeping track of how you felt, what you were doing or eating, and how the weather was before a migraine occurred – even a few days before – can help you to see a pattern developing that will reveal what triggers migraines for you. This is vital information in helping you to avoid these triggers and have fewer migraines.

Caring for Vestibular MigrainesTraditional care for vestibular migraines often includes such things as the use of medication, lifestyle modification, and vestibular rehabilitation while avoiding the above triggers. There are two types of medication used – one to stop migraines when they have already started (abortive) and one to prevent migraines before they occur (preventative). They may include:

Beta-blockers
Tricyclic antidepressants
Calcium channel blockers
Depakote and Topamax (anticonvulsants)
Effexor XR
SSRIs – serotonergic agents
Gabapentin or Neurontin
Klonopin or Clonazepam
Diamox or Acetazolamide
Topamax or Topiramate
Trileptal or Oxcarbazepine

Aspirin
Ibuprofen
Triptans – Imitrex and Relpax
Isometheptene mucate

Vestibular rehabilitation has seen to have much success in caring for vestibular migraines. These are exercises that help to retrain your brain to handle the dizziness it is experiencing. They begin slowly and gradually increase so that they do not make the symptoms worse.
Lifestyle changes are also recommended. Things such as avoiding triggers, stress management, regular exercise, and performing assigned exercises at home are all vital for a person to find relief.

Where to Find Natural Relief for Vestibular MigrainesPatients suffering from this condition often find it frustrating as they have tried a number of different methods and none seem to bring the relief they were hoping for. It is important to realize that unless the underlying cause of vestibular migraines is addressed, they will continue to occur. What is the underlying cause? To the medical community, it is a bit of a mystery. However, most medical professionals and researchers will agree that it is somehow connected to a blood flow issue and nerve irritation. Why does this occur?
Migraines have been linked to a misalignment in the bones of the upper cervical spine. The C1 (atlas) and C2 (axis) are the top bones of the spine, and they are more susceptible to misaligning than any other spinal bones. This is because they allow the head to move in so many directions. Their mobility, shape, and location, while unique, makes them vulnerable. It takes very little to cause a misalignment to occur. In fact, a trip and fall or any minor blow to the head can cause this to occur. It is often seen in whiplash victims as well.
A misalignment in this area of the neck can have numerous negative effects on the body. It can lead to a reduction of blood flow to the brain and irritation of nerves. These are things that are known to cause migraines.
We use a very gentle technique that helps the bones of the neck to realign more naturally than forcibly cracking or popping them. This is often all that is needed to help migraine sufferers see a reduction in the severity and frequency of migraines. Some patients see them go away entirely and not return.

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Is Medication the Best Option for Migraines?

Getting the Scoop on Vertigo and How to Stop the Spinning

Vestibular Migraines: Can Anything Help Their Disabling Effects?

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