Migraines, Asthma, and the Nervous System -- What’s the Connection?

A study done in 2005 has revealed some interesting facts about migraines and asthma. While unsure of the precise connection, it seems likely the nervous system is the common link. Let’s take a closer look at each of these conditions and how a malfunction of the nervous system may be to blame.


Migraines
Migraines are not just severe headaches. Rather, they are an extremely incapacitating group of neurological symptoms that include:

• Throbbing or pounding head pain generally on one side
• Attacks that last between 4 and 72 hours
• Nausea and vomiting
• Visual disturbances
• Dizziness or vertigo
• Sensitivity to light, smells, and sounds
• Tingling or numbness in the limbs or face

Migraines are the third most prevalent illness in the entire world. They affect 39 million people -- men, women, and children -- in the United States. As many as 1 billion are impacted worldwide. Women get migraines three times more often than men, possibly due to hormone fluctuations. The most common age to get migraines is between 25 and 55.
Doctors don’t really understand why migraines occur, but a genetic link has been established. They may have to do with narrowing blood vessels or a malfunction of the central nervous system. Many of those with migraines have been found to have a misalignment in the bones of their upper cervical spine due to a past trauma to the head or neck, such as car accidents, sporting accidents, or a trip and fall.


Asthma
Asthma is a chronic disease of the airways and makes breathing very difficult. The air passages become inflamed and narrow the pathways that carry oxygen to the lungs. This results in the symptoms of asthma:

• Coughing
• Shortness of breath
• Chest tightness
• Wheezing
• Decreased activity
• Inability to talk

Asthma affects as many as 26 million Americans and results in 2 million trips to the ER each year. Doctors are not really sure what causes asthma, and it can have multiple triggers depending on the person and the situation they are in. Allergies can play a huge role in those with asthma, but not always. Genetics are also to blame, as many people with asthma have family members that have it.


The Nervous System
The nervous system is made up of two main parts:

• The central nervous system: Consisting of the brain and spinal cord
• The peripheral nervous system: Comprised of nerve fibers which branch off from the spinal cord and spread to all parts of the body: the arms, legs, torso, internal organs, and skeletal muscles

The brain sends signals via the spinal cord and nerves of the peripheral system in order to control how the internal organs work and the movement of the muscles. Neurons are the basic working unit of the nervous system. There are about 1 billion neurons in the brain. They communicate with each other and release neurotransmitters. Motor neurons send messages from the brain to control voluntary movement. Sensory neurons perceive incoming sound, taste, odor, light, heat, and pressure and let the brain know what is happening.
Other functions of the nervous system include responsibility for the release of involuntary processes. This includes:

• The release of hormones like adrenaline
• Regulation of the digestive system
• Dilation of the eyes
• Any involuntary processes we don’t have to think about but take place naturally

Migraines, Asthma, and the Nervous System
Researchers studied 4,446 individuals with episodic migraines. Of these, 746 had asthma at the time of the study (during the year of 2008-2009). They used a Respiratory Symptom Severity Score to see how severe their asthma was and how it influenced the onset of episodic (less than 15 during a month) migraines. What did they discover? Patients with asthma are at double the risk of developing chronic migraines. Those patients who scored high on the above-mentioned asthma test had an even larger risk of going on to develop chronic migraines (more than 15 during a month) in the near future.
It is believed, according to researchers, that inflammation may contribute to both migraines and asthma. Asthma is caused by an irritation and inflammation of the smooth muscle in the airways, while migraines are due to inflammation of blood vessels. So, where does the nervous system fit into all of this?
The nervous system is the link that sends signals to the nerves and tells them whether to widen or close the structures in the body, including blood vessels. It also controls inflammation. It makes sense then that if there is something hindering the function of the nervous system, it can affect other systems of the body. What could this be?


Misalignments in the Neck Linked to Migraines and Asthma
The brainstem is protected by the C1 (atlas) and C2 (axis) vertebrae of the upper cervical spine. These bones are also susceptible to misaligning. If a misalignment (subluxation) occurs here, stress is placed on the brainstem, causing it to send improper signals to and from the brain and body. This can lead to inflammation and narrowing of blood vessels that should not be narrowed.
Here at Upper Cervical Cedar Falls in Cedar Falls, Iowa, we understand the delicate connection that exists in this area of the neck. Our goal is to help our patients correct any problems that might exist here. This is done through a thorough examination to find the exact location of the subluxation. Once discovered, we use a gentle method that is tailored to your specific needs. The technique used does not require us to pop or crack the spine to get positive results. We work towards helping the bones move back into place naturally without the use of force. This results in an adjustment that lasts longer. Many of our patients have seen a good outcome in only a few visits.

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