Migraine sufferers have to endure a pain that is recurring, severe and can last up to 72 hours. Warning signs such as an aura (a type of visual disturbance), and nausea sometimes accompany migraines. Many sufferers find that conventional medicine and prescription drugs offer little relief from their condition, and many are turning to alternatives methods of treatment in order to manage the pain. One such alternative is chiropractic treatment.
A holistic approach to pain relief, chiropractic treatment focuses on aiding numerous health issues through massage, spinal manipulation and adjustment of the body’s soft tissues and joints, predominantly in the back. But is it effective against migraines?
In February 2000, a study published by Dr. Tuchin et al. [1] cited the possible benefits of chiropractic treatment in alleviating or easing both the pain and frequency of recurring migraines. The study used a sample of 127 migraine patients all of whom suffered from at least one migraine per month. This sample was divided into two groups: one control group who received inactive treatment; the other group received chiropractic treatment focusing on aligning and treating specific areas of vertebral swelling and misalignment.
The study concluded that those who received chiropractic treatment experienced subsequent improvement during the study, and showing reduced pain and frequency of their migraines within two months of treatment. The latter group also reported a decline in the need for migraine medications.
Further results from the same study found that one in five sufferers from the chiropractic treatment group had a 90% reduction of migraine frequency, while 50% found significant improvement in the severity of their migraines.
Recent studies conducted by R. Bryans et al. published in 2011 [2], concluded that chiropractic care, including spinal manipulation, were found to improve both cerviocogenic headaches (headaches that are coming from the neck), as well as migraines. A systematic literature review of controlled clinical trials on the topic of migraines and headaches involving chiropractic treatment, published through August 2009, was conducted using a selection of medical and alternative therapy databases.
Bottom line: Research found that chiropractic treatment significantly helps patients who suffer from chronic or episodic migraines.
If you or someone you know experiences any or all of the symptoms described, then you may want to share this information with them or give our office a call to make an appointment.
References:
[1] P.J. Tuchin, H. Pollard, R. Bonello, A randomized controlled trial of chiropractic spinal manipulative therapy for Migraine. Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics, Feb. 2000: Vol. 23, No. 2, pp91-95.
[2]R. Bryans et al., J Manipulative Physiol Ther. 2011 Jun;34(5):274-89. doi: 10.1016/j.jmpt.2011.04.008.