Chiropractic Care for Migraines in Mount Maunganui and Tauranga: A Holistic Approach to Alleviate Pain

Migraines are a debilitating form of headache that affects millions of people worldwide. These severe headaches often come with pulsating pain, sensitivity to light and sound, nausea, and can last for hours or even days. For many migraine sufferers in Mount Maunganui, finding effective and lasting relief can be a significant challenge. One alternative approach that has gained attention in recent years is Chiropractic care. Chiropractic care at Mount Maunganui Chiropractic involves the adjustment of the spine to improve alignment and overall spinal health. This blog post explores the potential benefits of Chiropractic care for migraine relief for those suffering in Mount Maunganui, Tauranga and Papamoa.

Understanding Migraines in Mount Maunganui

Before delving into how Chiropractic care can help with migraines, it's essential to understand what migraines are and what triggers them. Migraines are neurological conditions characterised by severe headaches, often on one side of the head. They can be accompanied by auras, visual disturbances, and other symptoms. The exact cause of migraines remains elusive, but several triggers are commonly associated, including stress, hormonal changes, certain foods, lack of sleep, and poor posture.

The Role of Chiropractic Care

Chiropractic care primarily focuses on the spine and its alignment. Chiropractors believe that misalignments in the spine, known as subluxations, can disrupt the nervous system's functioning. This disruption can lead to various health issues, including migraines. Dr Guest at Mount Maunganui Chiropractic uses hands-on spinal adjustments and other techniques to adjust the spine's alignment, aiming to restore proper nerve function.

How Chiropractic Care Addresses Migraines

1. Spinal Adjustments (Low-force, Specific Manipulation)
Spinal Adjustments are a core aspect of Chiropractic care and involves applying controlled, sudden force to the spine, usually using the hands or a specialised instrument. The goal is to improve spinal alignment, promote fluidity between spinal joints and alleviate stress on the nervous system. Through Spinal Adjustments, Dr Guest aims to enhance the overall function of the body, potentially reducing the frequency and severity of migraines.

2. Posture Correction
Poor posture is a common contributor to migraines and other types of headaches. Individuals who maintain an improper posture, particularly in the neck and upper back, can experience increased tension and stress on the muscles and nerves, triggering migraines. Dr Guest works to correct posture issues through adjustments and provide advice on maintaining proper posture, potentially reducing the occurrence of migraines.

3. Muscle Tension Relief
Chiropractic care often involves addressing muscle tension and tightness. Migraines can be exacerbated by tense muscles, especially in the neck, shoulders, and back. Chiropractors employ various techniques, including stretching and muscle relaxation exercises, to help reduce muscle tension and promote relaxation. This can aid in reducing the frequency and intensity of migraines.

4. Improving Nervous System Function
The nervous system plays a crucial role in the onset and duration of migraines. Misalignments in the spine can interfere with the nervous system's communication, potentially triggering migraines. Chiropractic adjustments aim to restore proper alignment and function of the nervous system, which may lead to a reduction in migraine frequency and intensity.

Research and Evidence

While anecdotal evidence supports Chiropractic care as a potential treatment for migraines, scientific research is continually evolving to provide more concrete evidence. A study published in the Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics in 2015 found that Chiropractic spinal manipulative therapy can be a successful treatment option for patients with chronic migraines. The study reported a significant reduction in migraine days and pain intensity.

Another study published in the European Journal of Neurology in 2016 suggested that spinal manipulation may be an effective treatment for migraines and cervicogenic headaches.

Conclusion

Chiropractic care offers a holistic approach to managing migraines by focusing on spinal alignment, posture correction, muscle tension relief, and improving nervous system function. While research is ongoing, many migraine sufferers in Mount Maunganui and Tauranga report finding relief and experiencing a reduction in the frequency and intensity of their migraines through Chiropractic care at Mount Maunganui Chiropractic.