Chiropractic Care for Migraine Headaches in Austin, TX

Do you suffer from migraine headaches?

Austin Life Chiropractic Migraine Headaches Screening

Whether you suffer from tension or migraine headaches there is a direct cause of that headache. If you are presently taking medication for your headaches twice or more weekly it is recommended to be evaluated.

So You Have Migraine Headaches?

Chiropractic care for migraine headaches – if you regularly suffer from migraine headaches and experience any of the following trigger factors, then it’s quite possible you suffer from tension and/or cervicogenic (pain directly related to the neck) headaches.

Common trigger factors for tension and cervicogenic headaches are:

• Increased mental and physical stress
  Work related
  School related
  Socially/emotionally related
  Anxiety/depression

• Increased muscle tension in the neck
  Poor posture
  Muscle strain due to injury

• Joints of the neck not moving in their proper manner- feel “locked up” or “stiff”
• Improper function of the jaw joint- commonly known as TMJ
• Excessive eye muscle strain

Tension and cervicogenic headaches are responsible for 15-20% of all recurrent benign headaches.  These develop from prolonged muscle contraction of the neck and head caused by neck dysfunction due to structural and functional abnormalities within the joints, muscles, ligaments and discs of the upper neck region.  Improper joint motion, advanced muscle tightness in the neck and exacerbation by a fore-mentioned trigger factor leads to irritation of pain-sensitive nerve fibers manifesting in headache pain.

The majority of tension/cervicogenic headaches occur on both sides of the head.  The pressure or band-like sensation is non-pulsating of mild to moderate intensity.  There is no aggravation from coughing, sneezing or routine physical activity.  These headaches may last from 30 minutes, throughout the day, even up to seven days with proper rest having no affect on the symptoms.

Medication, pain relievers and muscle relaxants may provide temporary relief but it will not correct the cause of the headache. The combination of chiropractic care for headaches and holistic procedures can provide effective treatment by eliminating the cause of the problem, improper neck joint motion and muscular tightness, resulting in sustained relief.

Diagnostic criteria were established by the International Headache Society for accurate diagnosis of this condition.  Criteria include:

• Patient’s complaints- description of pain.
• Doctor’s findings- limited motion of neck; tenderness to touch; changes in neck muscle contour, tone and response to active and passive stretching and contraction.
• X-ray examination revealing movement abnormalities, abnormal posture or a distinct pathology, i.e., fracture, congenital abnormality.

Once this information has been gathered a customized treatment program will be designed and implemented to maximize efficiency and results. The options in the therapeutic program include:

1. Chiropractic adjustments of the joints of the neck helping to improve poor joint mobility.
2. Therapeutic massage –focuses on strained muscles in the head and neck enhancing proper function.
3. Physical rehabilitation- guidance in the stretching and strengthening of the proper muscles.
4. Physiological therapy- aiding in muscle relaxation and stress reduction.
5. Nutritional counseling- guidance in proper dietary intake to maximize performance of the body.

If you suffer with migraine headaches and are ready to begin a treatment program or if you have any questions regarding your headaches, contact the Austin Life Chiropractic at (512) 452-7681. Dr. Bart Patzer and his team will assist you in developing an active treatment program to eliminate your migraine headaches.