Introduction:
Pain is one of the most unpleasant sensations in the body. It is responsible for significant disability in humans. However, there are many causative factors for pain. Pain may originate from an infection, inflammation, or trauma or may be neurologic in origin. Neurologic pain is difficult to treat due to its complex nature. One of the most common neurologic pain is migraine. Around ten percent of the world's population suffers from this condition. Over the years, different treatment modalities have been used to treat this condition. Needless to say, none of them has proven to be effective enough to cure this condition.
What Is a Migraine?
Migraine or migraine headache is a type of neuralgic pain. This type of headache is episodic and is characterized by moderate-to-severe headaches. Migraine is one of the most prevalent causes of disability in the world. It is one of the main causes of loss of work, functionality, and functional impairment.
1. Pathophysiology:
The causative factors of migraines are not known. Researchers have identified genetic factors as the primary causative agent linked to migraines. Specifically, a mutation in chromosome 19 has been linked to the pathogenesis of migraines. Additionally, mutations in the calcium channel CACNA1A gene and FHM-I have been associated with this condition. However, triggering factors are crucial in the development of migraines. External elements such as hormonal fluctuations, stress, tension, anxiety, dietary choices, and exposure to light are responsible for altering brain function. Along with this, the position of neck muscles and cervical vertebrae plays a pivotal role in triggering the migraine. Neck pain caused by these factors is a crucial triggering factor for migraine. These factors lead to inflammatory damage to neurons. The neuropeptide calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) is a key neuropeptide associated with migraines released due to neural inflammation. CGRP, produced by neurons in both the central and peripheral nervous systems, promotes vasodilation and activates perivascular trigeminal sensory nerve fibers. These nerve fibers are responsible for transmitting pain signals. Subsequent release of substances such as substance P and CGRP from trigeminal fibers leads to neuronal inflammation, blood vessel leakage, and mast cell degranulation.
2. Symptoms:
The clinical presentation of migraine determines the symptoms experienced. Migraine symptoms are categorized into four phases. The earliest phase, prodrome, is characterized by mood changes, lethargy, and light sensitivity. Aura, the second phase, involves symptoms caused by changes in blood circulation and neurovascular changes, such as tingling sensations in the face and limbs. Visual field changes may also occur in some cases. The third phase presents with headaches in various parts of the head, such as the frontal or side areas, accompanied by vomiting, light sensitivity, and tearing. Following the headache, associated symptoms like dizziness and mood swings may manifest.
What Is Chiropractic Treatment?
Greek words cheir and praktos are the root words for chiropractic treatment, which means treatment done with hands. However, the chiropractic treatment protocol is thousands of years old. The modern-age chiropractic treatment was popularized by D.D. Palmer in 1895. The goal of the chiropractic procedure is to do manipulation, adjustment, and mobilization of the joints. This helps in the repositioning of the bones in the joints. Also, helps in muscle manipulation. In most cases, the manipulation of the spinal joints is done.
What Are the Chiropractic Treatment Options for Neck Pain?
Cervical spine manipulations are commonly performed in the supine position. During this procedure, the hand of the operator of the interphalangeal contact is placed over the articulating pillar of the affected joints. The joint is in place at its end range of motion, and all joints are then locked out. A high-velocity and low-amplitude impulse is then applied to move the joints. It should be noted that cervical spine manipulation techniques may be selected with a minimum of neck rotation and extension during the procedure.
What Are the Chiropractic Treatments for Migraine?
Headaches from migraines can be caused by the joints and muscles in the neck. They can be tension headaches or migraines caused by these tight muscles or malposition of the cervical joints. When the muscles get tight and sore from stress from being on a computer or driving, that can cause the joints to become misaligned and then cause irritation. These are regarded as the risk factors for developing migraine. One of the most common treatment methods for this problem is curing the tightness of the cervical muscles and increasing the mobility of the joints. Also, it helps to change the position of the joint, which may help reduce pain. Many techniques can be utilized for migraine patients.
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One of the most common methods is the use of acupuncture needles. With the help of these needles, different pressure points are identified, and needles are inserted into these pressure points, which act as a trigger point.
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Patients often report experiencing symptoms around their eyes, such as headaches near or deep to the eye socket, which stem from the tight muscles of the upper trapezius. A special tool is used for this purpose to increase the blood circulation of the muscles. This tool is gradually rubbed in the head and neck region to increase blood circulation. As a result, the circulation increases gradually.
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In the third phase, pressure is applied to the various parts of the neck to mobilize the cervical vertebrae. In most cases, upper cervical vertebrae are targeted and mobilizations are done with the help of high-velocity and low-magnitude force. This helps to cure conditions like malposition of cervical discs. Also, the gap between the vertebrae is maintained. This type of movement also helps to increase the blood flow and relax the muscles associated with migraine.
Conclusion:
Migraine is a neuralgic pain caused by several risk factors. In most cases, neural inflammation and changes in the vascular supply in the nerve are associated with this. Apart from medications, chiropractic treatment can be a good alternative. Chiropractic treatment helps to increase the blood flow in the affected areas. Also, it reduces muscle soreness and increases the mobility of the joints. These changes help reduce pain in migraine.
