Migraine Specialist

What is the difference between a migraine and other types of headaches?

Headaches can be caused by different issues including illnesses, chronic stress, and even eye strain. Migraines differ from most of these headaches because they tend to be much more intense and longer-lasting than most other types of headaches, and they’re often accompanied by other symptoms aside from head pain.

Migraines also differ in their origins. Although researchers don’t understand the whole mechanism underlying migraines, studies show both nerve- and circulation-related issues play a role. Migraines are more common among women and among people who have a family history of the headaches, and while they can occur anytime, they’re often triggered by factors like foods, stress, medications, or illnesses.

What kinds of symptoms can migraines cause?

In addition to pain on one or both sides of the head, migraines can cause:

• Nausea and vomiting
• Dizziness
• Increased sensitivity to light, sounds and even smells
• Visual disturbances like tunnel vision, flashing lights, or temporary loss of sight (typically in one eye)

Some people may experience food cravings, mood changes, extreme fatigue, numbness in the hands or feet, or neck stiffness before onset of symptoms.

How are migraines treated?

Since migraines involve both circulation — and nerve-related issues — chiropractic care can be an ideal solution for relieving symptoms and even preventing them from recurring.

Dr. Bendis starts by evaluating the patient’s symptoms and performing a physical evaluation using hands-on techniques to identify potential areas of nerve impingement and irritation in the neck and back.

In most cases, spinal adjustments are performed to help realign the vertebrae and relieve compression and irritation on the nerves as they exit the spine. Nerve compressions not only cause painful symptoms throughout the body, but they can also interfere with normal nerve signaling necessary for optimal function of the organs and systems necessary for maintaining good health. Proper nerve signaling is also needed for the release of hormones and other chemicals that help keep the body “in balance.”

Nutritional counseling can also be very useful in migraine treatment, helping to replenish vital nutrients lost due to stress, aging, illness, poor diet, and other factors that can contribute to migraine symptoms and flare-ups.

Having routine chiropractic visits can help many patients reduce the frequency of headaches while also lessening their symptoms so they can lead healthier, more comfortable lives.