Migraine symptoms are headaches characterized by:

• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Sensitivity to light
• Dizziness
• Excruciating, throbbing pain

Though symptoms vary by person, a migraine can last for hours and up to a few days. Some people receive a sort of warning that’s called an aura, prior to the onset of a migraine.

These warnings can include:

• Blurred vision
• Blind spots
• Nausea
• Increased sensitivity
• Tingling sensation

When the pain does come, it can be felt in a certain area of the head or in the whole head. Whatever the extent of the pain, for sufferers it is a serious problem. What makes it worse is that migraines themselves aren’t fully understood, and they are different for everyone. What triggers a migraine varies also from person to person. It can be a smell, stress, lack of sleep or another cause.  

Painkillers may prove effective in dulling the pain, but they do not fix the problem.

Can a Chiropractor Help With Migraines?

At The Rejuvenation Center in Layton, Utah, it’s our job to find the source of your issues. Chiropractic care and massage therapies can normalize the musculoskeletal system, allowing the brainstem to return to homeostasis and relieve a headache. Homeostasis is the body’s ideal balance, or the state of the body when everything is performing correctly.

While sufferers can take preventative measures such as staying well hydrated, exercising and learning what their triggers are, the only real way to fight off migraines is to right the body’s homeostasis. Dr. Brad Miller specializes in helping his patients achieve homeostasis, and will develop a personalized plan to help get you there.

Can a Massage Therapist Help With Migraines?

Migraines are something that can be treated. Since every persons’ symptoms and triggers are different, treatment requires a customized, holistic approach. The experienced staff at The Rejuvenation Center includes Master Bodyworker and licensed massage therapist Brianna Francom. We will create a personalized plan that works on not only relieving migraine symptoms but also helping in the management of your migraines. Massage can provide relief for migraines and may prove to be a useful tool for long-term management of the underlying conditions.

Treatment will vary depending on the person, but it will likely include craniosacral therapy and spinal adjustment.

Craniosacral therapy

Craniosacral therapy is a unique form of massage therapy that helps the body release itself. This massage isn’t your normal kneading, rubbing, or long flowing strokes. Instead, this therapy is made up of static holds, meaning that the therapist holds certain portions of your head and back. These holds balance the cerebral spinal fluid that surrounds the spinal cord and brain.

When cerebral spinal fluid comes off balance, it can cause headaches, tension, and affect bodily functions and organs.  Craniosacral therapy promotes proper flow and alignment, increases circulation, and optimal health. The treatment typically lasts for an hour and the number of treatments required will vary based on person and treatment plan.

Chiropractic Adjustments

Spinal realignment and neck adjustments can be an effective tool to relieve tension around the base of the skull. This can be a method of preventative maintenance for some migraine sufferers.

Other Massage Modalities

Swedish massage, medical massage, trigger point therapy, and deep tissue therapy can also be useful for ongoing treatment of migraine.

Massage can treat the following migraine-related symptoms:

Muscle spasm or tension

Massaging the neck and shoulder can relax suboccipitals which cause pain through tension that travels from the back of the head to the eye areas.

Hormone regulation

Massage naturally introduces the body’s healing chemicals and affects hormone balance. It increases endorphins and serotonin, and decreases the body’s stress hormone cortisol. It also stimulates the parasympathetic nervous system.

Improved circulation

A key component of healing involves the delivery of oxygen to a tight or damaged area. Blood needs to be able to flow freely to and from a tight or damaged area to remove dead cells and toxic substances and to deliver fresh oxygenated blood. Massage increases blood flow, which improves oxygen levels, speeds removal of toxins, and reduces pain.

Inflammation of the Neck

If bone tissue in the spinal column within the neck  becomes inflamed from damage, stress or tension, they can cause pain and lead to headaches.

Some types of massage might make headaches worse so it’s important to discuss with a licensed massage therapist and experienced chiropractor the best treatment plan to reduce your symptoms and prevalence of migraine headaches.