When it comes to common health issues, there is perhaps no more frustrating ailment than migraines. Migraines seem to always happen when you are most stressed and come not only with severe and debilitating head pain, but sensitivity to sound and light, dizziness and often nausea as well. No matter how hard you try it seems as though the only thing you can do to endure the pain of a migraine is to wait it out until it is over and try to manage the symptoms to the best of your ability. However, there is good news for those who suffer from migraines. Chiropractic care can help reduce the frequency and the severity of your migraines, meaning less time cooped up in bed and more time living your life.

Studies estimate that more than 25 million people living in the United States experience migraine headaches every year, with women being far more likely to experience migraines then men. Typically those with migraines experience their first headache before the age of 30, and many studies have found they are genetic. Many times, migraines come with a tight feeling in the neck and around the temples, also known as tension headaches. Many migraines actually start in the neck. According to a study by Duke University, spinal manipulation, or adjustments, result in almost immediate headache improvement and provided longer-lasting relief and less side effects than typically prescribed headache medication.

Studies have found that most migraines are caused by a small misalignment, or subluxation in the spine. When your vertebrae are misaligned in this way, it can actually cause the nerves and muscles to become irritated and inflamed. When you get adjusted, this misalignment is corrected, meaning your vertebrae are where they should be and that pain, stiffness, soreness and irritation is gone.

Chiropractic adjustments are not only great for helping reduce the severity of migraines, but regular chiropractic care can also help reduce the frequency of these migraines as well. What many people don’t realize is that their poor posture can actually contribute to their migraines. When you spend the whole day hunched over a phone, tablet or computer screen, you start putting some serious strain on your neck and back muscles, which can increase chances of getting subluxations and a migraine.

Don’t forget, your chiropractor can also talk to you about different lifestyle choices that you may be making that can contribute to your migraines. Many studies have found that certain foods, lack of exercise and poor habits can all increase a person’s chances of getting a migraine and act as triggers for these headaches. Typical triggers include stress, anxiety and depression, or migraines may be an indicator of a more serious health issue. Speak with your chiropractor about your lifestyle choices if you are suffering from frequent migraines, they may be able to help you adopt healthier habits that can change your health and your headaches for the better.