Chronic Migraines Helped with Chiropractic
On September 2, 2019, the journal the Annals of Vertebral Subluxation Research published a study that documented the case of a woman who had been suffering with chronic migraines and hypnic headaches being helped by chiropractic.
Headaches have been described for over a millennium dating back to around 1200 B.C. The study reports that there is a 90% rate of the population suffering from a headache at some point in time. According to Healthline, "A hypnic headache is a rare type of headache that wakes people from sleep. They're sometimes referred to as alarm-clock headaches. Hypnic headaches only affect people when they’re sleeping. They often occur around the same time several nights a week."
Migraine headaches are a severe form of headache that can be debilitating. The Mayo Clinic describes this severe form of headache by stating, "A migraine can cause severe throbbing pain or a pulsing sensation, usually on one side of the head. It's often accompanied by nausea, vomiting, and extreme sensitivity to light and sound. Migraine attacks can last for hours to days, and the pain can be so severe that it interferes with your daily activities." Migraines affect 10% of the global population and is the seventh leading cause of time spent disabled.
In this case, a 59-year-old woman presented herself to a chiropractor for evaluation and possible chiropractic care. At that time, she was suffering with migraine and hypnic headaches as well as nausea and skin rashes. She reported that she had been suffering with headaches "all her life" and they had gotten worse over the last five months. Her migraines began 15 years ago when she had gotten pregnant. She had tried a variety of over the counter medications and other therapies that had only given her limited short-term relief. The woman stated that the headaches were having a significant impact on her quality of life.
A chiropractic examination was performed which included a visual inspection showing that she carried her head more forward than is normal. Palpation and other examination procedures led the chiropractor to conclude that subluxations were present. Based upon the findings, specific forms of chiropractic adjustments were started.
The woman's schedule for chiropractic care was initially twice per week for 6 weeks. After a re-exam, the care proceeded at the rate of twice per week for 3 months, and then once per week for 6 weeks. The study records that the results of the care were a complete resolution of both the woman's migraines and hypnic headaches. As a result of the chiropractic care and additional lifestyle changes, the study reports that the woman is "now living with rarely occurring headaches and able to perform work and every day duties uninterrupted."
