Chronic Migraine Treatment in Maryland

Migraines are the 7th most common cause of disability worldwide, and the third most common disease in the world overall. That makes them more prevalent than diabetes, epilepsy and asthma combined. Unfortunately, the exact causes of migraines are still a medical mystery.

Fortunately, there are care options available to patients suffering from these powerful headaches. Health Quest Chiropractic and Physical Therapy’s team can provide a range of therapies designed to address and even prevent migraine headaches. Using a wide variety of modalities, and by making sure patients are comfortable with their therapy program every step of the way, our staff will help patients get back to enjoying their life.

Treat Chronic Migraines with Chiropractic Care – Maryland

We offer drug-free, surgery-free interventions to patients suffering from chronic migraines. From vestibular rehabilitation therapy (VRT) to spinal stabilization, our chiropractic physicians are experts in a variety of the most cutting-edge migraine treatments. 

FAQs on Migraines

The exact causes of migraines are, surprisingly, poorly understood. An older, outdated theory stated that migraines are primarily a disease of the blood vessels. However, it is now accepted that migraines are not related to any vascular pathology, and brain mechanisms are more likely involved in the development of migraine attacks. This current theory – the neurovascular theory – states that the fundamental problem is neurogenic. It’s believed that the trigeminal nerve (main facial nerve) innervates blood vessels in the brain and acts as a feedforward mechanism, facilitating the acute attack but not causing the actual problem.

Experts aren’t entirely sure what a comprehensive list of risk factors for this condition would look like at this time. However, it’s currently believed that a genetic component is likely involved. Additionally, it’s known that migraines affect three times as many women as men, with this higher rate being most likely hormonally-driven.

The traditional medical model supports interventions with medication and lifestyle changes to help prevent the onset of migraines. During a migraine attack, intervention with medication is also the go-to abortive therapy. There is, however, some concern with this approach, as many pharmaceuticals have significant potential side-effects.

Our migraine treatments are non-drug based, non-surgical, and are safe to be used in conjunction with the majority of concurrent medical therapies. They can include: 

  • Vestibular Rehabilitation Therapy (VRT) & Ocular Rehabilitation Therapy: These therapies treat persistent symptoms of dizziness, headache, poor balance/coordination, and visual dysfunction. 
  • Noninvasive Neuromodulation: This research-based, peer-reviewed treatment uses vagus nerve, trigeminal nerve and occipital nerve stimulation, which calms overactive nerves and stimulates underactive nerves to strengthen/modulate neural pathways associated with head pain and balance/dizziness. 
  • Spinal Stabilization Programs: Physical therapy treatments for confirmed injuries to the cervical spine, such as whiplash, may help to lessen the strength of and/or probability of a patient experiencing a migraine.
  • Dietary Review: An evaluation of potential dietary triggers is highly recommended to migraine patients, with recommendations for modifications and substitutions.