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’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.
At Health Quest, 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. Book an appointment with one of our specialists today!
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 An older, outdated theory stated that migraines are primarily a disease of the blood vessels.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.
At Health Quest, 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:
Health Quest’s team is certified to treat a wide range of headache sources and causes. Examples of issues that we treat include: