Migraine is a neurological condition that causes crippling, throbbing, episodic, and unilateral headaches that are frequently accompanied by other symptoms, such as nausea, vomiting, and increased sensitivity to light and sound.
The exact cause of migraines is not fully understood, but research suggests that changes in the trigeminal cranial nerve function and certain brain chemical fluctuations may be involved.
There are a number of factors that may trigger migraine attacks. These include stress, changes to sleep, intense physical activity, and hormonal changes (mostly affecting women).
If you are experiencing the symptoms mentioned above, consider seeing a pain management specialist for proper evaluation and treatment. The treatment option your doctor will recommend will likely depend on the frequency, severity, and duration of your migraine attacks as well as your symptoms, overall health, and personal preferences.
Your treatment plan could include any or a combination of the following.
Medication
There are a variety of medications used for mitigating the symptoms of or preventing future migraine attacks. Over-the-counter and prescription pain medications can help provide symptom relief and shorten the duration of a migraine when taken early— at the onset of signs and symptoms.
Your doctor may also give you preventative medications (e.g., beta-blockers and anticonvulsants) if you frequently suffer from migraines.
Chiropractic Care
Chiropractic care is a safe, non-invasive treatment approach that, when done regularly, can help manage and relieve pain caused by migraines and tension headaches. It works by reducing joint restrictions and correcting spinal alignment issues. Chiropractic treatment may be used in conjunction with other treatment methods, such as acupuncture.
Acupuncture
Clinical trials have found that acupuncture can be an effective treatment for migraines and many other conditions. Treatment involves gently inserting very fine, disposable needles into the skin at specific pressure points on the body. Stimulating these pressure points can help restore balance and function in problem areas.
Acupuncture treatment has a cumulative effect and more than one treatment is often recommended.
Pain Management Counseling
If your migraine attacks are becoming chronic (occurring more than 15 days a month), your doctor may recommend pain management counseling to help you learn ways to cope with your symptoms and work through the emotional impact that they can have on everyday living.
Your pain management specialist will teach you cognitive and behavioral strategies to help you manage your pain effectively and address feelings associated with your condition, such as frustration or dejection.
Migraine Treatment in Newark, Wilmington, Middletown, Smyrna and Dover, DE
If you suffer from migraines, visit the pain management experts at Delaware Back Pain & Sports Rehabilitation Centers. We provide effective care for a wide range of painful conditions using a vast variety of modalities, including interventional pain management approaches, acupuncture, chiropractic care, myofascial release, and pain management counseling.
To see one of our pain management experts, call us at one of our 7 convenient locations or use our online request form.
