Migraine is the third most predominant neurological disorder in the world. It is estimated that at least one billion people around the globe suffer from migraines.
The condition is so enervating that it has considerable effects on one’s personal and socioeconomic well-being. In fact, according to the World Health Organization, this condition can incapacitate its sufferers. Studies show at least 3000 attacks per million people every day, making it 19th among all the causes of extended years lived with disability worldwide.
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Migraine in the States
Of all the inhabited continents, the United States has the most documented cases of migraine, with around 45 million diagnosed patients a year, which is a pretty sizable number considering there are still others who are undiagnosed. With such alarming statistics, more and more Americans are actively looking for migraine relief in San Diego and other parts of the country.
Over the years, numerous studies and experiments have been written on the subject of migraines, and one of the latest is a study from UC San Diego on the use of cannabis for relieving migraines. It is controversial and research is in its early stages but this is one of the many eager searches for migraine relief in San Diego.
Latest Advancements in Migraine Care
Scientists have long debated what causes migraines, with initial theories suggesting the expansion of blood vessels in the head or a malfunction of the nerves. It was not until recently that scientists discovered its connection with the trigeminal nerve.
The trigeminal nerve is the most intricate cranial nerve in the human body. It is responsible for sending sensation and condition signals to the brain of the areas it governs, which spans from the top of the ears to the jaw.
Migraine attacks occur when the trigeminal nerve is triggered, causing it to send alert signals to the brain. This alert makes the brain produce protective layers of protein and expands, along with the blood vessels, resulting in the throbbing pain associated with migraine.
One of the few promising studies in the hopes of curing migraine is that of neurologist Peter Goadsby and his team at King’s College London. Their research focuses on the CGRP or the calcitonin gene-related peptides—the chemical involved in the migraine trigger process. CGRP is the protective layer released around the brain that causes inflammation. The findings in their research are the data currently used in developing new treatments for migraine.
To learn more about the connection between head and neck injuries and migraine download our complimentary e-book by clicking the image below.
Migraine Medications
The medicine that could ultimately eliminate migraine is yet to be discovered. Still, through the discovery of CGRP and the available information collected on how migraine progresses, from all the other migraine studies and research conducted, scientists have found another way of battling it. Instead of focusing on the cure, they’ve shifted to how best to prevent it.
Studies show sufferers experience a series of headaches a few days prior to the actual attack. Information that doctors and scientists plan to capitalize on to prevent the attack altogether.
The medicines prescribed to sufferers for a long time are mainly created for other illnesses or just migraine symptoms, thus providing very little relief to the pain and its recurrence. Luckily, we now have migraine-focused medications on the market, such as Aimogiv (erenumab), Nurtec (rimgepant), and Ubrelvy (ubrogepant). They are all dedicated to blocking CGRP to prevent the headache from evolving into a full-blown migraine episode. Although these medicines cannot eliminate the occurrence of migraine, they work well enough in soothing ongoing and impending attacks.
These medications are effective in relieving migraine. However, using them for lifetime maintenance of this episodic disorder can be costly. In addition, it also causes a myriad of side effects such as constipation, joint pain, hair loss, chest pains, and nausea, to name a few.
Natural Care for Migraine
Medicines have always been the go-to for migraine attacks, but more care options have emerged that could help people deal with and eventually be rid of this debilitating illness. One of them is Upper Cervical Chiropractic.
Chiropractic is the art and science focused on the neuromusculoskeletal system, the nervous system’s connection to the spine, and all its body parts. It aims to provide care and relief for pains and disorders caused by traumas and misalignments on the spinal column due to accidents or simply bad habits. The Upper Cervical technique primarily focuses on the topmost bones of the spine.
Of all the medication-free care methods against this condition, chiropractic care is the most sought-after option for migraine relief in San Diego because it is non-invasive, gentle, and helps improve one’s overall health.
Visit Our Practice to Get Migraine Relief in San Diego
With migraine episodes mainly caused by a structural disturbance in your system, it is possible to overcome and diminish the effects so that you can enjoy a more productive, happier way of life with proper care.
At Upper Cervical Chiropractic San Diego, we are trained and excited to give you precisely that! Our team, led by Dr. Mercedes Cook, will provide you with the best migraine care plan. Our clinic specializes in Upper Cervical Chiropractic, a technique that focuses on the vertebrae in the cervical spine, where the trigeminal nerve is located—a significant contributor to the development of migraine.
Visit us for the gentlest and most natural migraine relief in San Diego. Schedule your consultation via our web form. We are located at 409 Camino Del Rio South, Suite 105, San Diego, CA 92108, and are open Monday to Thursday and by appointment on Saturdays.
To schedule a consultation with Upper Cervical Chiropractic San Diego, call 858-434-5926 or just click the button below.
If you are outside of the local area you can find an Upper Cervical Doctor near you at www.uppercervicalawareness.com.
