Most of us have experienced a headache at some point. It’s that familiar tightness in the temples, throbbing pressure behind the eyes, or tense muscles in the upper neck. These headaches, caused mainly by tension, typically result in mild to moderate pain and muscle tightness.

Migraine headaches, however, involve both nerve and vascular dysfunction. They are characterized by severe and often debilitating pain. Prior to and during a migraine, blood vessels swell and fill with blood, stretching the surrounding nerves. This nerve stretching causes irritation, leading the nerves to release chemicals that trigger an inflammatory response, resulting in the intense pain experienced.

What is a Migraine?

A migraine usually involves pain on one side of the head or face and can last anywhere from 4 hours to 4 days. Migraines are often preceded by warning signs, which may include sensitivity to light, stiff neck muscles, visual disturbances known as “auras,” fatigue, depression, facial numbness or tingling, altered senses, food cravings, or feelings of euphoria.

Once a migraine begins, symptoms may include blurred vision, nausea, clamminess in hands and feet, and vomiting. After a migraine subsides, individuals may feel drained or experience a sense of euphoria.

What Triggers a Migraine?

Various factors can trigger migraines, although triggers vary among individuals. Common triggers include caffeine withdrawal or excessive intake, certain foods (such as dairy, wheat, chocolate, eggs, tomatoes, and oranges), artificial sweeteners like aspartame and sucralose, emotional stress, lack of sleep, MSG, menstruation or menopause, nitrates in meats, physical stress, overuse of pain medications, skipping meals, environmental factors (such as weather changes or altitude), pulsating lights or loud noises, red wine or alcohol, and foods containing tyramine (like chocolate, some cheeses, beans, sausage, fish, soy, and yogurt).

Anti-Migraine Medications and Triggers

Interestingly, some medications designed to treat migraines contain caffeine, which can both cause and relieve headache pain. Caffeine withdrawal can also trigger migraines. Gradually reducing caffeine intake has been recommended to mitigate this effect, as high caffeine levels can sensitize the brain to adenosine, a neurotransmitter that dilates blood vessels in the head and neck.

Dr. Ptak’s Drug-Free Migraine Pain Relief Program

Dr. Jeffrey Ptak, a Los Angeles chiropractor with nearly four decades of experience, offers a drug-free program for migraine relief. Research suggests that tension in the upper cervical spine affects the basilar artery involved in migraines. Dr. Ptak uses decompressive maneuvers aimed at releasing neurological tension in the midbrain and upper cervical spine, rather than traditional “cracking” adjustments. This approach has been documented to significantly reduce the frequency and severity of migraines, offering a potential permanent solution to this debilitating condition.

If you suffer from migraines, consider contacting:
Dr. Jeffrey Ptak at Ptak Chiropractic for effective relief. You can reach him at (310) 473- 7991 to discuss your migraine concerns and explore treatment options.