For many individuals, the symptoms of a migraine are equivalent to the signs of an everyday headache multiplied so many times that they become disabling.  Fortunately for those who visit our Keegan Chiropractic clinic in Ashburn, a number of treatment options can provide relief.  Our chiropractor uses only natural therapies for the treatment and prevention of migraines and other headaches.

Overview of Migraines and Other Headaches

Some headache patients remark that their symptoms are nearly always the same.  One thing that distinguishes a migraine from these other disorders is its unpredictability.  Migraines strike roughly 25 million Americans every year.  Of these individuals, three of every four are female.

A majority of individuals who suffer from migraines had their initial episode before the age of 30.  Our doctor notes that a family history is present in around 70 percent of cases.  Frequency of occurrence varies from multiple episodes in one month to more than a year between attacks.

Patients report that the most characteristic symptom is throbbing they call intense.  Nausea, vomiting, light or noise sensitivity, pain, blurred vision, and perceiving an aura—flashing lights that might seem to occur in a dreamlike setting before an attack—are additional symptoms.

The cause of migraines is a sequence of events.  Blood vessels in the brain first constrict, and then dilate.  During constriction, blood flow slows, resulting in visual symptoms.  At this point, many patients are able to anticipate an attack.

Once vessels have dilated, blood pressure elevates within the head.  A pounding sensation occurs with each heartbeat.

Migraines have many possible triggers.  The most common include:

  • Tension
  • Stress
  • Changes in the weather
  • Alcohol consumption
  • Certain foods
  • Lack of sleep
  • Specific odors or smells
  • Flickering lights

Treatment from Our Chiropractic Practice

Migraines and headaches are often the result of musculoskeletal problems.  A chiropractic wellness plan based on natural therapies brings immediate improvement to many patients.  With continued treatment, they report reductions in severity, frequency, and duration.

The path to relief from pain and other symptoms of migraines starts with a consultation.  At this appointment, our doctor conducts a comprehensive physical examination and assesses each patient’s health history.  This also includes reviewing lifestyle components such as physical activity, alcohol consumption, nutrition, tension or stress, and sleep habits.

We then create a treatment plan customized for each patient.  It often contains a mix of therapies such as manual manipulations and holistic options such as weight loss and massage.  Since prevention is an important part of wellness, we work with each patient to identify the triggers of migraine attacks.

Schedule a Consultation with Our Ashburn Chiropractor

Our Keegan Chiropractic practice in Ashburn uses a holistic approach to help the body heal itself.  Our chiropractor, Dr. Shawn Keegan, provides a full range of treatment options that avoid surgery or medication and that are personalized to each patient’s needs.  Be sure to call us today at 703-858-3500 to schedule an appointment and to take advantage of our free consultation for new patients.