More than 35 million Americans are affected by migraine headaches, the world's sixth-most disabling illness. If you fall into this category, you don't need to struggle with the debilitating pain. A chiropractor can treat your migraines, offering both immediate and long-term relief. 

What Are Migraines?

Migraines are a neurological condition that causes severe and debilitating headaches. The headaches are typically characterized by a throbbing or pulsating pain accompanied by nausea, vomiting, and sensitivity to light and sound. They can last hours to days, and be so severe that you cannot participate in your normal daily activities. 

How Can Chiropractic Care Help?

A chiropractor will perform an adjustment for you, which involves gently manipulating your spine into its proper alignment. The spine is an essential part of the central nervous system, and it is responsible for all communication from the brain throughout the body. 

By aligning it and boosting nervous system function, a chiropractor can decrease inflammation, relieve stress, and manage pain caused by migraines. With spinal corrections, migraines can be lessened or eliminated altogether. 

What Are Other Ways to Prevent Migraine Triggers?

Rest

Extreme fatigue is a common trigger for migraines. Try to get at least eight hours of sleep per night. Blue light from electronics disrupts your sleep-wake cycle, so avoid watching television or looking at other devices for at least 30 minutes before you go to bed. Participate in a nighttime routine, such as reading or meditating to help your brain wind down for restful sleep. 

Exercise

Exercise is an excellent stress reliever that releases natural pain relievers such as dopamine. This can prevent migraine triggers or head off the pain when you feel a migraine coming on. Start with a low-impact exercise such as walking or swimming. Stretch the muscles you've used thoroughly each time you exercise to prevent them from tightening up. 

Eat Well

Skipping meals or fasting robs your body of the nutrients it needs, which can trigger a migraine. Eat at least three meals a day, and snack between them if needed to keep your blood sugar at normal levels. Stay hydrated as well, drinking eight cups of water throughout the day. 

Relief from your migraines is available at South Main Chiropractic Clinic in High Point, NC. Their in-house state- and board-certified chiropractor has specialized in this type of treatment for almost two decades. They'll provide immediate headache relief and target the underlying cause of your migraines to reduce the likelihood of them returning. Learn more about their services online and call (336) 885-5200 to schedule an appointment.