How to Stop Migraines: Align Your Spine

Now entering its 8th month of calibrated lockdowns, the Philippines has one of the longest mandatory community quarantines in the world due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.  The months of forced self-isolation, work stoppage, and uncertainty has sparked what may be called a mass wave of stress among people. The anxiety of being under lockdown has brought suffering to millions, many of whom are now also burdened with all sorts of physical ailments. 

As a result, many are seeking relief for migraine in Makati City, Metro Manila.  Being the country’s business and financial capital, top executives and middle managers in the city and those from the rank-and-file have been hit hard by the pandemic.  Some have lost their careers due to downsizing, while others struggle with transportation limitations critically needed to go to the worksite.  A few have had to accept salary cuts, and some employees even had to stay in temporary shelters near their places of work as a precautionary measure against spreading the COVID-19 virus in their own homes. 

All the hassles of performing their jobs while trying to manage their fear of the dreaded virus have a severe and adverse impact on people’s physical, mental, and emotional well-being.  The experience of migraines is now far from being normal.

To learn more about the connection between head and neck injuries and headaches download our free e-book Natural and Drug-Free Ways to End Your Migraines by clicking the image below.

What is a Migraine?

What do people suffer from, exactly?  It is not just the typical headache that one addresses by popping a pain reliever pill or sleeping the pain away.  Migraine, as a health problem, is more than just a bad headache.  It is a recurring pain in the head that could be felt and described as pulsating or throbbing and commonly affects one part or side of the head. Nausea, fatigue, or weakness often accompany migraines.  

People who seek help or relief for migraine in Makati City, Metro Manila, are usually advised to identify and avoid the things that trigger their migraine attacks. Aside from possible genetic causes, this ailment is also triggered by or associated with very bright lights, excessive noise, sleep deprivation, dehydration, demanding physical activities, or a sudden change in atmospheric conditions or the weather.

Hidden Link of Migraines and Stress

Many studies have also found a strong link between this painful condition and stress. In fact, a common denominator among individuals who suffer from migraine in Makati City, Metro Manila  is stress.  The demands of their profession or business, compounded with personal or family pressures, all contribute to the build-up of stress. These days, people are easily frustrated or angered with all the discomfort of living and working under quarantine. The physical, mental, and emotional pressures lead to certain physiological changes that negatively impact people’s health. 

Experts say that the human body produces a steroid hormone called cortisol, which helps the body prepare for action during times of danger or a challenging situation. This phenomenon is referred to as the “fight or flight” response and is hardwired in the human nervous system. However, when people are constantly under stress, cortisol’s overproduction could lead to a weakened immune system, metabolic problems, imbalance in blood sugar levels, and other health issues. 

Inflammation as a Possible Cause of Migraines 

Recent studies have also found the connection between inflammation and severe, recurring headaches.  Inflammation is actually the body’s natural response to any injury or damage to human tissue.  Inflammation often presents itself when a body part shows signs of redness, swelling, heat, or pain. For example, staying out too long in the sun would normally cause skin reddening. This change in skin color and tone is the body’s response to the external stimuli of heat and light from the sun, which is a normal inflammatory response.

Neurologists believe that so-called neurogenic neuroinflammation may be one of the causes of this ailment. Physicians who specialize in neurology actually consider recurring, severe headaches as a form of brain disorder.  Specifically, any inflammation or stress that affects the trigeminal nerve is thought to be a major trigger. As one of the primary nerves connected to the brain, any external interference to the trigeminal nerve results in a series of abnormal brain wave activity.  As the main pathway for various signals that travel across the human nervous system, inflammation disrupts the normal function of the body’s network of sensory nerves and organs that are all connected to the human brain.  

Spine Health is Key to Migraine Relief

Aside from inflammatory response and excessive cortisol production, spine health issues are also seen as among the culprits responsible for debilitating headaches. It has been found that any misalignment of the C1 and C2 vertebra located in the cervical spine region could trigger painful episodes of headache. Often referred to as cervicogenic headaches, stress or misalignment could cause nerve impingement. Sometimes a whiplash or even disc damage is responsible for these types of head pain. 

Living with migraine in Makati City, Metro Manila, undoubtedly one of the most fast-paced urban centers in the country, is simply unacceptable. Needless to say, to succeed at work or in business, one must be in good health and relatively free from pain and discomfort. At the same time, people these days also demand health options that are as close to natural as possible to ensure their long-term safety. 

Many have found natural relief through precise adjustments in their upper cervical (UC) spine. Combined with other health practices such as yoga and meditation, upper cervical chiropractic adjustments can do wonders for people in pain. 

In Makati City, N8 Upper Cervical Chiropractic offers non-invasive options that restore UC alignment.  To know more about upper cervical chiropractic, make an appointment with our chiropractor by filling out this contact form or calling (02) 8553-6218, and begin finding your way back to painless and stress-free living.

To schedule a consultation with N8 Upper Cervical Chiropractic clinic, call (02) 8553-6218 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.