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13 Dec, 2023
Ready to learn how to break the stress headache cycle once and for all?
12 Dec, 2023
If searching for natural ways to manage migraines has you considering chiropractic migraine treatment in Foxboro, MA you’re one step closer to lasting relief! Read on to learn how we can help you get and stay out of pain, naturally. The Bottom Line There’s hardly anything as disruptive to your daily life as a headache, especially when it’s a migraine. Migraines often seem to arrive uninvited, although they may signal their impending attack with visual disturbances and nausea. Regardless of the symptoms, a migraine is one guest you’d rather not have. As the go-to provider of chiropractic migraine treatment in Foxboro, MA we’re here to help you understand how to identify the onset of a migraine and understand natural ways to manage migraines. This knowledge is crucial to enhancing your quality of life. Let’s explore the four stages of a migraine headache. The Four Stages of Migraine Migraine sufferers typically experience four distinct phases: Premonitory Phase This phase serves as a warning sign that a migraine is imminent. Common symptoms include mood swings, neck stiffness, and constipation. Aura Phase Approximately one in four migraine sufferers will experience an aura. Migraine auras often involve visual or sensory disturbances that precede the headache. Visual auras may result in flashing lights or blurred vision, while sensory auras can affect speech and cognitive clarity. Vision disturbances usually begin 20 minutes to an hour prior to the headache. Even in the absence of an aura, the headache itself can lead to vision issues. Headache Phase The actual migraine headache can range from moderate to severe and often affects only one side of the head. Migraine sufferers will find that their headaches worsen with physical activity, making rest essential. Postdrome Phase The postdrome is the final phase in the migraine cycle, occurring after the headache has subsided and leaving the individual feeling drained. Why It Matters We know that many individuals suffering from migraines do not receive effective care. In fact, in countries like the United States and the United Kingdom, it’s estimated that only half of chronic migraine sufferers seek assistance from a healthcare professional, despite the substantial disruption caused by symptoms such as: Throbbing, moderate to severe headaches on one side of the head. The onset of nausea and vision changes. Recurring episodes that can last from a few hours to several days. The majority of migraine sufferers rely solely on over-the-counter medications, despite the lack of guaranteed relief from migraines. Likewise, about half of those experiencing chronic or occasional headaches attempt self-treatment with over-the-counter painkillers, despite the increased risk of rebound headaches due to overuse. When it comes to migraines, this risk is particularly associated with combinations of aspirin, acetaminophen, and caffeine. We will say, given the symptoms and stages characteristic of migraines, it’s no surprise that many people are unaware of non-pharmaceutical approaches to managing their attacks. This lack of awareness often leads many of our friends and neighbors to delay seeking chiropractic migraine treatment in Foxboro, MA. Natural Ways to Manage Migraines Rest assured, the recurrence of a headache is reason enough to consult a healthcare professional. As with cervicogenic and tension headaches, it’s possible to reduce the frequency, intensity, and severity of your migraines through a blend of lifestyle modifications and chiropractic care. While the exact cause of migraines remains unclear, there are specific triggers often associated with their onset. Identifying these triggers and proactively modifying any daily habits linked to them is key to achieving long-term relief from migraines. Recent studies have shown a considerable reduction in the number of migraine days for participants who underwent chiropractic care. Next Steps You can start to alleviate your migraines effectively by being proactive with your daily habits. Opting for regular chiropractic care is one crucial step towards relieving migraine pain, so don’t miss your next (or first!) adjustment. And if you’re new to the idea of natural ways to manage migraines and are interested in exploring chiropractic migraine treatment in Foxboro, MA our doors are always open, and we’re eager to help you find relief! Now, what about those triggers we mentioned? Here are some of the most common: Consumption of alcohol, caffeinated beverages, or tobacco Periods of stress Exposure to intense lights or smells Periods of intense physical activity Changes in sleeping or eating patterns Certain medications Consumption of aged, salty, or processed foods and certain food additives As you can see, preventive measures such as dietary changes and stress reduction strategies make sense for migraine sufferers. And if you need help identifying which triggers contribute to your headaches, don’t hesitate to ask us during your next visit. To ensure you’re on the right path towards lasting relief from migraines, it’s wise to consult with a healthcare professional. Remember, “Dr. Google” doesn’t have a degree! Our empathetic team has personally experienced migraines, and we’re here to support you.  From advice to chiropractic adjustments and beyond, let us help you with some natural ways to manage migraines so you can leave those frequent migraines behind for good.
12 Dec, 2023
Your neck has a tough job. It has to hold, stabilize, and move the weight of your head every day for a lifetime. Holding up 11 pounds may not seem like a lot, but the seven bones and 20 neck muscles need to work together in perfect harmony to move your head around and keep that weight balanced. Postural changes, sudden injuries, and arthritis are a few of the primary causes of neck pain. Pain can often be traced to a problem with your neck’s muscles, bones, discs, or nerves. If you’ve ever been unable to turn your head for a day or two, you know how debilitating and life-changing neck pain can be. The sharp muscle spasms that restrict your ability to move can happen when your body tries to protect a spinal joint that isn’t moving correctly. Almost every bone in your neck has a pair of sliding joints towards the back called facet joints. If an adhesion forms or the joint is stuck, your body will try to compensate or work around the issue for a little while. But, over time, this compensation can cause additional challenges. Sudden injuries, arthritis, and postural issues can all contribute to neck pain The small sliding joints (facet joints) of your neck can become stuck and cause muscle spasms and pain Gentle spinal adjustments combined with daily stretching can help restore the motion of your facet joints and reduce pain Pain in your neck is your body’s way of saying “pain attention”! Even if it eases up by the end of the day, it’s smart to have us evaluate your motion. Movement assessments are part of our examination and provide us with incredible information about your body. By taking a proactive approach to your health today, you may be able to prevent future episodes of neck pain and stiffness.
12 Dec, 2023
Have you been told that you have spinal stenosis? If so, you’re not alone. Millions of people suffer from spinal stenosis each day, and it’s the number one reason people over 65 years old have spine surgery. Spinal stenosis is the compression, or pinching, of your spinal cord. It can occur due to a disc herniation, bone spur, or ligament overgrowth. But drugs and surgery are not the only way to find relief. For many people, the most significant challenge associated with spinal stenosis is the decreased ability to get up and move! Severe pinching in your neck can cause issues with your arms and legs. One of the best ways to relieve the symptoms associated with spinal stenosis is to open up the spinal canal and take the pressure off the nerves and spinal cord. Many chiropractic techniques focus on decreasing the pressure on your spinal cord, relieving the symptoms associated with spinal stenosis. Spinal stenosis is a narrowing of the spaces within your spine, which can put pressure on the nerves that travel through the spine Spinal stenosis is most commonly caused by degenerative changes in the spine related to osteoarthritis Relief can often be found by building up your strength while improving the flexibility and stability of your spine with chiropractic care After chiropractic care, many patients report decreased symptoms, the ability to walk further without pain, and improved overall quality of life. If you have been slowed down due to spinal stenosis, do not hesitate to schedule an evaluation with us. We will provide a complete evaluation and guide you toward the best treatment options to find relief.