Migraine Is More Than a Typical Headache
Because migraine is a neurologic disorder, treatment should be based on an appropriate diagnosis—not an assumption that the neck is the cause.
Migraine can involve throbbing or pulsating head pain, nausea, sensitivity to light or sound, visual or sensory symptoms, and significant disruption of normal activity. Symptoms vary from person to person.
At Better Chiropractic in Gilbert, we evaluate neck and musculoskeletal factors that may coexist with headache symptoms and coordinate or recommend medical evaluation when appropriate. Chiropractic care is not a substitute for medical management of migraine.
If headaches began after a motor-vehicle collision, visit our Car Accident & Personal Injury page for accident-specific evaluation and documentation information.
What Is Migraine?
Migraine is a neurologic disorder with recurring attacks that can include head pain and other neurologic or sensory symptoms.
An attack may involve moderate to severe head pain, often with nausea and sensitivity to light or sound. Some people experience aura, visual changes, tingling, speech symptoms, dizziness, or other features. The pattern varies by person.
A new or changing headache pattern deserves appropriate medical evaluation. Seek urgent care for a sudden severe or “worst” headache, new neurologic deficit, confusion, fainting, fever with neck stiffness, or other concerning symptoms.
Where Conservative Musculoskeletal Care May Fit
Some people with migraine also have neck pain, stiffness, muscle tenderness, or other musculoskeletal symptoms that can be evaluated separately.
When neck or musculoskeletal findings are relevant, conservative care may be directed at those findings with the goal of improving comfort and function. That is different from claiming that a spinal problem is the cause of migraine.
We encourage patients with migraine to maintain appropriate medical care and prescribed treatment. If the history or examination suggests that another provider, imaging, or urgent evaluation is needed, we will make that recommendation.
What Conservative Care May Include
When the examination identifies a musculoskeletal problem that is appropriate for conservative care, treatment is individualized to those findings.
Depending on the presentation, care may include gentle manual treatment, soft-tissue therapy, mobility exercise, or rehabilitation directed at neck and musculoskeletal symptoms. The purpose is to address the findings identified on examination, not to promise that treatment will stop or prevent migraine attacks.
We monitor your response and coordinate with medical care when appropriate.
Our Approach to Patients With Migraine
We evaluate the whole presentation while staying within the appropriate role of conservative musculoskeletal care.
Your visit includes a review of your headache history, associated symptoms, prior diagnosis and care, neck or musculoskeletal complaints, and relevant examination findings. We look for factors that may be appropriate for conservative care while also screening for reasons you may need medical evaluation.
Any plan we recommend is individualized to the findings and your goals. We do not promise to prevent migraine attacks or replace medication or medical treatment prescribed by your healthcare provider.
What If I Am Having a Migraine Attack?
An active headache should be approached based on your established diagnosis, usual symptom pattern, and any warning signs.
If an attack is typical for you, follow the medical plan recommended by your healthcare provider. Conservative musculoskeletal care may be considered for associated neck or muscle symptoms when appropriate, but it is not emergency migraine treatment.
Seek urgent medical evaluation for a sudden severe or “worst” headache, a major change from your usual pattern, new weakness or numbness, confusion, fainting, fever with neck stiffness, significant recent trauma, or other concerning neurologic symptoms.
