Boise Upper Cervical Chiropractic Blog - UPPER CERVICAL HEALTH CENTERS BOISE (208) 487-8653

Dr. Grayson Blom, B.Sc., D.C., U.C.A., C.C.E.P., Upper Cervical Chiropractic Specialist

UPPER CERVICAL HEALTH CENTERS BOISE (208) 487-8653

Chiropractor in Boise Shares Tips on Creating a Migraine Journal

10/15/2023

For individuals dealing with chronic migraines, maintaining a migraine journal is a highly effective management technique. If you are a migraine sufferer without a journal yet, our concise and user-friendly guide to creating one is just a scroll away. More importantly, we encourage you to read on to discover how our chiropractor in Boise can help you boost your current migraine management efforts.

Take the first step towards migraine relief. Call 208-487-8653 or click the button below for a consultation with Dr. Blom.

Migraines and Concussions: Explaining the Connection

8/20/2023

Are you one of the millions suffering from migraines? So you must be familiar with that throbbing sensation in your temples, that pulsating beat that makes you scram to a dark and quiet sanctuary away from the bright lights and loud sounds. Sometimes your episodes can trigger nausea that can involve vomiting. Unfortunately, it can disrupt your daily routine and mess up whatever you planned for the day. It’s normal to find options for lasting relief; after all, who doesn’t want to feel better? So what gets rid of migraines in Boise naturally? Is there a natural method that patients can rely on?

But before you find what works for your migraine, you must understand why and how it’s happening. One specific factor we will look into is the migraine-concussion connection. Have you recently endured a head injury? If yes, this guide is the perfect migraine resource for you! Find out how that forceful blow to your head can trigger unwanted migraine episodes. Let our chiropractor for migraine in Boise help you understand the connection so you can move forward and find lasting relief.

Concussions trigger or exacerbate migraines
If you suffer from a mild traumatic brain injury, you’ll likely experience frequent migraine attacks. You may experience throbbing pain in some parts of your head, such as the forehead or temple. Concussion headaches can also be associated with nausea and sensitivity to light and noise.

To learn more about the connection between head and neck injuries and migraines, download our complimentary e-book by clicking the image below.

Both health problems have shared symptoms
Migraines and concussions share specific symptoms, making it challenging to differentiate between the two. You may notice bouts of headache, dizziness, nausea, sensitivity to light and sound, and cognitive difficulties that can occur in both conditions. This overlap of symptoms can complicate diagnosis and interfere with you getting proper care. When you experience these symptoms, you may find it challenging to point out whether a particular symptom is due to a migraine, a concussion, or both. Unless you’ve never experienced a migraine, it may likely be due to a concussion.

They have a solid link to post-concussion syndrome
Some individuals who have sustained a concussion develop a condition known as post-concussion syndrome (PCS). PCS is characterized by persistent symptoms that last beyond the expected recovery period of a concussion, potentially including migraines. Other symptoms may occur, including headaches, fatigue, vision changes, disturbances in balance, confusion, dizziness, insomnia, and difficulty concentrating. Some of these can influence and aggravate your migraine episodes.

Seek Help from a Chiropractor for Migraines in Boise
For individuals who have experienced a concussion, the duration of symptoms can vary significantly, with most people recovering fully within a short period, while others may face lingering symptoms lasting for days, weeks, or even longer. After the incident, getting your spine alignment checked by an Upper Cervical Chiropractor is also important. Accidents and injuries are known reasons leading to misalignment in this area, which can lead to migraine episodes.

Misalignment in the Upper Cervical spine that leads to migraines must be addressed through non-invasive atlas bone adjustments. Notably, such postural problems don’t heal on their own, so getting them corrected by a professional is necessary to eliminate the symptoms they trigger, including migraines. Otherwise, your symptoms and health issues can only worsen.

If you recently suffered from a concussion, schedule a consultation with our chiropractor for migraine in Boise, Dr. Blom. This will help you get your spine alignment checked and assess whether you should consider receiving Upper Cervical Care.

To schedule a consultation with Dr. Blom, call (208) 487-8653, or just click the button below.

Upper Cervical Chiropractor in Boise Explains Sleep’s Effect on Balance

7/16/2023

It’s a must to get ample sleep at night, especially if you’re already prone to vertigo attacks, to begin with. Find out how you can improve your sleep quality and see the differences it can make to your body and health! If you’re looking for longer-lasting vertigo relief, our Upper Cervical Chiropractor in Boise would be happy to help!

Take the first step towards vertigo relief. Call 208-487-8653 or click the button below for a consultation with Dr. Blom.

Vertigo After Car Collisions: Will It Eventually Go Away?

5/21/2023

Have you ever experienced a car accident? Did you notice dizziness, nausea, or loss of balance afterward? Are you finding it difficult to focus or carry out simple tasks due to constant disorientation? You may be suffering from vertigo as a result of a whiplash injury from the accident. The symptoms of vertigo can have a profound impact on your daily life, affecting your ability to work, drive, and carry out mundane routine activities. You may wonder if this is a temporary condition or if it will eventually go away. Some people also seek natural relief for vertigo in Boise to help with their symptoms.

Whiplash and vertigo

Whiplash is a common injury following a car accident. It happens when the neck and head are rapidly forced backward and forward, causing the cervical spine to overextend. Common symptoms can include neck pain, headaches, and stiffness. In some cases, whiplash can also trigger vertigo, a symptom usually described as a feeling of spinning or whirling despite keeping still.

Vertigo can develop immediately after the injury or manifest in several days or weeks. While some people may recover from whiplash and vertigo in a matter of days, others may require longer recovery periods, depending on the severity of the injury. The type of vertigo usually related to whiplash is called cervical vertigo.

To learn more about the connection between head and neck injuries and vertigo, download our complimentary e-book by clicking the image below.

Cervical Vertigo In A Nutshell

Cervical vertigo, also called cervicogenic dizziness, is a type of vertigo caused by a neck injury or disorder, such as whiplash from a car accident. The symptoms of cervical vertigo can include dizziness, loss of balance, nausea, tightness and pain in the neck, and headaches. In addition, neck movement often worsens these symptoms, such as turning the head or looking up.

Some patients seeking natural relief for vertigo in Boise report their symptoms started following a car collision incident. Unfortunately, the impact of vertigo can last for months or even years after being involved in an accident. Some may recover after a year, but the symptoms can linger for several years or longer in some severe cases.

Upper Cervical Care: The Top Source Of Natural Relief For Vertigo In Boise

It's important to seek proper care if you are experiencing vertigo after a car collision, as underlying neck injuries may require immediate attention. While some people may recover from vertigo symptoms after some time, others may require longer recovery periods, and some may experience chronic symptoms. But with proper care, such as Upper Cervical Care, you can manage your symptoms and improve your quality of life.

Upper Cervical Care is a natural approach to help vertigo by restoring the alignment of the atlas and axis bones. Notably, the alignment of these bones can get affected by whiplash injuries sustained in car collisions or other similar events. But thankfully, with the help of a Board Certified Upper Cervical doctor like Dr. Grayson Blom, you can help your misaligned atlas and axis bones shift back in place. Doing so will help alleviate symptoms such as dizziness, nausea, and loss of balance.

If you are experiencing vertigo following a car collision, you may benefit from a thorough Upper Cervical Care regimen. We strongly encourage you to book an appointment at our office, and we can help you find relief to manage your symptoms and improve your quality of life.

Consult with us today to see how we can help you feel better, overcome your symptoms, and reclaim your life free from pain and discomfort.

To schedule a consultation with Dr. Blom, call 208-487-8653, or just click the button below.

Achieving Migraine Relief in Boise With the Help of a Survival Kit

4/16/2023

Can you imagine how troubling it would be to deal with a surprise migraine attack while you’re outside the comforts of your home? To avoid getting stuck in an ugly situation, you must always prepare for a debilitating episode with the help of a migraine survival kit. Find out what you should pack and discover an effective way to ensure migraine relief in Boise in our brief infographic guide.

Take the first step towards migraine relief. Call (208) 487-8653 or click the button below for a consultation with Dr. Blom.

Best Vitamins and Minerals for Frequent Migraines

2/19/2023

Do migraine episodes often ruin your plans for the day, like taking your loved one out for sunbathing at the beach or going on a quick trip to that ice creamery you loved so much? Are you tired of taking pain medications each time your migraine symptoms kick in? Is your mental health taking a hard hit because of your recurring headaches, visual aura, nausea, and sensory sensitivity?

Any migraine patient will tell you that this condition is no laughing matter. The pain and discomfort can significantly impact your life, be it professional, personal, or social. Sadly, many people do not understand the nature of this illness to achieve Boise migraine relief successfully.

There is no cure for migraine just yet, but there are methods available to help you ease your condition and cope with your symptoms better. Natural alternatives are gaining more popularity also in preventing and managing migraine attacks. This may include seeking upper cervical chiropractic care and incorporating more vitamins and minerals in your diet.

The Link Between Vitamins, Minerals & Migraine Relief

Before we talk about specific vitamins and minerals to consider as supplements, let’s discuss the connection between these essential nutrients and migraine relief. Studies show that vitamin deficiencies like B2 (Riboflavin), magnesium, CoQ10 (coenzyme Q10), and vitamin D are associated with migraines.

If you are deficient in Vitamin D, taking supplements may be beneficial. Incorporating magnesium and riboflavin supplements can also effectively help with your headaches, and coenzyme Q10 can help ease debilitating migraine symptoms.

To learn more about the connection between head and neck injuries and migraines, download our complimentary e-book by clicking the image below.

Vitamins and Supplements You Can Try

Supplements are popular natural alternatives that people can explore to help achieve Boise migraine relief.

1. Vitamin B2
This vitamin, also called Riboflavin, helps with your body’s metabolic process, which can play a crucial role in the neural pathways that influence migraine attacks. In addition, vitamin B2 can help reduce your body’s oxidative stress and brain inflammation in migraine, both of which are associated with migraine.

This vitamin is known to be usually well tolerated in the body and has not shown any severe side effects. Vitamin B2 is also commonly used to aid in migraine prevention, with a typical daily dose of 400 milligrams.

Some patients with migraine have shown mitochondrial dysfunction in their brains detected via imaging studies. Riboflavin is known to play a vital role in regulating this imbalance.

2. Magnesium
Several studies suggest a connection between magnesium deficiency and mild and moderate migraines. In addition, this mineral is known to help maintain nerve function, blood pressure, and muscle function.

Magnesium can help prevent excessive brain cell receptor activation and help reduce inflammation in the development of migraine. These supplements can help patients who deal with both premenstrual migraine and those episodes not associated with menstruation.

When you want to incorporate magnesium into your diet, speak with your healthcare professional first to know the recommended dose, as taking too much can cause diarrhea.

3. Vitamin D
A deficiency in Vitamin D is also associated with bouts of migraine episodes. Vitamin D supplements may increase your ability to fight inflammation in the brain, improve your body’s magnesium absorption, and reduce the production of substances that usually increase during a migraine attack.

For migraineurs with vitamin D deficiency, taking vitamin D supplements may be particularly helpful to prevent and ease your migraine episodes.

4. Coenzyme Q10
Also referred to as CoQ10, this nutrient helps protect cells from damage, and low levels have been linked to an increased risk for migraines. Taking 100-200 mg daily can help reduce symptoms. In addition, a study shows that CoQ10 can be safe and effective in migraine prevention.

Bonus Boise Migraine Relief Tip: Address Neck Bone Misalignments

In addition to supplementing your diet with essential vitamins and minerals, upper cervical chiropractic care is also an excellent way to get lasting relief from chronic migraines without relying on medication or other invasive treatments.

Upper cervical chiropractors use gentle adjustments specifically designed for the top two bones in the neck: the C1 and C2 vertebrae. This care regimen aims to correct misalignments that interfere with nerve signals sent to and from the brain, brainstem, and the rest of the body. It also comes in handy in removing pressure on your neck muscles (a significant contributor to headaches).

We strongly recommend exploring this option if you have been dealing with migraines for several years but have found little to no relief from remedies you have tried. It’s also particularly useful in addressing the undetected effects of injuries from your distant past. These include:

A solid blow to your neck or head while playing football, basketball, or other contact sports
Sudden jerking movements of your neck while in an amusement park or water park destination
Birth-related defects to your neck or head (or problems sustained while you were playing in your childhood)
Trauma to your cervical spine brought by an extended period of craning your neck while working

If you want to know more about how upper cervical care can benefit you and help with your migraine episodes, reach out to Dr. Grayson Blom of Upper Cervical Health Centers Boise. He is a board-certified Upper Cervical Chiropractic Doctor who has helped several migraine patients reclaim their lives and start living pain-free again.

Book your appointment online and get ready to bid your migraine episodes goodbye.

To schedule a consultation with Dr. Blom, call (208) 487-8653, or just click the button below.

Upper Cervical Chiropractor in Boise Shares Best Fruits that Help with Vertigo

1/15/2023

One of the best ways to ward off vertigo attacks is to ensure your body gets enough vitamins and nutrients. Find out which fruits can help you achieve this and what vitamins you can get from them! Another natural remedy you can try is upper cervical chiropractic. Thousands of patients who have worked with our upper cervical chiropractor in Boise through the years have experienced massive improvements in their balance and vestibular function. Find out more about how that’s possible in our discussion below.

Take the first step towards relief. Set a consultation with Dr. Blom by calling (208) 487-8653 or clicking the button below.

The Dangers of Vertigo and How to Prevent Them

11/20/2022

For many people, vertigo is not entirely a severe health concern. It may lead to balance problems and dizziness, but the symptom is not life-threatening. However, people should be aware of the dangers and threats associated with vertigo. Despite being a non-life-threatening symptom, it does not mean that you should ignore it altogether and take little to no precautions. So, as your trusted source of vertigo relief in Boise ID we thought of equipping you with everything you need to know about vertigo and the potential dangers you might face during your episode. To jumpstart our discussion, let’s look into the two main categories of a vertigo episode: peripheral and central vertigo.

Peripheral Vertigo and Its Typical Causes
Peripheral vertigo is connected to a problem in the inner ear that is significant in controlling balance. In most cases, the problem affects organs like the labyrinth, semicircular canals, and vestibular nerves. Here are a few examples of the usual conditions associated with peripheral vertigo:

Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV)
Medications
Head injury
Neuronitis
Labyrinthitis
Meniere's disease
Tumors or growths that cause pressure on the vestibular nerve

Central Vertigo and Its Potential Causes
The other type of vertigo is central vertigo, which is caused by central nervous problems. Some of the usual causes of this type of vertigo include the following:

Blood vessel disorders
Adverse reactions to certain drugs, such as anticonvulsants, aspirin
Alcohol
Multiple sclerosis
Seizures (rarely)
Stroke
Tumors
Vestibular migraine

To learn more about the connection between head and neck injuries and vertigo, download our complimentary e-book by clicking the image below.

When is vertigo dangerous?While vertigo itself is not life-threatening, there are some dangers associated with vertigo attacks that people should be aware of. One of the most significant dangers is the risk of falls and injuries. When people experience a vertigo attack, they can lose their balance and fall. Falls can lead to severe injuries, especially for older adults. Unwanted accidents like this can lead to injury-related deaths in patients, young or old. But those over 65 are at a high risk of severe, paralyzing or lethal injuries.

Another danger associated with vertigo is the risk of car accidents. People who experience vertigo attacks may feel dizzy and disoriented while driving. This can lead to accidents. Therefore, drivers experiencing vertigo episodes are advised to take extra precautions as they may be involved in car accidents that can lead to grave results.

If you have an outdoorsy lifestyle or are required to be physically fit in your job, experiencing vertigo may feel like the whole world is crumbling. However, finding vertigo relief in Boise ID is possible, and you can reclaim your life back to normal. The first thing is finding the root cause of your vertigo episodes.

Work with your doctor to identify what's causing your vertigo to occur. Sometimes injuries sustained many years ago are linked to vertigo attacks. It might help to mention any injury or physical trauma endured in the neck or head, even years before your attack.

Ways to Minimize Risk for Injuries Linked to Vertigo
Because of the increased danger of falls or accidents due to vertigo attacks, taking extra precautions each time you feel a vertigo episode is coming may be necessary. Below are some vertigo care tips that might benefit you while you seek long-term vertigo relief in Boise ID.

#1. Make your environment vertigo-friendly
People who experience chronic vertigo episodes may need to make a few adjustments in their living space or work area to make it vertigo-friendly. Changes like using non-skid mats, installing motion-activated lights, keeping your walkway or driveways free from obstructions, or maintaining a dry and non-slippery floor are simple things that can reduce your chances for serious injuries.

#2. Make kitchen and bathroom upgrades
These areas in the house are known for accidents. Hence, people with vertigo must make adjustments in these areas to prevent unwanted incidents and minimize risks of slipping or tripping due to wet or moist flooring.

Installing safety bars and non-slip rugs may save you from freak accidents. `Keeping these areas clean and dry can help too. Using a step ladder in the kitchen to reach stuff from your high shelves can also prevent you from losing balance or falling. Ensure the step ladder is stable and always in good condition before use.

#3. Seek help from trusted loved ones.
Seeking help from family and friends may be necessary to get better assistance, especially during severe vertigo episodes. This also ensures you're not left out for yourself in case of emergency.

#4. Avoid activities during a vertigo attack
You increase your chance of injury or getting into an accident when you move around during vertigo attacks. You can also pose more danger to people around you. So it's best to avoid activities such as driving. Likewise, walking or commuting to work while feeling nauseated or having uncontrolled eye-jerking movements can lead to falls or trips.

When you notice vertigo's accompanying symptoms, we recommend staying put and waiting for the episode to pass. The fewer movements you make, the better your chances of preventing a severe injury. This can also help you minimize your spinning sensations, especially if they stem from BPPV, an inner ear problem that worsens with movement.

#5. Seek Upper Cervical Care for Vertigo Relief in Boise ID
Many patients swear by the comfort they experience after upper cervical chiropractic adjustments for long-lasting vertigo relief. However, you may not be aware that your upper cervical bones may have shifted from their alignment. When misalignments occur, you become highly susceptible to developing health problems like vertigo episodes. Misalignments cause your nerves and brainstem to perform at their best; hence, your brain receives mixed signals. The misaligned cervical bones can also cause failed fluid drainage, aggravating vertigo-causing disorders such as Meniere's.

If this is the underlying cause of your vertigo, the only recommended solution is to restore the balance and alignment of your bones. Otherwise, you will continue to experience vertigo episodes. Upper cervical care is a gentle and safe approach that focuses on restoring your upper cervical spine balance. It's been helping patients with recurring vertigo eliminate or reduce their spinning sensations and other symptoms. And this method is safe for children and adults alike.

Get your upper cervical spine checked at Upper Cervical Health Centers Boise under the care of Dr. Blom. Call (208) 559-0541 or the online contact form to schedule an appointment. Through slow yet precise adjustments, your compressed or irritated brainstem and nerves can return to their optimum health and function properly again. Restore balance in your nervous system. Call us today!

To schedule a consultation with Dr. Blom, call 208-559-0541, or just click the button below.

Let-Down Migraines Explained by a Boise Upper Cervical Chiropractor

10/16/2022

Have you been dealing with migraines that come only after you’ve been through something stressful? These are called let-down migraines. Find out more about this kind of migraine and how you can cope with them. Our trusted Boise upper cervical chiropractor also shares a secret source of migraine relief that has worked wonders for thousands of patients in the city.

Take the first step towards relief. Set a consultation with Dr. Blom by calling 208-559-0541 or clicking the button below.

4 Key Benefits of Migraine Journaling

8/21/2022

People living with migraine will testify how uncomfortable and painful migraine episodes will be. And it's not always that you can be up on your feet thinking about your next move or what you should do to make it all go away. This article will explore how journaling can help you navigate and manage migraine episodes before, during, or after they come. For long-term relief, you may also reach out to a trusted Boise migraine chiropractor for an effective, precise, and natural way to help manage your pain and symptoms.

What's causing your migraine?
This is perhaps the first thing in mind as soon as your first symptoms show. Unfortunately, at present, there is no known exact cause of migraine. However, experts believe that it is a result of abnormal brain activity that affects your brain's chemical composition, blood vessels, and nerve signals. To help you understand and manage your migraine better, identifying your triggers might be helpful.

How Keeping a Migraine Journal Helps

#1. You understand your symptoms
Understanding your symptoms is essential to help you get through a difficult day as soon as the symptoms start showing up. It can also help keep you safe as you will know not to engage in risky activities or tasks. By journaling your symptoms, you get a better idea of the following:

What symptoms you notice
Migraine is usually beyond just a painful headache but a variety of symptoms that may include the following:

Nausea and vomiting
Vertigo
Visual disturbances (aura)
Sinus symptoms (watery eyes or stuffy nose)
Neck pain

a. When your symptoms begin
Typically, migraine episodes can last for a couple of hours, though others experience pain and other symptoms that can last for days. There might also be a "hangover phase" taking place after your painful headache phase. By tracking when you start noticing migraine signs and symptoms, you may eventually find it easier to manage your subsequent attacks.

#2. You notice your migraine patterns
Migraine episodes are different for everyone. If you have a circle wherein you talk about your migraine patterns, symptoms, and other things, you might realize yours is different than others. So it will be helpful to keep a log of your migraine patterns for your benefit and pay attention to these two crucial points:

a. The frequency of your migraines
There are migraines episodes, especially chronic ones, that occur more than 15 days per month. Write down how frequently your migraine episodes happen so your Boise migraine chiropractor will better understand your situation and help you get long-term relief.

b. The duration of your migraine attacks
Observing the duration of your episodes is equally essential. Try to keep track of the hours or days when your symptoms are present. This is so you can manage your future migraine attacks better.
Apart from these basic details, we also recommend taking note of other information about your episodes like:

Your headache characteristic
Medications that you use and works
Medicines or food supplements you take
Sleep quality
Physical activities
Migraine triggers (food, stress, lights, sounds, etc.)
Changes in weather conditions when you experience an attack

To learn more about the connection between head and neck injuries and migraines, download our complimentary e-book by clicking the image below.

#3. You discover your triggers
Your migraine triggers are not the reason why it happens but only serve as contributing factors to the attack. Observing your migraine triggers can help prevent or reduce your episodes. Here are some common migraine triggers:

Emotional stress
Sudden weather changes
Noise
Allergens exposure
Air pressure changes
Air pollution
Smell
Injuries to the head or neck
Menstrual cycle
Pregnancy
Other illnesses like traumatic brain injury, brain tumor, meningitis
Diet changes
Caffeine intake

#4. You find migraine relief options
Having a migraine journal makes you understand your migraine episodes beyond the pain and discomfort it brings. You can keep track of the relief options and log how it helps, if it does, how long relief lasts, and other necessary information you should take. Here are some natural migraine relief options you can explore with to find the one that works best for you:

Proper Posture
Stretching and Exercise
Stress Management
Healthy Sleeping Habits
Giving up bad habits such as smoking
Upper Cervical Chiropractic Care

Upper Cervical Chiropractic Care for Migraine
Among the natural relief options we shared above, upper cervical chiropractic care is something you cannot do alone, yet we encourage you to explore. A Boise migraine chiropractor will walk you through the process when you come for a consultation.

You're probably wondering how upper cervical chiropractic care can help with migraine. Your neck is vital in getting rid of headache episodes. If you experience misalignment in your upper cervical spine, even a slight shift out of alignment, you tend to experience headaches and other severe symptoms. Your C1 (atlas) and C2 (axis) bones are of your upper cervical spine and prone to shift out of alignment due to their position.

Misalignment can follow if you experience an injury, trauma, excessive pressure, or stress. When the misalignment is left unaddressed, the rest of your spine will eventually compensate to keep your head balanced. This will put more pressure on your muscles, tissues, ligaments, and joints.

Upper cervical chiropractic care slowly shifts the alignment of your upper cervical spine through careful and gentle adjustments, which relieve your nerves, muscles, tissues, and other parts from excessive stress and pressure. Once the alignment is corrected, the rest of your spine follows, and you might notice your symptoms slowly disappearing or eliminated with less chance of recurrence.

Visit a Trusted Boise migraine chiropractor
A misalignment in your upper spine is not something you will notice right away. Honestly, there is no way to confirm a misalignment unless you consult with an upper cervical chiropractic doctor.

Dr. Grayson Blom is a trusted upper cervical chiropractic doctor in Boise who has helped patients complaining about chronic headaches and migraines. He focuses in correcting the misalignment in your upper cervical bones to eliminate your pain and discomfort and let you live a pain-free life!

To know if a misalignment is the culprit of your migraine, book a consultation with Dr. Blom by calling our office at (208) 559-0541 or filling out this online contact form.

To schedule a consultation with Dr. Blom, call 208-559-0541, or just click the button below.