Boise Upper Cervical Chiropractic Blog - UPPER CERVICAL HEALTH CENTERS BOISE (208)559-0541

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

UPPER CERVICAL HEALTH CENTERS BOISE (208)559-0541

7 Shocking Facts About Silent Migraines

4/6/2020

Silent migraines are difficult to diagnose, but that doesn’t make them any less serious or debilitating. Here are 7 things you should know about silent migraines. We’ll conclude by discussing a natural way that many are breaking away from the grip of migraines.

Read the full blog post:
7 Shocking Facts About Silent Migraines

Learn the Symptoms of Migraines in Children

2/3/2020

Migraines are a cause for concern among upper cervical chiropractors in Boise, Idaho. A recurring type of headache, a migraine displays moderate to severe pain on one side of the head. It is a complicated neurological condition that brings about other symptoms in addition to a throbbing and pounding headache.

Migraine Facts and Its Symptoms

People with migraines may experience some or all of these symptoms when attacks occur:

Visual disturbances
Nausea and vomiting
Sensitivity to light and sound
Dizziness or vertigo
Mood changes
Abdominal pain

Many adults experience migraines, but children can have them too. According to the Migraine Research Foundation, 39 million people in the United States suffer from migraines. Of this figure, 10% are young children, and 28% are adolescents or teens.

Children often experience only a few or short attacks of migraines. However, they can be just as disabling and may impact their quality of life.

Migraines can affect children as young as 18 months old. Whenever a child or kid in your life shows signs and symptoms of migraines, you should not ignore it.

Genetics and environmental factors play a significant role in causing disabling symptoms of migraines. A child may acquire migraines if one or both his parents have it as well.

How Migraines Affect Kids and Teenagers

The signs and symptoms of migraine vary in every child or teenager. For the youth who are suffering from this neurological condition, it can be disabling. Because of migraines, children may develop anxiety and can be inactive in sports. They may also miss classes and social events in school or fail to join weekend activities with family and peers of their age.

Chronic migraines are much worse form of this condition. Kids who have it experience more than 15 headache days each month over a three-month period. Doctors say attacks of chronic migraines can last for more than 4 hours, and it can happen consecutively within three months.

Here are some symptoms to watch out for in children or anyone who is suffering from chronic migraines:

Head pain
Dizziness or vertigo
Depression and anxiety
Sleep disturbances
Extreme exhaustion
Concentration problem

To learn more about the connection between head and neck injuries and migraines download our complimentary e-book.

Signs to Look for Before Migraines Begin

Parents may notice the following in their kids before a migraine attack begins:

Loss of appetite
Frequent yawning
Moodiness and irritability
Sudden food cravings
Sensitivity to light, touch, smell, and odor
Sleep talking and sleepwalking
Night terrors

The signs and symptoms above often appear before a migraine attack. Children may or may not have an aura before a headache starts. These are visual disturbances that serves as a warning of an impending head pain.

Children may experience migraines following exposure to certain triggers. This includes changes in sleep patterns, skipped meals, stress, sudden weather change, too much light exposure, loud noises, strong odors, and hormonal fluctuations.

Diagnosis of Migraines in Children

Most of the time, migraines on kids and teenagers are undiagnosed. Health care professionals conduct physical examinations, diagnostic tests on blood, lumbar puncture, and neuroimaging or MRI to confirm migraines in children.

Here are the questions that doctors ask children or the parents to diagnose migraines properly:

What’s the level of pain?
From which part or side of the head did it start?
How often are the migraine episodes?
How long do they last?
How disabling are they?
What triggers the migraines?
Which symptoms occurred during the start of the recent episode?
What did you do to care for them?
Do parents have migraines too?

Migraine Management and Care

If a child experiences chronic or severe migraine attacks, the parents should seek medical help from a family doctor or health care provider. Management of migraine pain begins with changes in the child’s behavior, habits, and lifestyle. Proper medication can also help.

Here are some of the common and effective ways to manage and care for migraines:

Staying in a calm environment
Establishing regular sleep hours
Minimizing visual and noise distractions
Eating wisely and healthy
Getting regular exercise
Trying to manage stress or anxiety
Striving for a balanced lifestyle

Upper Cervical Chiropractors in Boise May Help

Parents should not ignore if their kid experiences signs and symptoms of migraines. Scheduling a therapy with an upper cervical chiropractor can help minimize your child’s migraine attacks. These professionals can offer upper cervical chiropractic care, a natural therapy which can help reduce episodes and severity of migraine symptoms.

This form of care focuses on the critical part of the nervous system, the atlas. This bone can misalign easily due to a trip and fall, sports injury, or simply a child’s roughhousing. A misalignment of the atlas can be causing migraines to occur in your child. We can help by adjusting the bone of the upper cervical spine and positioning it correctly.

The corrections are safe for children and adults alike as it does not involve loud cracking of the neck or spine. Once this bone is back in alignment, an improvement in migraines would follow.

Visit our practice at Upper Cervical Health Centers in Boise, Idaho or call 208-559-0541 to schedule an appointment with Dr. Grayson Blom. We advise that you share with us a detailed history of your child’s migraines, including his or her symptoms, so we can provide customized care for his or her health.

References:
https://migraineresearchfoundation.org/about-migraine/migraine-facts/
https://migraineresearchfoundation.org/about-migraine/migraine-in-kids-and-teens/
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/migraine-headache/in-depth/migraines/art-20047242

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

12 Kinds of Headaches and How to Stop Them Naturally

4/7/2019

Do you know what causes the head pain you are feeling? If not, you are not alone. Nearly everyone experiences a headache or migraine at some point in life, but very few can distinguish which type of headache they are suffering from.
We know how distressing headaches can be. Besides disrupting aspects of your social, family, and work life, looking for a treatment that works is another challenge that people face. In this post, we will look at the 12 different types of headaches and a proven-effective natural remedy to get rid of them.

Common migraines: They are characterized by intense throbbing or pounding head pain typically in the front of the head, on one or both sides of the temples. The headache may last from 4 to 72 hours. Various factors such as genetics, brain cell activity, and nerve function contribute to the onset of a migraine. Any changes in hormones, and eating or sleeping patterns may trigger a migraine.
Classic migraines: This type has the same symptoms as the common migraine, but it also has an aura (a short-term visual or sensory disturbance) before the headache begins. The aura usually lasts for less than an hour.
Tension headaches: This is the most prevalent type of headache and is caused by stress, anxiety, and bad posture. People describe a constant pain or pressure on both sides of the head or at the back of the head and neck. Tension headaches are commonly mild but can become chronic. They can last from 30 minutes to several hours.
Cluster headaches: These are temporary but overly painful headaches that usually affect only one side of the head. They can last from 15 minutes to 3 hours. The headache attacks occur in cyclical patterns or clusters and may be followed by remission periods when the headaches stop for months or even years. Cluster headaches can cause tearing or redness in one or both eyes. Some of the triggers are alcohol, cigarettes, high altitudes, and certain foods.
Dental headaches: Nagging headaches can also be linked to dental-related issues such as bruxism (excessive teeth grinding or jaw clenching) and TMJ disorder (bad jaw alignment). Not only can they result in headaches but they can also cause facial pain. Dental headaches may be on one or both sides of the head and are usually localized to the temples.
Sinus headaches: These occur when the sinuses become inflamed due to infection or allergies. They are often mistaken for migraines as they both share similar symptoms – nasal congestion, sinus pressure, and watery eyes. But a sinus headache will have a nasal discharge that is green or tinged with red. Unlike migraines, sinus headaches not have nausea and sensitivity to light or sound.
Rebound headaches: These are also known as medication overuse headaches and can result from regularly taking pain relievers on more than 15 days in a month. Some of the medications that can cause it are Tylenol, aspirin, ibuprofen, or triptans. Stopping the intake of pain relief medication is the only treatment for rebound headaches.
Caffeine headaches: Heavy consumption of caffeine can also cause headaches. Drinking more than 4 cups of coffee each day can bring about symptoms such as tiredness, irritability, and nausea. Reducing your caffeine intake could decrease your risk of getting this head pain.
Ice cream headaches: It is also referred to as a brain freeze. Although not life-threatening, this headache can give significant pain. It happens when the cold sensation of ice cream or a cold beverage touches the roof of the mouth, causing a surge in blood flow to the brain’s arteries. People who have migraines are at a higher risk of ice cream headaches.
Menstrual headaches: Women experience this type of headache when their level of estrogen suddenly drops just before or during menstruation. They usually occur three days prior or 2 days after a period. It may be accompanied by moodiness, menstrual cramps, and other PMS symptoms.
Early morning headaches: There are a couple of factors why one gets early morning headaches, such as dehydration, interrupted sleep patterns, poor sleep posture, alcohol intake, and even depression. People with sleep apnea often get early morning headaches.
Chronic daily headaches: It is considered a chronic headache if you experience it more than 15 days in a month for more than 3 consecutive months. Some of the possible causes of chronic headaches are overuse of pain medications, injury to the head or neck, meningitis, or tumors (although very rare). If there is no definite cause, it may be due to the body’s malfunction in receiving pain signals

To learn more about the connection between head and neck injuries and migraines download our complimentary e-book.

Easing Headaches by Correcting Upper Cervical Misalignments

Through extensive and various research studies, the medical field is beginning to understand more and more about headaches and migraines. One of the things they have discovered is how headaches involve neurovascular factors such as blood flow, the alignment of the neck vertebrae, and brain function. They have noted a link between the onset of migraines and headaches to a misalignment in the bones of the upper neck – specifically the C1 and C2 vertebrae.
A misalignment in the upper cervical spine puts the brainstem under pressure and can cause it to function incorrectly. This can eventually lead to headaches.
Here at Upper Cervical Health Center Boise, we adjust your misalignment with a gentle and precise technique. We help the bones return to their proper place without twisting or cracking the spine. Once corrected, the body can begin to function normally, and your headache symptoms can start to improve or vanish entirely.
If you are looking for a headache or migraine chiropractic treatment in Boise, you are in good hands with Upper Cervical Health Center Boise. Schedule a consultation with us today!

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

Facts About Migraines

10/7/2018

Migraines are so exceedingly common that they actually affect 1 billion people around the globe. Approximately 39 million Americans experience migraines, making it one of the most frequently complained about neurological conditions.

It is difficult to understand the reason for migraine onset and how sufferers may feel during an episode. People fortunate enough never to have had one may not understand the extent to which it can affect a person’s overall ability to function. Over 90% of those suffering with a migraine cannot continue with their everyday life activities. Job tasks, household chores and caregiving can all feel unachievable during these painful events.

Bringing Clarity to Migraine Misconceptions

Clarifying a few of the misconceptions about migraines can be very helpful for those afflicted and for those who care for them.

Migraines are not simply really bad headaches. A migraine is a neurological condition including symptoms that can be disabling for many individuals. These symptoms can happen with or without a headache, such as the following:

Nausea or vomiting
Dizziness
Numbness or tingling in the face, arms, or legs
Extreme sensitivity to smells, light, and noise
Visual disturbances called aura
Cognitive issues or brain fog
Neck or jaw pain
Fatigue

Women aren’t the only ones who can get migraines. It is true that more women than men suffer from migraines (approximately 85% of migraine sufferers are women); however, men do get them as well. Surprisingly, among children the statistic is swapped, with boys being more likely to have migraines than girls are.
Migraines can be chronic. Some people may have only infrequent migraines. However, the number of chronic migraine sufferers is more than 4 million. These are people who have migraine episodes as often as 15 or more days out of the month. More than 20% of chronic sufferers are disabled.
Migraines can affect children as well as adults. About 10% of children ages 6-11 struggle with migraines, but for many of them, it will not get diagnosed. Migraines seem to be hereditary to some extent. According to research, if one parent has migraines, the child has a 50% chance of also having them. If both parents have migraines, then the percentage shoots to a 75% chance for their child. Almost half of adult migraine sufferers have their first episode sometime before 12 years of age.
Avoiding foods that are migraine triggers, such as chocolate or wine, can help prevent migraines, but not always. Many factors can bring on migraines symptoms, and it is a good idea to avoid them. However, this does not ensure that you can keep migraines at bay entirely. Here are a few of the more common triggers you may not have heard of:

Hormonal fluctuations
Weather factors like wind, bright sun, or barometric pressure changes
Food additives such as MSG
Aged cheeses or meats
Changes in sleep pattern, like pulling an all-nighter
Strong scents, including perfumes or smoke
Certain medications like oral contraceptives

Migraine medications don’t always work. Overusing medications is a leading cause for migraines. Many people who use pain relievers will administer them multiple times a week. Using prescriptions even 10 days out of the months can lead to migraine symptoms. Many of these individuals get caught in the cycle of taking more pain relievers or migraine medication because of these symptoms.

To learn more about the connection between head and neck injuries and migraines download our complimentary e-book.

Had Enough of Migraine Symptoms?

Regularly managing debilitating pain from a chronic condition can feel hopeless at times. The treatment options for migraines are many, ranging from therapies to medications.

The medications given are either preventative or taken at the onset of symptoms. In order to find out their specific triggers, many sufferers journal the patterns of their episodes while others have been informed that they simply must cope.

We’d like to introduce an alternative perspective on migraines. Upper Cervical Chiropractic care for the correction of head and neck misalignment. We utilize precision methods to detect, measure, and correct the problem. This type of chiropractic care focuses on the upper spine, or the meeting place between the head and neck. Misalignments in this area can cause a number of issues in the body:

Brainstem function – the brainstem is where the brain and body exchange vital information.
Blood flow – migraines and other condition can result from any kind of blood flow restriction between the head and the neck.
Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) flow – the CSF is responsible for supplying nutrients to tissues in the nervous system and eliminating metabolic waste. When the flow get interrupted, it leads to problems from the metabolic waste buildup.

When there is a dysfunction in any of these systems, it can be the cause of migraine-related symptoms. Damage to these nerves occurs when the atlas, or upper vertebra in the neck, shifts from its natural position. This can cause problems throughout the body, including those of a neurological origin like migraines.

Our goal is to detect, measure, and correct head and neck misalignment. To schedule a consultation with Dr. Blom click the button below or call 208-559-0541.

References:
http://migraineresearchfoundation.org/about-migraine/migraine-facts/
http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/migraine-headache/symptoms-causes/dxc-20202434
https://www.migrainetrust.org/about-migraine/types-of-migraine/other-headache-disorders/medication-overuse-headache/

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

Migraines and Heart Disease -- What’s the Connection?

4/1/2018

When you hear someone say they suffer from migraines, you probably imagine they have really bad headaches from time to time. While this is true to a point, it is not the entire story. Migraines are not just really bad headaches. They are actually a disabling collection of neurological symptoms that include a really bad headache. Pain is often confined to one side of the head. However, in a third of the cases, pain can impact both sides. Attacks can last anywhere between 4 and 72 hours. The following symptoms often accompany the throbbing, pounding head pain:

Visual disturbances
Nausea and vomiting
Dizziness and/or vertigo
Sensitivity to sound, light, touch, and some odors
Tingling and numbness in the face or the extremities

Each person is different and will experience migraines differently. Sometimes, each migraine is different in the same person. The type of a migraine you suffer from will be determined by the predominant symptom you are experiencing. Migraines are often referred to as a moving target, meaning symptoms can change from one attack to another, and you may have more than one kind of a migraine.

What Causes Migraines?

Previously, it was thought that the dilation and constriction of blood vessels in the head brought on migraine pain. However, current thinking has changed due to advances in technology helping us to better see how the brain and nervous system function together. It is now agreed upon that nerve pathways and brain chemicals are involved in causing migraines. Migraines are hereditary, and 90 percent of people with migraines have a family member with them.

Migraines and the Connection to Heart Disease

An analysis from the Nurses Health Study II, a Harvard study, observed 115,541 women in the age range of 25 to 42, from 1989 through 2011. When the study began, 15 percent of these had migraines. Here is what happened over these two decades:

1,329 heart attacks
223 deaths due to heart disease

The researchers took into account those that smoked and those that had other risk factors. They discovered that migraine sufferers were at a 50 percent greater risk to have cardiovascular disease. The study revealed the following data about women with migraines:

39 percent more likely to have a heart attack
62 percent more likely to have a stroke
73 percent more likely to have other heart problems or require angioplasty
37 percent higher risk of dying from heart disease

To learn more about the connection between head and neck injuries and migraines download our complimentary e-book.

A more recent study, published in 2018, backs up these findings. This study was performed in Denmark. The BMJ, a medical journal, published the results connecting an increased risk of heart attack, stroke, atrial fibrillation (a kind of irregular heart rhythm), and blood clots starting in a person’s veins to those suffering from migraines.

Lead study author Dr. Kasper Adelborg, a cardiologist at Aarhus University Hospital in Denmark, explains how previous studies, such as the one mentioned above, suggested a link between heart disease and migraines, particularly in women. His study not only confirmed this link but was also able to verify that other heart problems were included as well. Things such as blood clots and atrial fibrillation were also a risk. His study included a large number of people, providing researchers with additional clues about how migraines impact cardiovascular problems at a population level.

The study looked at data from about 51,000 people in Denmark diagnosed with migraines and about 510,000 people who did not have migraines. The migraine group was diagnosed by age 35, and 71 percent of them were women. The study followed these people over a 19-year period. The results revealed that people with migraines had a 1.5-fold increased risk of heart attack and a 2-fold increased risk of stroke compared to those without migraines. When it came to blood clots, migraine sufferers were 1.6 times more likely to get them, and atrial fibrillation put migraine sufferers at 1.3 times greater risk than those who were migraine-free.

What is the Connection Between the Heart and the Head?

Several reasons exist as to why those with migraines may be more susceptible to cardiovascular disease. It may be due to the sudden constriction of blood vessels in the brain, which can make a person not only have a migraine but also be more prone to strokes. Another reason can be that people with migraines are less active during an attack, leading to their resting more and making them vulnerable to blood clots.

Finding a Natural Way to Combat Migraines

Turning to a bottle of pain relievers may be a quick and easy answer to fighting the pain of migraines. However, it is not a long-lasting solution due to the health problems that will arise due to the side effects of long-term drug use.

Unless the underlying cause is addressed, they will continue to occur and continue to put your heart health at risk. Dr. Grayson Blom of Upper Cervical Health Center Boise in Boise, Idaho, uses an alternative, natural way to care for migraines. It has been shown that migraines commonly occur due to a misalignment of the bones of the upper cervical spine (Atlas and Axis). If the bones here have become misaligned due to a car accident (whiplash), a sporting accident, a trip and fall, or some other kind of blow to the head and neck, they may be putting undue pressure on the brainstem and hindering the proper flow of blood from entering and exiting the brain. This can lead to migraines.

We use a gentle method that is based on scientific measurements and a precision technique to help the vertebrae move back into their original positions. We do not need to pop or crack the neck to get positive results. In fact the adjustment is very underwhelming. Many patients report seeing a great improvement in migraines within a short period of time.

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

Migraines: Headache, Nausea, Vomiting, Sensitivities, Dizziness - 14 Common Triggers

10/1/2017

If you have never experienced a migraine, it can be extremely difficult to understand as it is so much more than just a headache. In fact, a migraine is not a headache at all. It is a neurological condition that includes a headache as one of its main symptoms. Oddly enough, a migraine is not always accompanied by a headache. Other symptoms that go along with migraines are:

Nausea and vomiting
Sensitivity to light, sound, and certain odors
Vertigo or dizziness
Visual disturbances
Extreme fatigue

Nausea and vomiting can be pretty miserable to deal with. Why do they occur with migraines? This is one of the mysteries that continues to plague the medical community when it comes to understanding migraines. Some theories being discussed are that the nausea and vomiting is caused by a migraine-produced brain chemical, trauma, genetics, poor diet, environment, or a number of other reasons. None have been agreed upon as the final cause. More important than the science behind nausea and vomiting and migraines in general, is how to make them stop.

Common Migraine Triggers

One thing that can help you have fewer migraines has to do with migraine triggers. These are different for each person, but finding out what your personal triggers are and avoiding them can help reduce migraine events. Here is a list of 14 possible triggers:

Stress: This may be an increase or a dramatic decrease in stress. As many as 50 to 80 percent of migraine patients report this to be their trigger. Some feel a migraine coming on after they have dealt with a stressor, while others experience it in the middle of a stressful event.
Not enough sleep or jet lag: This is one of the most common factors connected to migraines. Along with insufficient sleep, too much sleep can also be a problem. Changes in your work schedule, as well as jet lag, can also bring about migraines. If you suffer from insomnia, you may be at a higher risk for not only migraines but anxiety and depression as well.
Food additives: Aspartame, along with other artificial sweeteners, has been known to trigger migraines. An interesting point is that it has also been seen to worsen clinical depression. MSG is another additive that can bring on migraines. It is a flavor enhancer put into savory foods and used a lot in Asian cooking.
Dehydration or hunger: Skipping meals can be dangerous for those suffering from migraines as it may be linked to drops in blood sugar levels. Along with skipping meals, not drinking enough water may lead to a migraine episode. About 40% of people report having migraines when they have not had enough to drink.
Beverages with a lot of caffeine: It is wise to monitor your intake of caffeine from soft drinks, tea, coffee, and energy drinks, as the amount of caffeine in these can bring on a migraine. On the other side of things, not having enough caffeine or withdrawing can also cause migraines. It is also important to be aware that over-the-counter medications can contain caffeine.
Medication overuse: Yes, too much medication taken to alleviate migraines can cause them to come back worse than ever. This is often referred to as a rebound headache. It is a vicious cycle of taking medication to combat migraines to only cause them to occur worse and more often.
Alcohol: This is one of the most common triggers for migraines. In particular, red wine seems to be to blame, and this was more true for women than for men.
Strong or odd odors: Things such as perfume, cigarette smoke, and strong food odors can trigger a migraine or make one worse during an attack. This is known as osmophobia.
Bright lights and loud noises: Bright, flickering lights – even sunlight – can cause a migraine to occur in some people. Sunglasses are vital for those suffering from migraines.
Medications: Certain medications like opioids and butalbital have been seen to be a problem.
Weather changes: Numerous studies have been done that point to such things as days that are sunny and clear, hot, or cold, and changes in weather as being triggers. In particular, it seems like lightning can be linked to migraines, but no one is really sure why.
Hormones: Women have 3 times as many headaches as men. This may be due to hormone fluctuations, as many women get menstrual migraines. Using oral contraceptives and becoming pregnant may also worsen migraine attacks. Some women get relief after menopause.
Physical activity: Intense activity may trigger migraines. As many as 38% of those in a recent study reported this was the case for them, causing many to give up their favorite sport or exercise.
Food: Certain foods can be a huge trigger for some people. Things like alcohol, chocolate, and red wine are often triggers for women but not men. Other foods to avoid are aged cheeses, salami and other processed meats, citrus fruit, MSG, and artificial sweeteners.

To learn more about the connection between head and neck injuries and migraines download our complimentary e-book.

An Underlying Cause For Migraines

Often the root cause of migraines can be linked back to a misalignment in the bones of the upper neck. This type of problem can cause the brainstem to send improper signals to the brain and hinder blood flow. Nerves can also be irritated by this misalignment.

Dr. Grayson Blom is a Boise, Idaho native trained and specializing in the Upper Cervical procedure. Dr. Blom is also one of the few Doctors in the state of Idaho trained and certified in the Upper Cervical procedure. Serving Boise, Meridian, Eagle, Idaho and the surrounding areas.

To schedule an appointment to determine if you are a candidate for upper cervical care click the button below or call 208-559-0541.

REFERENCES:

1. Elster EL, Upper Cervical Chiropractic Care for a Patient with Chronic Migraine Headaches with an Appendix Summarizing an Additional 100 Headache Cases. J.Vertebral Subluxation Res. Aug 3, 2003.

2. Kiefer D, Migraine Triggers. https://www.healthline.com/health/migraine/triggers, May 9th, 2014.

The Emerging Link Between Migraines and Sports

5/7/2017

Migraine, Migraines, Headache, Headaches, Head Pain, Migraine Headaches, Migraine Relief, Headache Relief, Tension Headache, Tension Headaches, Migraine Headaches, Migraine Headaches Relief

Athletes are often plagued by migraines, and a strong connection has been seen between this condition and playing contact sports. Let’s discuss two types of migraines and how they occur. Then we will take a look at the best way to care for them.

Trauma-Induced Migraines

Trauma migraines happen when the function of the brain is temporarily disturbed. This is usually brought about by a low-intensity blow to the head. Some symptoms that may accompany this condition are:

Temporary blindness
A change in consciousness
A severe headache
Nausea and/or vomiting

Symptoms generally begin within 10 minutes of the initial trauma and can last for up to 24 hours. In severe cases, these neurological problems do not completely go away. They are referred to as post-traumatic attacks. Injuries of this sort are often seen in sports such as volleyball, wrestling, football, and soccer.

To learn more about the connection between head and neck injuries and migraines download our complimentary e-book.

Post-Traumatic Migraines

Another Trauma Related Migraine, Post-traumatic migraines occur after one has been injured and is related to trauma to the brain by which brain function has been changed. The symptoms can be a tension headache, a migraine, or even a daily headache.

Williams and Nukada studied 29 subjects who had post-traumatic headaches due to contact sports, mostly caused by minor injuries. Their symptoms were:

Loss of concentration
Stiff neck
Confusion

Some were unable to continue playing sports because of the severity of the pain in their head. Soccer and English football players made up a majority of these individuals.

Where To Find Migraine Relief

With contact sports, there is a high probability that the connective tissues holding the spine in place will at some point tear loose resulting in the spine breaking down and locking into a stressed position. The upper two bones of the neck (Atlas and Axis) can then misalign causing the weight of the head to shift off center. Migraine headaches are frequently the result due to the negative impact to the brain stems ability to function.

Dr. Grayson Blom is an Upper Cervical Chiropractor located in Boise Idaho. He is trained and certified in the Upper Cervical Procedure. If you suspect that you may have upper cervical spinal misalignment causing your Migraine symptoms we invite you to schedule a consultation with us to determine if you are a candidate for Upper Cervical Care.

To schedule a consultation with Dr. Blom call our Boise Office at 208-559-0541 or just click the button below.

SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT

REFERENCES:

1. http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/410862_1
2. http://thejns.org/doi/abs/10.3171/jns.1988.68.2.0181%40col.2012.116.issue-6?journalCode=col

Migraine Headache Options – Which is the Best?

3/5/2017

Migraine headaches drain you of energy and the ability to function normally. It has been reported that 4 million people around the world have chronic migraines daily. This is a staggering number. There is also the fact that 6% of men and 18% of women living in the USA have at least occasional migraines.

What are common migraine symptoms?

Severe head pain
Nausea and vomiting
Problems with vision
Fatigue
Sensitivity to sound, light, and some odors

Here are some interesting facts about migraines that are good to know for those that have to cope with them:

Common triggers to avoid include chocolate, caffeine, and red wine.
Medications generally used are Advil, Tylenol, and ibuprofen, many of which fall in the category of over-the-counter non-steroidal anti-inflammatories or NSAIDs.
Strong prescription medications are often used that range from seizure medications to beta blockers and come with a variety of dangerous side-effects.

To learn more about the connection between head and neck injuries and migraines download our complimentary e-book.

A NEW TREATMENT AVAILABLE FOR MIGRAINES?

Recently, a report was presented on CBS news of a new method being used to treat migraines. Because the origin of migraines for most people is in the neck, doctors are injecting an anesthetic into this area to numb the nerves that may be irritated due to a misalignment of the neck bones. The anesthetic gives the patient relief from migraines temporarily for about 3 days. They are working on developing a more long-term treatment. What many people do not realize is that all drug therapies are temporary and toxic to the body and once the body has cleared the poison the headaches return.

ADDRESSING THE MOST COMMON ROOT CAUSE OF MIGRAINES

Before such drastic and invasive measures such as injections and drug therapies are taken, a simple, natural procedure that has been helping people to alleviate migraine headache pain for over 100 years should be a consideration. The procedure is known as the upper cervical procedure which is commonly referred to as upper cervical care and it involves visiting an upper cervical chiropractor, a chiropractic neck specialist. The neck is examined for misalignment that is most commonly the root cause of migraine headaches. The most common vertebrae out of proper alignment in the upper neck is the C1 vertebra (atlas bone). Studies have shown time and time again that the most common cause of migraine headaches is misalignment in the upper neck.

To schedule an appointment with Dr. Blom to determine if you care a candidate for care please click the button below or call (208) 559-0541.

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REFERENCES:

1. http://www.erinelster.com/files/headache%20paper.pdf
2. https://migraineresearchfoundation.org/about-migraine/migraine-facts/
3. http://www.cbsnews.com/news/new-approach-to-treating-migraines-focuses-on-neck/

The Origin of Basilar Migraines

1/1/2017

Migraine, Migraines, Headache, Headaches, Head Pain, Migraine Headaches, Migraine Relief, Headache Relief, Tension Headache, Tension Headaches, Migraine Headaches, Migraine Headaches Relief

Migraines can originate in several different places. They are a neurological disorder that can present with a number of different symptoms. Most commonly, a headache is felt, but that is only one symptom. With basilar migraines, the origin is in the brainstem. The brainstem connects the brain and the spinal cord. These headaches can be extremely hard to defeat. This is due to the fact that they are caused by a disturbance in brainstem function. The disturbance needs to be removed, and this starts with understanding what may have triggered a migraine.

Here is a list of possible triggers:

Emotional or physical stress
Not getting enough sleep
Certain foods, such as nitrates, alcohol, and caffeine
Hormone changes
Overexerting oneself
Bright lights
Skipping meals
Weather or altitude changes
Environmental factors
Certain medications

To learn more about the connection between head and neck injuries and migraines download our complimentary e-book.

It is important for someone who is suffering from these headaches to do his or her best to avoid or, at least, be aware of possible triggers. This can help a person to be proactive when it comes to migraines. A migraine diary can help to identify triggers for individuals.

So, what are the symptoms of a basilar migraine?

Visual disturbances, such as graying vision, seeing double, or temporary blindness
Feeling lightheaded and dizzy
Feeling off balance
Problems with hearing
Problems with speech, such as slurring
Feeling confused
Tingling sensation in the body

Where To Find Help For Basilar Migraines?

For those suffering from any type of migraine headache disorder, many have found success with upper cervical chiropractic care, due to the fact that neck injuries are the most common cause of migraine headache disorders. We use digital x-rays to analyze the upper cervical spine in a 3 dimensional configuration along with testing to examine the patient’s upper neck to determine if head and neck misalignment is present.

A misalignment in this upper cervical spine places undue pressure and stress upon on the brainstem creating the environment needed for a migraine to occur. Once located, we use a gentle procedure to correct the misalignment.

To schedule a consultation with Dr. Blom to determine if you are a candidate for upper cervical care click the button below or call 208-559-0541

SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT

Migraines: Treating the Cause in Boise, Idaho

9/17/2016

For those who suffer migraines, the main priority is often the immediate relief of symptoms, as the condition can have a huge impact on a quality of life, as well as mental wellbeing.

Occasionally there are warning signs, such as auras, or flashes of light, but more people are now experiencing what’s called a “common migraine.” In these cases, there are no symptoms that suggest a migraine is on its way.

A recent study found that the rate of migraines in a group of patients rose from 12.1% to 13.2% just 11 years later. If you consider that rate of increase against the US population alone, that stands to mean more than 3 million new migraine sufferers within the next decade.

Because of the nature of the condition, and because people don’t know when they will experience a headache, patients often take over-the-counter and prescription painkillers to alleviate symptoms in the immediate term.

To learn more about the connection between head and neck injuries and migraines download our complimentary e-book.

Hope for Patients Stuck in a Circle of Pain and Medication?

However, taking drugs doesn’t tackle the source of the problem. It only relieves the pain temporarily, with the knowledge that migraines will strike again in the future. So is there any hope for patients stuck in a circle of pain and medication?

Upper Cervical Chiropractic for Migraines, the answer is yes! Because migraines are a neurological condition, the headache itself may only be one symptom. Many neurological conditions are caused by problems with the central nervous system and brainstem. This is one reason an upper cervical chiropractor may be able to help relieve symptoms and even prevent further migraines.

By examining a patient’s upper neck vertebrae, the chiropractor will be able to spot misalignment that may be preventing a person’s brain communicating with their body. Once these upper bones are moved back into their correct positions, the body will start receiving the right signals to ensure proper functioning, which should alleviate migraine symptoms.

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