 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.
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:
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. 
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 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:
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:
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.   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:
Common Migraine TriggersOne 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:
To learn more about the connection between head and neck injuries and migraines download our complimentary e-book.  An Underlying Cause For MigrainesOften 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.  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 MigrainesTrauma 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:
To learn more about the connection between head and neck injuries and migraines download our complimentary e-book.  Post-Traumatic MigrainesAnother 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:
Where To Find Migraine ReliefWith 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. 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 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?
Here are some interesting facts about migraines that are good to know for those that have to cope with them:
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 MIGRAINESBefore 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. 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/  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:
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?
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  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   A staggering statistic about migraines is that fourteen million people in the USA have chronic migraines. That means they have migraines for at least fifteen days out of the month! What are some migraine triggers?
To learn more about the connection between head and neck injuries and migraines download our complimentary e-book.  Understanding the SpineThe spine plays an important role in protecting the spinal cord. The spinal cord sends signals to and from the brain. These signals control how the body is functioning. Sometimes, the uppermost bone of the spine, called the atlas, becomes misaligned. This puts undue pressure on the spinal cord and hinders the signals being sent to the brain. This can lead to migraines and other health problems. Upper cervical chiropractors are trained in a specific technique referred to as NUCCA. This method helps to find the misalignment and work on correcting it through gentle, effective adjustments. No popping or cracking of the spine is involved. Once this misalignment is corrected, and the atlas is back in the correct spot, the pressure on the brainstem is reduced. In many cases, this has led to a reduction in migraine severity and occurrence. One study performed on a 16-year-old who had had migraines since kindergarten revealed that after 16 visits to an upper cervical chiropractor, over a period of a year, she saw a great reduction in symptoms. This is only one case study, but many more exist that show upper cervical chiropractic care is successful in treating migraines. It is possible to find long-lasting, natural relief, rather than relying on medication. To schedule a consultation with Dr. Blom click the button below or call 208-559-0541   The Journal of the American Medical Association had been quoted as stating the above fact: headaches stem, not from the head, but from pain in the neck. Few things can put such a damper on one's day as the swift approach of a migraine headache. While millions suffer from the condition, few options as far as treatments are available. Mostly, pharmaceuticals are prescribed to help relieve symptoms. Unfortunately, the side effects for many of these drugs are just as unpleasant as the condition. Take a look at some of the common negative effects:
What Research Has Found There is good news and a way that could resolve migraine headaches long-term. Researchers have studied the effects of upper cervical chiropractic care in those with migraine headaches. What they have found is that over 90% of those seeking this specialized care saw drastic results. They reportedly had lasting relief from pain. To learn more about the connection between head and neck injuries and migraines download our complimentary e-book.  What do neck pain, migraine headaches, and upper cervical chiropractors have in common? These specialists take exact measurements of the upper vertebrae located at the top of the spine. They then realign these structures very carefully. Once this happens, the nerves and vascular networks housed in this region can heal and return to normal functioning. This is what will aid in the long-term relief of migraine pain. If you experience the debilitating pain from migraine headaches, you may want to visit us. We will do a thorough examination of your upper cervical region to determine if a misalignment is causing your headaches. A gentle coaxing of these bones back into their proper positions will go a long way in helping the body heal and bring relief. You may then experience for yourself the truthfulness of the title of this article. References: Seletz E. Whiplash Injuries. JAMA, 1958; 168(13): 1750-1755 To schedule a consultation with Dr. Blom click the button below or call 208-559-0541   Many people have experienced the extended pain of a migraine. Some last up to 3 days. More than just a headache, migraines are a neurological condition. Medication can’t take migraines away although many use pain medications to try and mitigate the symptoms. People who experience debilitating migraines often go through several doctors while trying to find someone who can provide real relief. Unfortunately, a new doctor usually just means a new prescription that attempts to cover up the symptoms. It becomes a cycle. You get a migraine, you take medication to deal with it, you temporarily may get a little relief, and before long the next migraine is here. The matter gets complicated further when a patient experiences aura before migraines. What are some of the facts about migraines with aura? To learn more about the connection between head and neck injuries and migraines download our complimentary e-book. 
Whether your migraines are preceded by aura or not, you need real relief, the kind you can’t find in a bottle of painkillers. That’s why I want to introduce you to upper cervical chiropractic. Sometimes a migraine is just a symptom of a misaligned C1 or C2 vertebrae. When the top vertebrae are even ¼ millimeter out of alignment, it can result in migraines and a host of other symptoms. At our practice, we use the Blair technique, knee-chest method, as well as orthospinology in order to help patients get back in proper alignment. Many have found that even their first or second adjustment is enough to make a stark difference in the severity or frequency of migraines, and many patients are happy to see their migraines become a thing of the past. To schedule a consultation with Dr. Blom click the button below or call 208-559-0541  |
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