Migraines are a prevalent condition that affects millions of people in and out of the country. It can happen without warning, and sometimes, it can be a bit tricky to diagnose because of the absence of definitive diagnostic processes that can gauge its severity. This makes it difficult to know if you have this condition or not unless you experience an attack.
If you're one of them affected and suffering from recurring migraine attacks, then you know how difficult it can be. Migraine can be debilitating at times and challenging to live with. If left unresolved, it could get in the way of your activities, work, and life. To help you deal with your migraine problems more effectively, here are some essential tips that may prove useful for those affected by this condition. We will share tried and tested forms of migraine relief in Asheville that you can try on your own, even at home!
The do-it-yourself forms of migraine relief in TOWN show immense potential in addressing the condition and reducing the severity of the symptoms as long as you use them correctly and consistently.
In many cases, one great way to deal with a migraine is to just take it easy. When you are feeling a migraine attack coming, a hot bath or shower can help relax your muscles and relieve tension in your body. Meditation and yoga are both excellent ways of calming down and focusing on what's happening around you. Listening to music can be soothing as well—just make sure you avoid loud noises and bright lights during your episode! Taking a nap is another good option if you have time, as napping not only helps you get some rest but also resets your body strength so that it doesn't feel so tired and stressed out during the day, which can also contribute to migraines. Finally, if none of these work for you, try taking up a hobby that requires little mental energy like painting or writing poetry. It can be anything, provided that it doesn't trigger stress.
If you have a migraine, you must limit your stress to a minimum. That is because stress is one of the most common triggers of migraines. It can cause an attack in as little as 15 minutes—just enough time to get you worked up or worried about something, and suddenly BAM! Migraine.
Stress can stem from work, relationship conflicts, financial problems, or other factors in your life. And while it isn't always possible to avoid stress completely—as much as we would all like to do that sometimes—there are some things you can do to cope and channel positive energy.
For starters, you can consciously distance yourself from toxic or triggering people and situations and have a go-to activity or place for when you have a certain feeling that your migraine is on its way.
Eating healthy is one of the best routes to preventing migraines. Eat foods that are low in sodium and high in potassium. Foods such as bananas, spinach, tomatoes, and potatoes have a lot of potassium but little sodium.
Also, try foods rich in magnesium, vitamin B6, and vitamin C, as migraineurs who ate more such food products on a regular basis had fewer headaches than those who didn't. Avoid saturated fat from animal products such as red meat, trans fats from processed foods like chips, and refined sugar from soda drinks like cola.
Drinking water is a straightforward way to prevent headaches and migraines, as well as soothe a headache that's already happening. Drinking a sufficient amount of water will:
Help you avoid dehydration by keeping your body's fluids balanced. When dehydrated, blood vessels can constrict and cause headaches or migraines. A nice trick is to drink a glass before meals and two glasses after eating; this will keep your brain hydrated during digestion, which can also lead to headaches or migraines if it does not happen properly!
Help prevent muscle cramps in athletes who sweat heavily during exercise (or for other reasons). If you work out regularly—or even just exercise occasionally—drink at least two cups before starting any kind of workout. This will help keep muscles from contracting too much due to dehydration!
Prevent dry mouth syndrome, which can happen due to vomiting or diarrhea. It would help if you also had a bottle of water or electrolyte-rich drink on hand, especially during a hot and humid day.
Simple migraine remedies can be effective in many cases. But you can improve its effects by complementing it with a holistic care plan known as upper cervical chiropractic. This is the most effective migraine relief in Asheville.
Many people experience immediate improvements after just one session and see long-term results after several months of regular care. Chiropractors who practice upper cervical chiropractic understand how the misalignments in the structure of your neck affect other parts of the body—including causing or contributing to headaches—and use gentle manual adjustments to correct these misalignments so that they don't cause harm anymore!
To try this holistic form of migraine relief in Asheville, we suggest scheduling an appointment with Dr. David Nygaard. He is trained in the Atlas Orthogonal technique – a well-known upper cervical care protocol that can help unlock natural and holistic healing. Call us at 828-253-0700 to book your first upper cervical chiropractic consultation at Atlas Brain and Body. You can also reach us online for your queries.
To schedule a consultation with Dr. Nygaard, call our Asheville office at 828-253-0700. You can also click the button below.
If you are outside of the local area you can find an Upper Cervical Doctor near you at www.uppercervicalawareness.com.
If you are living with constant migraines, then you know it's more than just a bad headache. Migraines are neurological conditions that can impact all areas of our lives and our health.
June is National Migraine and Headache Awareness Month. During this time, we must raise awareness and educate others about migraines, headaches, related diseases, and conditions. Migraines impact over 40 million people in the US, and nearly 400,000 Americans experience cluster headaches. These painful, intense headaches can be frequently known as a cluster period and could sometimes last weeks or even months.
Migraines may cause you to disappear during work hours because of your experiencing symptoms due to migraines, like debilitating pain, blurred vision, or even nausea. The most common migraine symptoms sometimes make it impossible to work. Some may go to the workplace, which triggers migraine attacks because of the long hours on the computer screen or feelings of being in a stressful environment.
People who experience consistent migraines cannot work normally and function as they could. Because of this, you feel less productive, get less done, reschedule meetings, call in sick, and miss out on essential details to reach your goals.
Because of migraine unpredictability, you never know when or where you will be when a migraine attack occurs. The encompassing nature of these attacks means sometimes, we wind up disappointing ourselves and the people close to us. You never know when and where you will feel a migraine come on. It could be when you're out trying to support a friend or on an important date for you and your partner. Those relationships could feel threatened. After all, you can't show up when they need you most because you're dealing with unbearable pains and symptoms.
Dealing with migraines can make parenting feel impossible. It's hard enough being a parent, or even a single parent, and having to deal with the difficulties of migraines. Even the most minor things can feel challenging when dealing with children while you have a migraine attack. You may feel bad for your partner, who is taking more responsibility because you have to rest and feel the burden of migraine symptoms. For single parents, there is no help, and juggling parenthood while feeling pain can take a toll on our bodies and mental health.
It's not uncommon for people who experience migraines to experience mental health problems. Because of these effects on our lives, other body parts have trouble coping with regular life tasks.
At times there is no cure for migraines; however, there are common ways to manage them effectively with upper cervical chiropractic.
Migraines are neurovascular headaches. "Neuro" stands for the nerve component and "vascular" for blood vessels. Another primary issue that directly causes migraines is a disruption in the cerebrospinal fluid, which is crucial for proper brain function.
At Atlas Brain and Body, we can measure stress on the brain stem and the pain-sensitive surrounding tissue. Sometimes the blood supply to the brain is often compromised. Another primary issue that directly causes migraines is a disruption in Cerebro spinal fluid, which is crucial for proper brain function.
If you want to start making significant changes in your life and live without the pains and agony of migraines, make an appointment at Atlas Orthogonal at (828) 253-0700 to see how we can help.
Everyone experiences stress, but we all experience that stress in different ways. Stress causes tensions in your life physically, mentally, and emotionally. Learning to cope with our stress in a healthy way can sometimes feel unattainable. April is Stress Awareness Month, and it's important to remind everyone that there are many ways to help you with your stress.
By finding a healthier way to cope with the stress, you can live a more positive and healthier life. Stress can impact more aspects of your mind and body than you think. The longer the stress goes on, the more susceptible you are to various mental and physical health conditions.
Studies show the most common reasons for stress among Americans include money, work, and political climate.
When you're experiencing stress, your body immediately turns on its physiological response called the "fight-or-flight" response. This response gives you the tools you need to either defend yourself or flee. Once the perceived threat disappears, your body should stop releasing stress hormones, and everything goes back to normal.
One of the most common stress-induced symptoms- Headaches.
Stress can cause headaches and they can exacerbate others. Knowing the type of headache you have helps you find the solution and find the best pain relief. Getting those answers to better understand your stress triggers and contributors.
Tension Headaches
Tension headaches, also known as "stress headaches," are the most common headaches and are directly correlated with stress. They include both sides of your head and forehead. When experiencing tension headaches, you may often feel both sides of your head tightening and the back of your neck. Tension headaches are presenting a question around your head and gripping it.
The pain in tension headaches are caused by the buildup of tension in your body. It's normal to feel pressure when you have a busy schedule, especially when you have significant responsibilities weighing on you.
There are two types of tension headaches:
Atlas Orthogonal chiropractic adjustments are ideal for treating headaches because they address the root cause of your pain. By improving your spinal alignment, your blood can circulate more freely to reduce inflammation and irritation that leads to headaches. Chiropractic adjustments also enhance the flexibility and range of motion in your neck and shoulders. You can engage in exercise and physical activities without pain.
Many people who have experienced chronic headaches due to stress go to numerous doctor visits and don't receive long-term results. There is no magic serum that will simply CURE you, but there are things you can do to prevent stress headaches from causing havoc in your life.
Getting results means getting to the cause of the pain and not just masking the problem with medications. Here at Atlas Brain and Body, we understand how to reverse years of degeneration and create a success plan that includes all the aspects that make up a proper health care solution.
The fundamentals of upper cervical care empower the nervous system so that you can heal properly and experience true relief from pain caused by stress.
Call and book an appointment with Dr. Nygaard at Atlas Brain and Body today at (828) 253-0700.
You never forget these sensations: the excruciating pain throbbing from deep inside your head. The fatigue, nausea, vomiting. Waiting it out in the quiet darkness of your bedroom cave for hours or even days.
The list of possible triggers is long and sometimes mysterious, including: hormonal changes, post-traumatic stress, neurological conditions, sleep disorders, dehydration, past injuries...and many other possible factors.
You may know what’s triggering your migraines and you may not, but one thing is certain: when you’re experiencing debilitating migraines on a regular basis, it can seriously affect your quality of life.
Now, we know that this journey can be long and winding and extremely frustrating—treatments can be costly and invasive and ultimately unsuccessful.
And that’s why we’re extra glad you found your way here—because Atlas Orthogonal chiropractic care is gentle, non-invasive, and has great success in the treatment of chronic migraines.
Avoid certain foods:
Some foods and drinks can trigger a migraine, such as red wine and other alcoholic beverages, aspartame, monosodium glutamate, meat tenderizers, processed meats, and yeast. Also be sure you’re not skipping meals.
Stay hydrated:
Drink eight eight-ounce glasses of water per day.
Get active:
Exercise can increase endorphins which are pain blockers.
Practice good sleep hygiene:
Get eight solid hours of sleep and keep your bedtime consistent.
Get regular chiropractic adjustments:
When the atlas is misaligned, it can restrict blood flow to the brain, impair proper spinal fluid flow, and ultimately compromise the nervous system. All of these issues are frequently the cause of migraines. Restoring proper alignment can bring relief by reducing the frequency and intensity of migraines over time, often with immediate results.
Sherry came in for help with migraines caused by a long-ago accident. She was in tremendous pain. Her regular doctor had suggested a neurologist who recommended surgery. She wanted to avoid surgery so she tried several therapies and other chiropractors—but she didn’t see improvement. Finally, she found Dr. Nygaard. Within a few days of her first adjustment, she felt a huge difference and then continued to improve. She avoided major surgery and has continued to see Dr. Nygaard regularly for many years.
Julie was having migraines that were becoming more intense and frequent and would put her out of commission for one to two days at a time. She had an MRI and was prescribed medication, but taking it made her feel like she was in “marshmallow cream.” She found Dr. Nygaard and found immediate relief after her first treatment. Three months after beginning treatment, she hadn’t experienced a single migraine.
Carlene was suffering from chronic migraines that were getting worse—to the point that she couldn’t work a full week. Her regular doctor prescribed medications, then she tried acupuncture, then she finally tried chiropractic. After just a few weeks of treatment with Dr. Nygaard, her migraines weren’t as frequent or severe. Now she’s ecstatic to be able to work normally and spend time on things that bring her joy.
(You can check out video interviews with these patients and more by clicking here.)
If any of this sounds familiar and you’re working hard to get your life back, we hope you’ll give us a call!
Contact us today to learn about Atlas Brain and Body and the many conditions we treat. 828-253-0700
Dr. David Nygaard, MS, MBA
Board Certified Atlas Orthogonist
Atlas Brain and Body
(828) 253-0700
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Migraines are neurovascular headaches. “Neuro” stands for the nerve component and “vascular” for blood vessels. Another primary issue that directly causes migraines is disruption in cerebro-spinal fluid, which is crucial for proper brain function.
Migraines are intense throbbing headaches that last for hours at a time occurring as frequently as several times per day or as infrequently as a few times per year. These are different from common tension headaches.
Headaches occur anywhere in the head or neck region and can be a symptom of a number of different conditions. There are also many different types, and although not all are the same, they all share at least one thing in common — they cause pain. But many headaches also cause other unwanted symptoms, including nausea and vomiting.
Atlas misalignment places measurable stress on the brain stem and the pain sensitive surrounding tissue. Also, blood supply to the brain is often compromised. Another primary issue that directly causes migraines is disruption in cerebro spinal fluid, which is crucial for proper brain function. Migraines and other atlas neurological conditions routinely respond positively to Atlas Orthogonal.
Learn more about Atlas Orthogonal here
Dr. David Nygaard, MS, MBA
Board Certified Atlas Orthogonist
Atlas Brain and Body
(828) 253-0700
Follow me on Facebook
Migraines and other types of headaches, such as tension headache and sinus headache, are painful. Migraine symptoms include a pounding headache, nausea, vomiting, and light sensitivity and are treated with anti-nausea drugs, but there is a safe and natural way. Click the video thumbnail to learn more.
To contact our office directly call 828-253-0700
Migraine headaches and depression may be things that can be foreseen by examining the size of a person’s brain according to a study that was published in Neurology magazine. It turns out that bigger is better when it comes to avoiding physical and emotional pain in the mind. Those will smaller brains seem to face more cases of depression and migraine headaches.
It is interesting to note that this study, authored by Dr. Larus S. Gudmunsson, was not even the only recent study to touch on this subject. Radiology magazine also addresses this topic and even explained some of the reason behind the phenomenon. The fact is that the more brain tissue there is, the more tissue there is covering the pain processing part of the brain. As a result, pain is felt less intensely for those with a bigger brain.
Also, JAMA (the Journal of the American Medical Association) reported in 2012 that women might suffer from 3-4 times as many migraines as men because they are also more likely to have mini lesions on the brain.
To learn more about the connection between head and neck injuries and migraines download our complimentary e-book Natural and Drug-Free Ways to End Your Migraines by clicking the image below.
While there may not be anything you can do to increase the physical size of your brain, there is a natural way to get help for the pain of migraines. Researchers in New York have been able to make an interesting discovery by using an upright MRI. It was revealed that when a person has an upper cervical subluxation (misalignment), cerebrospinal fluid drainage is impaired. As a result, this protective fluid can begin to pool and actually cause migraines.
When upper cervical chiropractic techniques are used to correct an upper cervical subluxation, research revealed that 28.6% of the pressure is reduced and the flow of cerebrospinal fluid returns to normal. As a result, many experience relief from migraines after just one or two adjustments. If you are experiencing migraines, getting your upper cervical spine checked by a professional may be the first step to correcting the problem for good.
To schedule a complimentary Atlas Orthogonal consultation call 828-253-0700 or just click the button below.
When it comes to migraines in the US, women suffer from the condition three times as frequently as men, but that doesn’t mean the 6% of American males dealing with this condition suffer any less.
The fact is that migraines seem to be unique to each person, let alone whether one is male or female. The reasons behind migraines are also unique to individuals. What are some reasons men suffer from migraines?
One reason men end up with migraines is the wear and tear placed on their bodies. Whether it be from physical labor or contact sports, migraines are common in the wake of head and neck injuries such as a concussion or whiplash.
Of course, aging plays a role in the wearing down of soft tissue as well. Vascular tissue, in particular, suffers as a person ages. As men age, neck tension increases. This tension can lead to a reduced flow of oxygen to the brain which has certainly been linked to the occurrence of migraines.
Medication may also play a role in migraine occurrence in males. Beta blockers, a common treatment for hypertension (high blood pressure) are also often provided as a migraine “treatment.” However, it is important to note that these medications only address symptoms and not the underlying issue that causes the migraines in the first place.
To learn more about the connection between head and neck injuries and migraines download our complimentary e-book Natural and Drug-Free Ways to End Your Migraines by clicking the image below.
If you are looking for a different, natural way to deal with the pain of migraines, upper cervical chiropractic may be what you’ve been searching for. This is a specific and gentle method of chiropractic that targets misalignments in the top two bones of the spine. These bones play a role in protecting the brainstem, facilitating blood flow to the brain, and maintaining proper drainage of cerebrospinal fluid. Therefore, even a slight misalignment may result in migraine issues.
Once the misalignment is corrected, many find that migraines are significantly reduced in both severity and frequency. Some even find that migraines are gone for good. Call Atlas Chiropractic of Ashville to find out if this is the right option for you.
To schedule a complimentary Atlas Orthogonal consultation call 828-253-0700 or just click the button below.
Do you suffer from headaches? Tension, cluster, and migraine headaches are three of the most common types. A large portion of our society is suffering needlessly every day from this chronic issue. Luckily, there may be some insights into the real causes of headaches, and what can be done to reduce your pain!
There can be many "daily-life" triggers that cause bodily dysfunction. Stress ranks very high on this list! Since everyone handles stress differently, there can be many secondary causes as well. Jaw clenching and grinding can cause tension in the facial muscles. This tension can lead to pain and headaches over time.
Food allergies can be another common culprit of body dysfunction. There are many additives in our food that may not be tolerated well by the body. The immune system responds to such additives and inflammation can often result. Soy, MSG, sulfites, gluten, and even some cheeses can cause an inflammatory reaction in some people, thereby causing a headache.
Finally, research has shown that one of the primary causes of headaches is atlas misalignment. As the topmost vertebra of your spine, it supports the weight of the skull. Misalignment can occur through whiplash, head trauma, or a fall. When this bone is misaligned it can cause dysfunction in the body. Over time this dysfunction can lead to all types of headaches.
At Atlas Brain and Body, Dr. David Nygaard specializes in atlas orthogonal technique. He is one of only a few certified practitioners of this specialized technique, and the only chiropractor in the Asheville area with this certification.
Dr. Nygaard gently corrects upper cervical and atlas misalignments to bring the body back into balance. And when the body is in balance, there is no room for pain!
You're ready to move forward from headaches and experience a pain-free life! Call us today and schedule a free pre-consultation!
End migraines with chiropractic
For those who suffer with chronic headaches, you may have been told that painkillers are the only option. However, there are many underlying dangers with headache medication that are kept under wraps.
The most common medications include aspirin, ibuprofen, and prescription analgesics. Though they can temporarily reduce the pain caused by headaches, they do not solve the problem. And they may cause alarming side effects as well.
Those who use painkillers 5 times per week are 25{115649cd14c12cd94f0d147e1e5923e5cfd090a3a81f6b6da2d6b334a1994be8} more likely to experience heart attack or stroke. This side effect can be a result of the high blood pressure brought on by the medication. The lungs, liver, kidneys and heart can all be damaged from prolonged painkiller use, as well. Aspirin is a prime offender in this case, as it can negatively impact kidney function over time.
In addition, studies have shown that some medications used for headache pain relief can cause birth defects. If you are pregnant, check with your doctor before taking painkillers. This can be an important step in preventing birth defects.
Finally, did you know that the use of headache medication can lead to MORE headaches? Studies have shown that the use of certain painkillers can lead to recurrence over time. This side effect is known as a rebound headache. They can prolong pain, and impact energy levels. Rebound headaches are most often related to medications prescribed for migraine headache relief.
It's clear that medication is not the safest method to end your chronic headaches. Luckily, there is a healthier alternative!
A natural and safe alternative to reducing headaches can be found in chiropractic! At Atlas Brain and Body, Dr. David Nygaard specializes in upper cervical care. He is the only chiropractor in the Asheville area certified in Atlas Orthogonal technique.
This gentle approach has helped many people achieve a pain-free life! Call us today and learn more about the benefits of Atlas Orthogonal Chiropractic.
