If you’re one of the 39 million Americans living with migraine, you would know that this condition goes beyond regular headaches. You may also find it frustrating how some people tend to undermine your condition by thinking it’s just a severe headache. Unfortunately, there are also new patients looking for migraine relief in Trinity who cannot fully grasp what happens in migraine attacks just yet. This is understandable because some people get so consumed with migraine pain and discomfort. Usually, the only thing people have in mind is for the pain to disappear.
To help you understand migraine better, imagine the whole scenario as a short film, and we will classify each phase as a movie scene and how it will transpire. Migraine usually has a timeline when it attacks. Understanding this timeline can help you manage your condition better if the need arises.
This is also called the prodrome, an early sign of a migraine attack. You can consider this a pre-headache phase; its symptoms can last a few hours or days. Learning about these pre-headache symptoms can give you a chance to either reduce your migraine attack’s potential impact or prevent an attack altogether.
Watch out for these symptoms or warning signs:
If you are unsuccessful in interfering with the prodrome or the warning sign, expect phase 2 or scene 2 to follow.
This phase is usually called the “aura,” which is prevalent in about 25% of people suffering from migraine. The aura phase does not occur all the time. However, if you notice these visual disturbances, you are likely part of the smaller percentage of people who experience a migraine aura:
A migraine aura can also serve as a warning sign like the prodrome phase and tells you that a migraine attack is just around the corner. Typically, auras can last between 5 minutes to an hour.
After all the warning signs, this is the part where the severe headaches and other debilitating symptoms take place. This is what you’re likely more familiar with. Typically this phase can last between 4 to 72 hours. A total bummer if you ask us, especially if you experience severe symptoms. Many patients prefer to rest in a dark, silent room during this phase until the headaches pass.
If you’re one of those pursuing migraine relief in Trinity, you would know that in this phase, it doesn’t just hurt in the head. The symptoms go beyond headaches and will also include:
They are also known as the postdrome phase, which happens 1 to 2 days after the migraine headache phase. This is the stage where patients experience the aftereffects of the most recent migraine episode. Like a real hangover, sometimes the prodrome stage is a debilitating phase, like the headache itself. About 80% of migraine patients suffer from migraine hangover symptoms.
The telling signs of the postdrome phase are:
In the case of movies, it is common to find scenes and incidents where conflicts are resolved. Depending on the genre, it can either be through one lengthy conversation or a nerve-wracking fight scene to get through the worse. In the case of migraine relief in Trinity, one recommended natural method to explore is upper cervical chiropractic care. Many patients swear by this type of care and how it helps them manage and eventually eliminate their symptoms.
Upper cervical chiropractic care focuses on the most critical and vulnerable part of the spine – the atlas and axis, also called the C1 and C2 vertebrae, found at the head and neck junction. These are the topmost bones of the upper cervical and are considered critical because of their roles:
Your atlas and axis also protect your brainstem and help your head move in different directions. Their flexibility, however, makes it highly susceptible to misaligning.
When your C1 and C2 bones misalign, their functions get affected, and the rest of the spine tends to compensate too. Migraine usually takes place due to these malfunctions. In addition, it is common for chiropractic doctors to meet with migraine patients with unaddressed upper cervical spine misalignment and other neurological conditions.
If you’ve been experiencing bouts of migraine, it’s best to have all your bases covered, and your spine alignment checked, particularly your upper cervical spine. After all, your spine needs care and maintenance too!
West Pasco Chiropractic Clinic is a trusted center for Upper Cervical Care in Trinity, Florida, and its neighboring areas. Dr. Dustin Dingus is a certified Upper Cervical Chiropractic doctor who uses safe and gentle methods in correcting your misaligned vertebrae to let your body heal naturally. Once your body slowly regains its normal function, you will notice your symptoms less. Eventually, they can disappear.
Ruling out or correcting misalignment in your upper cervical spine is vital to help you find the lasting migraine relief you’re looking for. Call us today at (727) 514-8532 or book online.
To schedule a consultation with Dr. Dingus, call our Trinity office at 727-514-8532. 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.
