Missed a lot of days of work because of Migraines? Here’s how to reduce the pain!

SYMPTOMS of Migraines

Typical migraine symptoms may include an aura, pounding or pulsating pain in the head, blurred vision, tunnel vision, nausea, vomiting, sensitivity to light and/or sound, or balance issues.  

Migraines can be debilitating and greatly decrease a patient’s quality of life. 

CAUSES  OF MIGRAINES 

There is no one definitive cause of Migraine headache. There is definitely a familial (genetic) link.   It is estimated up to 70% of migraines are related to a genetic link4.

It has long been believed that Migraines were a Neuro-Vascular disorder.  A Neuro-Vascular Disorder occurs when there is bleeding or restricted blood flow in an area of the brain.  Most of the medications used for treatment have focused on this theory.  

TREATMENT OF MIGRAINES

The approach to treat migraines is to stop an attack when it’s happening or use medications to prevent/limit future attacks. 

Common medications include: 

• Preventative Medications designed to reduce frequency of attacks:  beta-blockers, anti-depressants, anti-seizure medications and botox6

• CGRP Antagonists are a newer class of medications designed to prevent migraines.  CRGP = Calcitonin G Related Peptide- a major vasodilator in the body. 

• Abortive medications to stop an attack can range from advil, Excedrin Migraine all the way up to Triptans (Imitrex and others). 

Depsite all the potential medications, many patients still suffer greatly from their Migraines. Why? 

What if the approach is backwards? These medications all treat the end cause – the migraine and associated symptoms- all based on the blood flow and neurovascular theory.  Is there additional way to treat migraines? 

Brain-State Theory

A newer area of research is known as the ‘brain-state’ theory.  The difference with this theory is that the brain is at the center of dysfunction.  I learned about this is the book ‘Mastering Migraine’ by Dr. Adam Harcourt.  The theory is that the brain of a  migraine sufferer is functionally different from those who don’t suffer.  

In this view, an area of the brain is dysfunctional and ‘primed’ for a migraine. It’s just waiting for a trigger to set it off.  

So how can we help? 

Acupuncture for Migraine

When treating patients, we looking to treat the migraines at their source.  We assess and evaluate each patient individually to determine the main areas of their brain that are affected.  Treatment is aimed at reducing any current pain AND treating the underlying cause of the migraines.  

• Musculoskeletal Issues– typically related to tight upper back and neck muscles.  Jaw tension can also play a role. Acupuncture improves blood flow, reduces tight muscles, can release trigger points and helps with pain

• Hormonal Causes– Acupuncture helps regulate hormonal shifts in the body. It helps to balance out the hormonal changes taking place during the month 

• Stress– acupuncture regulates the Hypothalamic-Adrenal-Pituitary Axis involved in stress hormone regulation, getting you out of fight or flight mode 

Treating the Brain Dysfunction directly –

• Acupuncture has been shown to influence the area of the brain related to pain perception11.  

• Acupuncture is also able to influence the nervous system, causing the release and regulation of dopamine, serotonin and beta-endorphins, the feel-good chemicals of the brain.

• Acupuncture influences the Trigeminal Cervical Complex- an area which is always involved in head pain 

We also incorporate additional resources if necessary- nutritional supplementation and/or botanical medicine to help.  

TREATMENT OUTCOMES

Now to the most important sections.  Benefits of proper treatment include: 

• Less frequent Migraine days
• Lower intensity of headaches when they do occur
• Reduction in Medication dosage
• Reduction in Medication needed 
• Less missed days of work- or less ‘pushing through’ 
• Better Quality of life- a return to doing things they WANT to be doing 

With proper treatment, patients can improve their quality of life and be in charge of what they want to do and not 

Are you next? If you or someone you know is suffering from Migraines, please spread the word.  There is hope and help out there!