You might be surprised to learn that there are many different body aches and pains that can be managed through good chiropractic care. Take migraines, for instance. You could take some powerful painkillers that leave you extremely tired, fatigued, and no more able to function than you did before you took the medication. However, a few of the right adjustments by a chiropractor, and you could leave the chiropractor's office feeling much better. Here is the how and why of chiropractic care as it relates to your migraines.

Pinched Nerves and Slipped Discs in Your Neck

The human neck has to support your fourteen-pound human head, three pounds of which is human brain and nerve tissue. Having a few weak muscles in your neck always leads to pain in your neck, and a struggle to keep your head upright. Then nerves get pinched, which sends mixed bio-electric signals to your brain, causing interpretation struggles with the signals. This turns into a migraine. 

Additionally, vertebral discs in your neck are some of the most likely to slip out of place. Getting them back into place takes a few sessions with a chiropractor, but you will feel the difference almost right away after the first session. Moving and manipulating the vertebrae lifts the bones off of the nerves and moves the discs back into their correct positions. With continued care and maintenance sessions, you will notice a decrease in in migraines and/or their intensity.

Releasing Tension and Tightness

Another common cause of migraines is tension. The tightness it causes in your neck muscles makes it hard to move your head in the directions you want to look. If you cannot find a way to reduce the tension and tightness, the pain manifests as a migraine.

In addition to making adjustments to your neck vertebrae, the chiropractor can gently massage the neck and shoulder muscles to help you release that tension and calm down. Scalp massages, from the back of your head forward to your temples and your forehead, also help. If the chiropractor does not engage in neck and shoulder massage, he or she probably has someone in the office that does, or can refer you to a massage therapist to compliment your chiropractic care.

Chiropractic Tools to Use at Home for Migraines

Your chiropractor may also give you some tools to use at home. These tools help stretch the neck and back. When used daily, the tools can help prevent the start of a migraine.

Contact a center like Hiler Chiropractic and Vax-D Decompression Center for more information.