Your Brain on Migraines

Migraines aren’t normal, and anyone who tells you they are is mistaken. They happen because your brain isn’t acting the way it’s meant to act. What is usually happening is that a change in the flow of your cerebral spinal fluid (CSF) and cerebral blood flow in the tissue surround your brain has occurred.

A reason for someone being susceptible to migraines is because of a misalignment of the top two vertebrae in a person’s neck, also called the upper cervical spine. It’s important that until the underlying cause of your migraines can be addressed that you avoid activities that may trigger the pain. That means it’s important to know which activities or dietary habits may be triggering that neurological abnormality.

 

External Factors of Migraines

  • Caffeine withdrawal
  • Menstrual cycle (This can lead to changes in hormone levels)
  • Birth control (This can lead to changes in hormone levels)
  • Changes in sleep patterns
  • Alcohol
  • First or second hand smoke
  • Exercise or physical stress
  • Loud noises
  • Bright lights
  • Skipping meals
  • Odors or perfumes
  • Stress or anxiety

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Food Triggers of Migraines

  • Baked goods
  • Peanuts, other nuts, and seeds
  • Tyramine (found in figs, red wine, smoked fish, aged cheese, chicken liver, and certain beans)
  • Dairy
  • Monosodium Glutamate (MSG)
  • Fruit (Bananas, avocado, citrus)
  • Onions
  • Meats with nitrates (bacon, hot dogs, salami, and cured meats)
  • Chocolate
  • Food that’s processed, marinated, fermented, or pickled

 

Keeping a Migraine Journal

Now, it’s important to note that there are various factors that may lead to this debilitating neurological pain, and the above list are just some of those factors. The good news is that if there are external factors to the pain, then there are external answers to reduce the pain.

If you suffer from migraines and you keep a food journal, then you’ve taken a good first step in the healing process. Knowing which of the foods you eat, activities you may participate in, or other factors that lead to your migraines is important.

Though, knowing is only the first step. Now, you want to do something about that ongoing and debilitating pain. That means seeking the care of an upper cervical chiropractor, so they can examine your upper neck vertebrae for any misalignments that may be the underlying cause of your migraines.

To hear from more people like you, check out our patient reviews here.

Dr. Kurt Sherwood, D.C. is an Upper Cervical Specialist and Renton Chiropractor who has helped many people to find natural relief over the past 20 plus years. He is trained by the National Upper Cervical Chiropractic Association and his Renton Chiropractic clinic specializes in correcting problems in the upper cervical spine (upper neck). This vital area is intimately connected to the central nervous system and problems in this area have been shown to be an underlying cause of a variety of different health problems including migraine headaches, multiple sclerosis, fibromyalgia, Parkinson’s disease, and vertigo. More information can be found on his website at http://www.restorationspinalcare.com

 

To schedule a complimentary consultation with Restoration Spinal Care, call 425-243-1607 or just click the button below:

Schedule an appointment with Renton chiropractor Dr. Kurt Sherwood

If you are outside of the local area, you can find an Upper Cervical Doctor near you at www.uppercervicalawareness.com

About the Author

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Upper Cervical Chiropractic in Renton | Sherwood Spinal Care
Dr. Kurt Sherwood comes from a family of Chiropractors that have been serving the Seattle area for over 50 years. Dr. Kurt Sherwood graduated from the prestigious Palmer College of Chiropractic in Davenport Iowa in 1989. He has been practicing in the Renton area since that time. Dr. Sherwood is board certified in the NUCCA technique. He is a member of the National Upper Cervical Chiropractic Association (NUCCA), International Chiropractic Association (ICA), and Washington State Chiropractic Association (WSCA). He serves on the board of directors for the NUCCA organization, is an instructor in the NUCCA procedure, and is a published research author. He is currently volunteering time and resources toward publication of future projects in conjunction with the UCRF.