Recent research reported in the Journal of Upper Cervical Chiropractic Research reveals that chiropractic may play an important role in helping patients with chronic migraines.  The research reports on a 15-year-old male suffering from migraines which resolved following chiropractic. “Research is revealing that structural shifts in spinal alignment and the nerve obstruction they cause may be a factor in a number of disorders and can result in a host of health problems including migraines because the body’s homeostatic mechanism is thrown off” stated Dr. Matthew McCoy a chiropractor, public health researcher and editor of the journal that published the study.  Other chiropractic researchers have reported on similar results in regards to migraines and chiropractic.

CLICK HERE to review the research

McCoy added “Vascular headaches signify a blood flow problem to the brain.  If you damage or compress or otherwise interfere with the neurological structures in the spine this can have far reaching implications on the functioning of the body including interfering with the function of the blood vessels.  Through research reports like this we are finding that correcting the structural abnormalities associated with these spinal problems reduces the nerve obstructions and people experience improvement. In this study it was resolution of chronic migraines.” 

The patient reported on in the study was a 15-year-old male suffering from migraines since the age of six and he was having a migraine once every three weeks.  As a result of a motor vehicle collision at the age of three, he began experiencing visual disturbances and eye pain.  His medical team only advised that the triggers be identified and avoided.  Over the counter medications were administered but did not resolve his problems.  Any time he saw a halo or had distorted vision, he knew a migraine coming.  

The chiropractor examined him and found structural shifts in his upper neck.  He had postural changes, neck pain, upper back pain, and tight muscles in his neck limiting his range of motion.  X-rays and other testing confirmed these findings.  These structural shifts can lead to obstruction of the nerves and it is this obstruction, called vertebral subluxations, that chiropractors correct. 

Following the first adjustment he experienced an immediate change in his mood, demeanor, and felt a decrease in pressure.  He noted a decrease in the frequency and duration of pain.  After four adjustments he was no longer experiencing any migraines. 

The study’s author called for additional research to investigate the clinical implications of chiropractic in children with migraines.     

Contact Information: 

Matthew McCoy DC, MPH
Journal of Upper Cervical Chiropractic Research
http://www.uppercervicalsubluxation.com
support@vertebralsubluxationresearch.com