Keeping a Diary of Your Migraines in Calgary, Alberta

Migraines can be a crippling condition for those who suffer with them. A challenge for those who experience migraines is getting to the bottom of why they reoccur. There are many possible links to consider. Triggers can include foods, beverages, and even environmental factors that are beyond our control, such as the weather.

One of the ways that people are taught to track and attempt to manage their migraines is through the use of a migraine diary. Some of the items that are recommended to track are¹:

• Time of meals and what was eaten
• Medications
• Exercise
• Weather
• Vitamins or supplements taken
• Severity of the pain
• Duration of the attack
• Quality of the pain (dull, throbbing, etc.)
• Location of the pain
• Other associated symptoms (i.e. nausea, vision disturbances)

To learn more about the connection between head and neck injuries and migraines, download our complimentary e-book by clicking the image below.

By tracking these factors, it can be possible to identify a pattern or a specific trigger that may contribute to the onset of a migraine episode. While some triggers may be able to be uncovered, there still remains the underlying reason why these factors can lead someone down the path to experiencing a migraine. In other words, why would chocolate or red wine, for instance, trigger a migraine in one person but not in another?

The surprising answer may lie in two small bones that sit at the base of the skull – your atlas (C1) and axis (C2) vertebrae. These bones are responsible for protecting the brainstem, which is a critical part of how the body is allowed to function properly via the central nervous system. If either of these bones is misaligned, undue pressure is being placed on the brainstem, a neurologically rich area, and creating an obstruction to the proper relay of information travelling between the brain and the body. In Calgary,  Dr. Bohemier uses a highly expert technique that addresses the specific misalignments that occur in the upper cervical area. Misalignments, or subluxations, of C1 and C2 are analyzed and gently corrected back to their normal position. This proper alignment allows the healing abilities of the body to restore proper function to the nerves that were being interfered with. Research has shown that as little as 1 or 2 corrections can start to bring migraine sufferers some much awaited, natural relief.²

REFERENCES:

1. Migraine Trust. Migraine diary. [homepage on the Internet]. 2015 [cited 2015 May 15]. Available from: http://diary.migrainetrust.org
2. Elster EL. Upper cervical chiropractic care for a patient with chronic migraine headaches with an appendix summarizing an additional 100 headache cases. J Vert Sublux Res 2003;AUG(3):1-10.

REFERENCES:

1. Silberstein SD. Migraine: Headache: Merck Manual Professional. [homepage on the Internet]. 2014 [cited 2015 Mar 18]. Available from:http://www.merckmanuals.com/professional/neurologic_disorders/headache/migraine.html?qt=migraine&alt=sh
2. Bryans R, Descarreaux M, Duranleau M, Marcoux H, Potter B, Ruegg R, et al. Evidence-based guidelines for the chiropractic treatment of adults with headache. J Manipulative Physiol Ther 2011; 34(5):274-289.
3. Hamel E. Current concepts of migraine pathophysiology. Can J Clin Pharmacol 1999 Autumn; 6 Suppl A; 9A-14A.
4. Elster EL. Upper cervical chiropractic care for a patient with chronic migraine headaches with an appendix summarizing an additional 100 headache cases. J Vert Sublux Res 2003;AUG(3):1-10

To schedule a consultation with Vibe Health & Spine, call our Calgary office at (403) 266-2283. 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.