Many people with migraine headaches rely heavily on pharmaceuticals to manage the pain. But migraine medication comes with a long list of side effects, including vomiting, dizziness, nausea, and even more headaches if the medication is overused.
Fortunately, there are natural treatments available to relieve migraines without the negative effects of medication. A new study suggests that massage and chiropractic adjustments could provide substantial relief from migraines.
Researchers found that chiropractic treatments reduced patients' migraine pain by an average of 68%. The treatment administered as part of the study involved stretching, gentle massage, and chiropractic adjustments of the neck and upper back. The treatment itself provided fast-acting relief. Just one hour after receiving the treatment, patients were asked to rate their pain level on a scale of 1 to 10. The average patient's pain scores dropped from 5 to 0.5 as a result of the treatment. There were no significant side effects reported by the participants.
Further research must be conducted to fully understand the varying causes of migraines. This study adds to previous research by showing that chiropractic treatments can be an effective treatment for some migraine patients.
Reference
Jahangiri JN, Vatankhah N, and Baradaran HR. Reduction of Current Migraine Headache Pain Following Neck Massage and Spinal Manipulation. Journal of Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork. 2012; 5(1): 5–13.