Migraines and Headaches have many different causes; dilation of the blood vessels, muscle spasms in the scalp, irritation or inflammation of the meninges (membranes that cover the brain), irritation or tension of the sensory nerves, or increased pressure in the fluid that surrounds the brain and spinal cord.

Your chiropractor can help by relieving the stress on the roots of the first three cervical nerves. These send pain signals to the trigeminal nerve, the nerve that makes it feel as though your brain hurts, though brain tissue itself is not sensitive. Trauma, anxiety, stress and tension constrict the muscles, pulling the vertebrae out of alignment and putting pressure on the nerves. Although chiropractic can relieve the pain, only you can relieve the caues of the stress.

Signals to watch for: (3 or more, see the chiropractor)

• Do you have more than two headaches a week?
• Are they always on the same side of the head?
• Do you wake up with a headache?
• Pain lasts for several hours or even days.
• Other family members also suffer from headaches.
• Neck muscles contract when a headache occurs.
• Experience pulsating pain when you have a headache?
• Do your eyes water when you have a headache?
• Are they always at the same time of day?
• FOR WOMEN: Do you have them before, during or after your cycle?