Can a chiropractor help with chronic migraines?
Migraines can be severe headaches with a throbbing sensation in a particular area of the brain. They are often accompanied by nausea and vomiting and may also cause sensitivity to sound and light.
Chronic headaches are diagnosed if a person has a headache 15 days or more per month, for at least 3 months. At least 8 of these headaches must be migraines.
Traditional migraine treatments typically include medications and lifestyle modifications. However, chiropractic care is a complementary therapy that some people use.
Chiropractic Treatment for Migraines
Chiropractic care is manual manipulation of the spine with the aim of reducing tension and pain. Some chiropractors offer other treatments, such as physical therapy, lifestyle counseling, massage and chiropractic care.
There have been a number of studies that investigated the effectiveness of chiropractic treatment for migraines. The results were mixed.
In 2011, a study concluded that spinal manipulation and chiropractic care could, in certain cases, help migraines and cervicogenic pain. Researchers note, however, that it is not possible to make a recommendation for or against chiropractic spinal manipulation in patients with chronic tension headaches.
In 2016, a more comprehensive randomized controlled study found that the apparent benefit of chiropractic spinal manipulation therapy (CSMT), for migraines, is probably due to a positive placebo response. The study divided 104 migraine sufferers into three treatment groups, and monitored their reports of migraines over a 17-month period.
The number of migraines per month decreased in all three groups: the CSMT group, a fake chiropractic group and a control without spinal manipulation therapy. The reduction in migraine days per month was similar between groups.
Placebo Effect
The placebo effect occurs when a patient feels better because they believe that the treatment will be effective, and not the actual treatment. The placebo effect can be observed in alternative therapies such as chiropractic care, homeopathy, and acupuncture.
Chiropractic care can help migraine sufferers. Patients who believe that chiropractic treatment will improve their symptoms may see an improvement simply because they think it will. This is due to both physical and psychological factors such as endorphin release, reduced stress and anxiety and improved sleep.
The hands-on nature and close interaction of chiropractors and patients can also create a feeling of concern and care, which can contribute to the placebo effects. The chiropractor can also provide advice and education on lifestyle changes such as diet, exercise and stress management. This could also contribute towards the placebo effect.
Although the placebo effect is a powerful tool for managing migraines and many other conditions, you should be aware that it does not replace evidence-based treatment.
The Risks of Chiropractic Spinal Manipulative Treatment
Chiropractic spinal manipulation therapy is generally considered to be safe. However, it does have some risks. In 2017, a systematic review examined 118 safety studies. The reviewers found that in 46% of reviews, CSMT was deemed safe, while 13% said that CMST was harmful.
It is recommended that you speak to your primary physician before experimenting with alternative therapies and treatments. They can diagnose your condition and decide if chiropractic treatment is right for you.
