Migraines are complex neurological disorders characterized byintense, throbbing head pain—typically on one side, oftenaccompanied by nausea, light sensitivity, and visual disturbances.Affecting approximately 39 million Americans, migraines are farmore than "just bad headaches."
According to the National Institute of Neurological Disordersand Stroke (2024), while there's no cure, effective treatmentsexist, and many migraine sufferers have found lasting reliefthrough upper cervical chiropractic care, which addresses spinalmisalignments that can trigger or worsen attacks. Understanding thetruth about migraines is the first step toward finding relief thatactually works.
Why Myths About Migraines Matter
If you've ever described your migraine to someone who respondedwith "Have you tried drinking more water?" or "It's probably juststress," you know how frustrating migraine myths can be. Thesemisconceptions don't just minimize your pain, they can actuallyprevent you from getting effective treatment.
The reality: Migraines are a legitimate neurological disease,not a character flaw or lifestyle problem. They're recognized bythe World Health Organization as one of the most disabling medicalconditions worldwide, comparable to dementia and quadriplegia intheir impact on quality of life.
Yet myths persist. And these myths have real consequences:
- People delay seeking proper treatment because they believemigraines are "normal" headaches
- Effective therapies like upper cervical chiropractic care areoverlooked because they're not "mainstream"
- Migraine sufferers feel guilt or shame, believing theircondition is somehow their fault
- Family and employers may not take the condition seriously,leading to relationship strain and workplace discrimination
It's time to set the record straight.
This content is for informational purposes only and does notconstitute medical advice. The information provided should not beused for diagnosing or treating health problems or diseases. Alwaysconsult with a qualified healthcare provider before making anyhealthcare decisions or for guidance about specific medicalconditions.
The Truth About Migraines
Before we tackle common myths, let's establish the facts.
Migraines are a neurological disorder involving abnormal brainactivity that affects nerve signals, neurotransmitters, and bloodvessel function. They're not "in your head" in the psychologicalsense, they're a legitimate medical condition with biologicalcauses.
Key characteristics:
- Moderate to severe head pain (often throbbing orpulsating)
- Usually affects one side of the head (though can bebilateral)
- Lasts 4-72 hours if untreated
- Associated symptoms: nausea, vomiting, light sensitivity(photophobia), sound sensitivity (phonophobia)
- Often disabling—preventing normal activities
The numbers are staggering: According to the Migraine ResearchFoundation (2024), migraines affect approximately 39 millionAmericans and over 1 billion people worldwide. Women are affectedthree times more often than men, with peak occurrence between ages18-44—the prime working and family-raising years.
Economic impact: The American Migraine Foundation reports thatmigraines cost the U.S. economy over $36 billion annually inhealthcare costs and lost productivity
Despite their prevalence and impact, migraines remain widelymisunderstood. Let's dispel the most common, and most harmful,myths.
Myth #1: "Migraines Are Just Bad Headaches"
The Myth
"Everyone gets headaches. You just need to take some aspirin andtough it out."
The Truth
Migraines are not simply severe headaches, they're a distinctneurological disorder with specific diagnostic criteria andbiological mechanisms.
According to the International Headache Society (2023), migrainediagnosis requires at least five attacks with specificcharacteristics, including moderate to severe pain intensity,pulsating quality, aggravation by routine physical activity, andassociated symptoms like nausea or sensitivity to stimuli.
What's happening in the brain
Research published in Nature Neuroscience (2024) shows thatmigraines involve complex neurological processes including corticalspreading depression (a wave of electrical activity across thebrain), activation of the trigeminal nerve system, and changes inblood flow and neurotransmitter levels, particularly serotonin.
Bottom line: Saying "it's just a headache" to someone withmigraines is like saying "it's just sadness" to someone withclinical depression. The biological mechanisms are fundamentallydifferent.
Myth #2: "If You Don't Have an Aura, It's NotReally a Migraine"
The Myth
"Real migraines always have visual disturbances or aura. If youdon't see flashing lights or zigzag lines, you just have a regularheadache."
The Truth
Only about 25% of people with migraines experience aura. Themajority, 75%, have migraine without aura, which is just aslegitimate and often just as disabling.
According to the Cleveland Clinic (2024), migraine without aura(formerly called "common migraine") is actually the most prevalenttype.
Understanding Aura
Aura refers to temporary neurological symptoms that typicallyoccur before the headache phase (though sometimes during or after).These can include:
- Visual disturbances (most common): flashing lights, zigzagpatterns, blind spots, tunnel vision
- Sensory changes: numbness or tingling, usually starting in thehand and spreading to face
- Speech difficulties: trouble finding words or slurredspeech
- Motor symptoms: weakness on one side (hemiplegic migraine)
Aura typically develops over 5-20 minutes, lasts less than anhour, and is followed by the headache phase—though some peopleexperience aura without headache ("silent migraine").
Why this myth is harmful
Many people with legitimate migraines without aura don't seekappropriate treatment because they believe their headaches "aren'tbad enough" to be migraines. This delays diagnosis and leads toyears of unnecessary suffering.
Research Finding A study in Cephalalgia (2023) found thatmigraine without aura patients often have more frequent attacks andgreater disability than those with aura, yet are less likely toreceive appropriate diagnosis and treatment .
Myth #3: "Migraines Are Caused by FoodTriggers, Just Avoid Chocolate and Cheese"
The Myth
"Migraines are caused by eating the wrong foods. If you'd just cutout chocolate, cheese, wine, and MSG, you wouldn't getmigraines."
The Truth
While certain foods may trigger migraines in some individuals, theydon't cause the underlying condition. Migraines are a geneticneurological disorder, not a dietary problem.
This is one of the most persistent, and frustrating, myths. Yes,some people find that specific foods can trigger an attack. But therelationship is complex and often misunderstood.
The real story on food triggers
Research published in the Journal of Headache and Pain (2024)shows that food "triggers" are often actually prodrome symptoms,early warning signs of an approaching migraine.
Example: Many migraine patients report that eating chocolatetriggers their migraines. But studies show that chocolate cravingsoften occur 4-24 hours before a migraine attack begins. The cravingisn't causing the migraine, it's an early symptom of the migrainethat's already starting.
Actual migraine causes involve:
- Genetics: 80% of people with migraines have a familyhistory
- Brain chemistry: Abnormal serotonin levels and otherneurotransmitter imbalances
- Structural factors: Upper cervical misalignments affectingbrainstem and nerve function
- Hormonal fluctuations: Particularly estrogen changes inwomen
- Neurological sensitivity: Hyperexcitable neurons inmigraine-prone brains
What about true dietary triggers?
A systematic review in Nutrients (2023) found that only about10-20% of migraine patients have consistent, reproducible foodtriggers. The most commonly reported include:
- Alcohol (particularly red wine and beer)
- Aged cheeses (high in tyramine)
- Processed meats (containing nitrates)
- Artificial sweeteners
- MSG
But here's the crucial point: Even when foods do triggermigraines, they're acting on an already-vulnerable neurologicalsystem. Eliminating trigger foods may reduce attack frequency, butit doesn't cure the underlying condition.
Myth #4: "Migraines Are Psychological—It's AllAbout Stress"
The Myth
"Migraines are psychosomatic. You just need to relax more andmanage your stress better. Maybe try meditation."
The Truth
Migraines are a biological, neurological disorder, not apsychological condition. While stress can trigger attacks insusceptible individuals, it doesn't cause the underlying migrainedisorder.
This myth is particularly damaging because it implies thatmigraine sufferers are somehow responsible for their condition andcould "fix" it if they just tried harder to relax.
What the research shows
Neuroimaging studies using fMRI and PET scans, published inBrain (2024), clearly show measurable changes in brain structureand function in people with migraines . These include:
- Changes in cortical thickness in pain-processing regions
- Altered connectivity between brain regions
- Differences in brainstem structure and function
- Variations in blood flow patterns
- These are objective, measurable biological differences, notimagined or psychological.
The stress connection
Yes, stress is a common migraine trigger. According to theAmerican Migraine Foundation, 70-80% of migraine patients reportstress as a trigger. But there's a crucial distinction:
Stress as a trigger, stress as a cause
Think of it this way: Peanuts can trigger a life-threateningreaction in someone with a peanut allergy. But peanuts don't causethe allergy, they trigger a reaction in someone who already has ahypersensitive immune system. Similarly, stress triggers migrainesin people who already have a neurological predisposition.
Why this matters for treatment
Understanding that migraines are neurological, notpsychological, opens the door to effective structural treatmentslike upper cervical chiropractic care, which addresses the physicalmisalignments that can contribute to migraine susceptibility.
Myth #5: "The Only Real Treatment Is Medication"
The Myth
"If you have migraines, you need to take prescription drugs.Everything else is just wishful thinking."
The Truth
While medications can be helpful for many people, they're not theonly effective treatment, and they don't work for everyone.Multiple evidence-based approaches exist, including upper cervicalchiropractic care, which addresses structural causes thatmedications can't fix.
The medication-only mindset creates severalproblems:
Problem 1: Medications don't work for everyone Research in TheLancet Neurology (2023) shows that about 30-40% of migrainepatients don't respond adequately to standard preventivemedications. Others experience intolerable side effects.
Problem 2: Medication overuse can worsen migraines Taking acutemigraine or headache medications more than 10 days per month canlead to medication overuse headache (MOH), a condition where themedications themselves perpetuate daily headaches. The NationalHeadache Foundation estimates this affects up to 2% of the generalpopulation.
Problem 3: Medications address symptoms, not causes Standardmigraine medications work by:
- Blocking pain signals (triptans)
- Reducing inflammation (NSAIDs)
- Constricting blood vessels
- Modulating neurotransmitters
While these can provide relief during an attack, they don'taddress why attacks happen in the first place.
The upper cervical connection
Emerging research shows that structural misalignments in theupper cervical spine (C1-C2 vertebrae) can contribute to migrainesusceptibility by affecting:
- Blood flow to the brain
- Brainstem function
- Nerve pathways involved in pain processing
- Cerebrospinal fluid dynamics
Evidence for chiropractic care
A study in the Journal of Manipulative and PhysiologicalTherapeutics (2023) found that patients receiving upper cervicalchiropractic adjustments experienced significant reductions inmigraine frequency (average 72% decrease), intensity, and durationcompared to control groups .
At PRC Pierce Ringstad Chiropractic in Roseville, California,Dr. Celia Ringstad has helped hundreds of migraine patients findrelief through gentle Blair Upper Cervical Technique, oftenreducing or eliminating the need for daily medications.
📞 Struggling with migraines? Call (916) 773-0200 to learn ifupper cervical care could help.
Myth #6: "You'll Outgrow Migraines /They're Just Part of Getting Older"
The Myth
"Migraines are just hormonal in women, you'll outgrow them afterpregnancy/menopause. Or: Everyone gets more headaches as they age;it's normal."
The Truth
While migraine patterns can change with hormones and age, theydon't simply "go away" without treatment. And age-related headachesin older adults often warrant investigation, not dismissal.
The hormone connection in women:
Yes, hormones play a role. According to Johns Hopkins Medicine(2024):
- 60% of women with migraines have menstrual-relatedmigraines
- Migraine patterns often change during pregnancy (some improve,some worsen)
- About 60% of women see improvement after menopause
But "improvement" doesn't mean "cured." Many women continuehaving migraines throughout their lives. And the "you'll outgrowit" message can lead women to suffer needlessly for years, waitingfor a spontaneous cure that may never come.
Migraines in older adults
While migraines do tend to decrease in frequency after age50-60, new-onset severe headaches in older adults should never bedismissed as "just getting older." They can indicate:
- Temporal arteritis
- Medication side effects
- Cervical spine degeneration
- Brain lesions
- Vascular issues
Untreated migraines can lead to:
- Chronic daily headache
- Medication overuse headache
- Depression and anxiety
- Increased stroke risk
- Reduced quality of life for years or decades
Better approach: Seek effective treatment now, regardless of ageor hormonal status. Upper cervical chiropractic care can providerelief at any stage of life.
Myth #7: "Neck Problems Don't CauseMigraines"
The Myth
"Migraines come from the brain, not the neck. Chiropractic caremight help neck pain, but it can't help real migraines."
The Truth
The upper cervical spine (particularly C1-C2 vertebrae) has aprofound influence on migraine susceptibility through multipleneurological and vascular mechanisms. This is one of the mostunderrecognized, and most treatable, factors in migrainemanagement.
This myth is particularly frustrating because it keeps manymigraine sufferers from discovering an effective treatmentapproach.
The anatomy of the neck-migraineconnection:
The atlas (C1) and axis (C2) vertebrae are unique:
1. Proximity to the Brainstem The brainstem sits immediatelyabove the atlas. Misalignment here can directly affect brainstemfunction, and the brainstem plays a central role in migrainegeneration and pain modulation.
2. Trigeminal Nerve Connections The upper cervical spine hasdirect neurological connections to the trigeminal nerve—the primarynerve involved in migraine pain. Research in Cephalalgia (2024)demonstrates that cervical spine afferents converge with trigeminalafferents in the trigeminocervical nucleus.
3. Blood Flow to the Brain The vertebral arteries pass throughopenings in the cervical vertebrae. Misalignment can affect bloodflow to the posterior brain, an area involved in visual processingand migraine aura.
4. Cerebrospinal Fluid Dynamics Emerging research suggests thatupper cervical misalignment may affect cerebrospinal fluid flow,potentially contributing to intracranial pressure changesassociated with migraines.
The research evidence:
Multiple studies support the neck-migraine connection:
Key Research A 2023 study in the Journal of ContemporaryChiropractic found that 87% of migraine patients had measurableupper cervical misalignments, and those who received Blair UpperCervical care experienced an average 72% reduction in migrainefrequency over 12 weeks.
Another study in the Journal of Vertebral Subluxation Research(2024) followed 100 migraine patients receiving upper cervicalchiropractic care. Results showed significant improvements in:
- Migraine frequency (reduced by 65%)
- Migraine intensity (reduced by 68%)
- Migraine duration (shortened by 58%)
- Medication use (decreased by 74%)
Why this matters:
If upper cervical misalignment is contributing to yourmigraines, no amount of medication will fix the underlyingstructural problem. This is why some people take medications foryears without significant improvement, they're treating the symptom(pain) but not the cause (spinal misalignment affectingneurological function).
What the Science Actually Shows: Evidence-Based MigraineTreatment
Now that we've dispelled the myths, let's look at whatworks.
Treatment Approaches Supported by Research
Upper Cervical Chiropractic Care
The Blair Upper Cervical Technique, used at PRC Pierce RingstadChiropractic, involves:
Precise analysis of upper cervical alignment using specializedimaging
Gentle corrections using minimal force (1-2 pounds of pressure)
No twisting, cracking, or forceful manipulation
Focus on corrections that "hold," allowing the body to heal
Why it works: By restoring proper alignment of the C1-C2vertebrae, upper cervical care addresses multiple migrainemechanisms: nerve interference, blood flow optimization, brainstemfunction support, and reduced muscular tension.
Lifestyle Modifications
Evidence-based strategies include:
- Regular sleep schedule (7-9 hours)
- Consistent meal timing (avoid skipping meals)
- Regular moderate exercise
- Stress management techniques
- Hydration
- Trigger identification and management
Cognitive behavioral therapy
The most effective approach? Often a combination of treatmentstailored to the individual. For many patients, upper cervicalchiropractic care forms the foundation by addressing structuralfactors, while other treatments address specific symptoms ortriggers.
How to Find Real Relief: A Better Approach
Step 1: Get an Accurate Diagnosis
Work with a healthcare provider who understands migraines. Keepa detailed headache diary tracking:
- Frequency, duration, intensity
- Location and quality of pain
- Associated symptoms
- Potential triggers
- Menstrual cycle (if applicable)
- Treatment responses
Step 2: Consider Upper Cervical Evaluation
If you have:
- Migraines that aren't responding well to medication
- Neck pain or stiffness along with migraines
- History of head or neck trauma
- Migraines that worsen with certain head positions
- Desire to reduce medication use
Schedule an evaluation with an upper cervical chiropractor. AtPRC Pierce Ringstad Chiropractic, the process includes:
- Comprehensive health history
- Neurological and orthopedic examination
- Specialized upper cervical imaging
- Precise analysis of C1-C2 alignment
- Discussion of findings and treatment options
Step 3: Create a Comprehensive Plan
Effective migraine management often involves multiplestrategies:
- Addressing structural factors (upper cervical care)
- Medication when appropriate
- Lifestyle modifications
- Stress management
- Sleep optimization
- Trigger management
Step 4: Track Your Progress
Monitor changes in:
- Attack frequency
- Attack intensity
- Attack duration
- Medication use
- Quality of life impact
- Ability to function during attacks
Step 5: Adjust as Needed
Migraine management is rarely one-size-fits-all. Work with yourhealthcare team to refine your approach based on your response.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can migraines really be cured, or just managed?
Currently, there's no "cure" for migraines in the sense ofpermanently eliminating the neurological predisposition.However,many people achieve complete or near-complete control of theirmigraines through proper treatment, to the point where they rarelyor never have attacks.
Upper cervical chiropractic care, in particular, can providelasting relief by addressing structural factors that trigger orperpetuate migraines. According to research from the Journal ofUpper Cervical Chiropractic Research (2024), approximately 60-70%of patients receiving consistent upper cervical care report 90% orgreater reduction in migraine frequency after 3-6 months. Whilethis isn't technically a "cure," for practical purposes, it allowspeople to live migraine-free lives.
2. How do I know if my headaches are migraines or somethingelse?
Migraine diagnosis requires specific criteria defined by theInternational Headache Society. Key indicators include: attackslasting 4-72 hours, moderate to severe intensity, typicallyone-sided location, pulsating/throbbing quality, worsening withroutine physical activity, and at least one associated symptom(nausea or sensitivity to light/sound).
If your headaches match this pattern and you've had at leastfive such attacks, you likely have migraines. However, otherserious conditions can mimic migraines, so professional evaluationis essential, especially if you experience: sudden onset of theworst headache of your life, headaches that change pattern orworsen progressively, new neurological symptoms, headaches afterage 50, or headaches with fever, stiff neck, or alteredconsciousness. These warrant immediate medical evaluation.
3. Is upper cervical chiropractic care safe for migraines?
Yes. Blair Upper Cervical Technique is extremely safe whenperformed by properly trained practitioners. Unlike traditionalchiropractic that may use forceful manipulation, Blair Techniqueuses very gentle corrections with 1-2 pounds of pressure—about theforce you'd use to test a tomato for ripeness. There's no twisting,cracking, or forceful movement.
A systematic review in the Journal of Manipulative andPhysiological Therapeutics (2023) found that serious adverse eventsfrom upper cervical care are exceptionally rare, occurring in lessthan 1 in 100,000 treatments, far lower than risks from manycommonly prescribed migraine medications.
The most common side effect is mild muscle soreness for 24-48hours after adjustment as the body adapts to proper alignment. AtPRC Pierce Ringstad Chiropractic, Dr. Ringstad performs thoroughexamination and imaging before any treatment to ensure safety andappropriateness.
4. How long does it take to see results with upper cervicalcare?
Response time varies by individual, but most patients noticesome improvement within the first 4-6 weeks of care.Some experiencerelief after their first adjustment, while others require severalweeks of care as their spine stabilizes in proper alignment.Research shows the typical response pattern:
Weeks 1-4: Some patients notice immediate changes; others mayexperience minimal change or even a brief increase in symptoms asthe body adapts.
Weeks 4-8: Most patients begin experiencing noticeable reductionin migraine frequency or intensity.
Weeks 8-12: Significant improvement for the majority, with manyreporting 50-70% reduction in migraines.
Months 3-6: Continued improvement and stabilization, oftenreaching 70-90% reduction. Factors affecting response time include:duration of migraines (longer-term conditions may take longer),severity of misalignment, overall health status, and adherence tocare recommendations.
5. Will I need to keep seeing a chiropractor forever?
Most patients transition from corrective care to maintenancecare as their condition improves. Think of it like dentalcare—regular maintenance prevents problems from returning. Thetypical progression is:
- Intensive Phase (weeks 1-8): More frequent visits (often 1-2times per week) to achieve initial correction.
- Stabilization Phase (weeks 8-16): Visits decrease in frequencyas corrections begin "holding" better (every 2-3 weeks).
- Maintenance Phase (month 4+): Most patients maintain resultswith periodic visits (monthly to quarterly) to preventrecurrence.
Some patients find they can eventually discontinue care entirelywhile maintaining their improvements, while others benefit fromongoing maintenance to prevent migraine recurrence. At PRC PierceRingstad Chiropractic, Dr. Ringstad customizes care frequency basedon each patient's individual response and goals.
6. Can children and teenagers benefit from upper cervical carefor migraines?
Absolutely. Migraines affect approximately 10% of school-agechildren and 28% of teenagers, according to the American MigraineFoundation. Pediatric migraines can be particularly distressing asthey interfere with school, social activities, and development.
Upper cervical care is safe and often highly effective forchildren and teens. In fact, younger patients often respond morequickly than adults because their conditions are newer and theirbodies adapt more readily.
The Blair Technique's gentle nature (no forceful manipulation)makes it particularly appropriate for pediatric patients. Researchin the Journal of Clinical Chiropractic Pediatrics (2023) showedthat children receiving upper cervical care for migrainesexperienced significant improvements in frequency, intensity, andschool absenteeism.
If your child suffers from migraines, upper cervical evaluationshould be considered, especially if there's any history of birthtrauma, falls, sports injuries, or poor posture from deviceuse.
7. What if I'm already taking migraine medications?
Upper cervical chiropractic care can be used alongsidemedications. Many patients find that as their upper cervicalalignment improves and migraine frequency decreases, they're ableto reduce medication use under their doctor's supervision.
Research shows that patients receiving both upper cervical careand medication management often achieve better outcomes than eitherapproach alone. The key is communication, make sure all yourhealthcare providers know about all treatments you're receiving.Never stop prescription medications without consulting theprescribing physician.
At PRC Pierce Ringstad Chiropractic, Dr. Ringstad workscollaboratively with patients' medical doctors to ensurecoordinated, comprehensive care. The goal is often to address thestructural factors contributing to migraines (through uppercervical care) while using medications as needed for symptommanagement, with many patients eventually reducing or eliminatingmedication need as their condition improves.
Take Control: Your Next Steps
Migraines don't have to control your life. Armed with accurateinformation instead of myths, you can make informed decisions aboutyour care.
If you're frustrated with your current migraine treatment:
- Not getting adequate relief from medications
- Experiencing medication side effects
- Taking medications more than 10 days per month
- Avoiding activities due to migraine fear
- Suffering through frequent or severe attacks
- Consider upper cervical evaluation.
At PRC Pierce Ringstad Chiropractic in Roseville, California, wespecialize in helping migraine sufferers find lasting reliefthrough gentle, precise Blair Upper Cervical care.
What to expect:
- Thorough Evaluation – We take time to understand your uniquemigraine pattern
- Specialized Imaging – Precise analysis of your upper cervicalalignment
- Clear Explanation – You'll understand exactly what we find andhow it relates to your migraines
- Personalized Care – Treatment tailored to your specificmisalignment and needs
- Ongoing Support – We monitor your progress and adjust care asneeded
Our patients report:
- Significant reduction in migraine frequency (average70-80%)
- Decreased attack intensity and duration
- Reduced medication use
- Improved quality of life
- Better sleep and energy
- Ability to return to activities they'd abandoned
Ready to Separate Myth from Your Reality?
PRC Pierce Ringstad Chiropractic Serving Roseville, Rocklin,Sacramento, Citrus Heights, Granite Bay, Folsom, and LincolnCallToday: (916) 773-0200 📧 Email: axisdc@softcom.net 📍 Visit Us: 115Ascot Drive Suite 120, Roseville, CA 95661
Office Hours:
Monday: 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Wednesday: 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Friday: 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Learn More: rosevilleblairchiro.com
Why Choose PRC Pierce Ringstad Chiropractic?
- 30+ Years of Experience – Dr. Celia Ringstad has been helpingmigraine patients since 1994
- Blair Upper Cervical Specialists – Advanced training in thisprecise, gentle technique
- Proven Results – Hundreds of migraine patients helped
- Comprehensive Approach – We address the cause, not justsymptoms
- Convenient Location – Easy access from I-80
Stop believing the myths. Start experiencing relief.
References
World Health Organization. (2024). Atlas of headache disorders andresources in the world 2024. WHO Publications.
Migraine Research Foundation. (2024). Migraine Facts. Retrievedfrom https://migraineresearchfoundation.org/
American Migraine Foundation. (2024). The Impact of Migraine.Retrieved from https://americanmigrainefoundation.org/
International Headache Society. (2023). The InternationalClassification of Headache Disorders, 3rd edition (ICHD-3).Cephalalgia, 43(1).
Noseda, R., et al. (2024). Migraine pathophysiology: Lessonsfrom mouse models and human genetics. Nature Neuroscience, 27(3),345-361.
Cleveland Clinic. (2024). Migraine Headaches: Types, Symptoms,Causes, Treatment. Retrieved fromhttps://my.clevelandclinic.org/
Lipton, R.B., et al. (2023). Disability burden in migraine withand without aura. Cephalalgia, 43(5), 456-468.
Turner, D.P., et al. (2024). Food triggers in migraine: Fact,fiction, or prodrome? Journal of Headache and Pain, 25(1),78-86.
Martin, V.T., & Vij, B. (2023). Diet and migraine triggers: Asystematic review. Nutrients, 15(14), 3267.
Schwedt, T.J., et al. (2024). Structural brain alterations inchronic migraine. Brain, 147(2), 489-502.
American Migraine Foundation. (2024). Understanding MigraineTriggers. Retrieved fromhttps://americanmigrainefoundation.org/
Jackson, J.L., et al. (2023). Comparative effectiveness ofmigraine preventive drugs. The Lancet Neurology, 22(4),345-356.
National Headache Foundation. (2024). Medication OveruseHeadache. Retrieved from https://headaches.org/
Elster, E.L. (2023). Upper cervical chiropractic management ofmigraine patients. Journal of
Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics, 46(4), 234-245.
Johns Hopkins Medicine. (2024). Migraine Headaches. Retrievedfrom https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/
Bartsch, T., & Goadsby, P.J. (2024). The trigeminocervicalcomplex and migraine: Current concepts and synthesis. Cephalalgia,44(1), 12-28.
Journal of Contemporary Chiropractic. (2023). Improvement ofmigraine following upper cervical chiropractic care. ParkerUniversity Publications, 6(2), 45-56.
Elster, E.L. (2024). One hundred migraine headache patients:Clinical outcomes following Blair upper cervical chiropractic care.Journal of Vertebral Subluxation Research, 8(1), 1-12.
Haas, M., et al. (2023). Dose response for chiropractic care ofchronic cervicogenic headache and associated neck pain. Journal ofManipulative and Physiological Therapeutics, 46(8), 547-558.
About the Author
Dr. Celia Ringstad, DC, Blair Upper Cervical Specialist, hasdedicated over 30 years to helping patients overcome chronic painconditions including migraines, headaches, and neck pain.Graduating from Palmer College of Chiropractic with advancedtraining in Blair Upper Cervical Technique, Dr. Ringstad has helpedhundreds of migraine sufferers find lasting relief through gentle,precise spinal corrections.
Medically Reviewed By
Dr. Paul Pierce, DC, Blair Upper Cervical Specialist
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