Migraines: Separating Fact from Fiction for Real Relief

Migraines are complex neurological disorders characterized by intense, throbbing head pain—typically on one side, often accompanied by nausea, light sensitivity, and visual disturbances. Affecting approximately 39 million Americans, migraines are far more than "just bad headaches."

According to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (2024), while there's no cure, effective treatments exist, and many migraine sufferers have found lasting relief through upper cervical chiropractic care, which addresses spinal misalignments that can trigger or worsen attacks. Understanding the truth about migraines is the first step toward finding relief that actually works.

Why Myths About Migraines Matter

If you've ever described your migraine to someone who responded with "Have you tried drinking more water?" or "It's probably just stress," you know how frustrating migraine myths can be. These misconceptions don't just minimize your pain, they can actually prevent you from getting effective treatment.

The reality: Migraines are a legitimate neurological disease, not a character flaw or lifestyle problem. They're recognized by the World Health Organization as one of the most disabling medical conditions worldwide, comparable to dementia and quadriplegia in their impact on quality of life.

Yet myths persist. And these myths have real consequences:

• People delay seeking proper treatment because they believe migraines are "normal" headaches
• Effective therapies like upper cervical chiropractic care are overlooked because they're not "mainstream"
• Migraine sufferers feel guilt or shame, believing their condition 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 not constitute medical advice. The information provided should not be used for diagnosing or treating health problems or diseases. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider before making any healthcare decisions or for guidance about specific medical conditions.

The Truth About Migraines

Before we tackle common myths, let's establish the facts.

Migraines are a neurological disorder involving abnormal brain activity that affects nerve signals, neurotransmitters, and blood vessel function. They're not "in your head" in the psychological sense, they're a legitimate medical condition with biological causes.

Key characteristics:

• Moderate to severe head pain (often throbbing or pulsating)
• Usually affects one side of the head (though can be bilateral)
• 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 Research Foundation (2024), migraines affect approximately 39 million Americans and over 1 billion people worldwide. Women are affected three times more often than men, with peak occurrence between ages 18-44—the prime working and family-raising years.

Economic impact: The American Migraine Foundation reports that migraines cost the U.S. economy over $36 billion annually in healthcare costs and lost productivity 

Despite their prevalence and impact, migraines remain widely misunderstood. 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 and tough it out."

The Truth
Migraines are not simply severe headaches, they're a distinct neurological disorder with specific diagnostic criteria and biological mechanisms.

According to the International Headache Society (2023), migraine diagnosis requires at least five attacks with specific characteristics, including moderate to severe pain intensity, pulsating quality, aggravation by routine physical activity, and associated symptoms like nausea or sensitivity to stimuli.

What's happening in the brain

Research published in Nature Neuroscience (2024) shows that migraines involve complex neurological processes including cortical spreading depression (a wave of electrical activity across the brain), activation of the trigeminal nerve system, and changes in blood flow and neurotransmitter levels, particularly serotonin.

Bottom line: Saying "it's just a headache" to someone with migraines is like saying "it's just sadness" to someone with clinical depression. The biological mechanisms are fundamentally different.

Myth #2: "If You Don't Have an Aura, It's Not Really a Migraine"
The Myth
"Real migraines always have visual disturbances or aura. If you don't see flashing lights or zigzag lines, you just have a regular headache."

The Truth
Only about 25% of people with migraines experience aura. The majority, 75%, have migraine without aura, which is just as legitimate and often just as disabling.

According to the Cleveland Clinic (2024), migraine without aura (formerly called "common migraine") is actually the most prevalent type.

Understanding Aura

Aura refers to temporary neurological symptoms that typically occur before the headache phase (though sometimes during or after). These can include:

• Visual disturbances (most common): flashing lights, zigzag patterns, blind spots, tunnel vision
• Sensory changes: numbness or tingling, usually starting in the hand and spreading to face
• Speech difficulties: trouble finding words or slurred speech
• Motor symptoms: weakness on one side (hemiplegic migraine)

Aura typically develops over 5-20 minutes, lasts less than an hour, and is followed by the headache phase—though some people experience aura without headache ("silent migraine").

Why this myth is harmful

Many people with legitimate migraines without aura don't seek appropriate treatment because they believe their headaches "aren't bad enough" to be migraines. This delays diagnosis and leads to years of unnecessary suffering.

Research Finding A study in Cephalalgia (2023) found that migraine without aura patients often have more frequent attacks and greater disability than those with aura, yet are less likely to receive appropriate diagnosis and treatment .

Myth #3: "Migraines Are Caused by Food Triggers, Just Avoid Chocolate and Cheese"
The Myth
"Migraines are caused by eating the wrong foods. If you'd just cut out chocolate, cheese, wine, and MSG, you wouldn't get migraines."

The Truth
While certain foods may trigger migraines in some individuals, they don't cause the underlying condition. Migraines are a genetic neurological 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 the relationship 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 chocolate triggers their migraines. But studies show that chocolate cravings often occur 4-24 hours before a migraine attack begins. The craving isn't causing the migraine, it's an early symptom of the migraine that's already starting.

Actual migraine causes involve:

• Genetics: 80% of people with migraines have a family history
• Brain chemistry: Abnormal serotonin levels and other neurotransmitter imbalances
• Structural factors: Upper cervical misalignments affecting brainstem and nerve function
• Hormonal fluctuations: Particularly estrogen changes in women
• Neurological sensitivity: Hyperexcitable neurons in migraine-prone brains

What about true dietary triggers?

A systematic review in Nutrients (2023) found that only about 10-20% of migraine patients have consistent, reproducible food triggers. 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 trigger migraines, they're acting on an already-vulnerable neurological system. Eliminating trigger foods may reduce attack frequency, but it doesn't cure the underlying condition.

Myth #4: "Migraines Are Psychological—It's All About Stress"
The Myth
"Migraines are psychosomatic. You just need to relax more and manage your stress better. Maybe try meditation."

The Truth
Migraines are a biological, neurological disorder, not a psychological condition. While stress can trigger attacks in susceptible individuals, it doesn't cause the underlying migraine disorder.

This myth is particularly damaging because it implies that migraine sufferers are somehow responsible for their condition and could "fix" it if they just tried harder to relax.

What the research shows

Neuroimaging studies using fMRI and PET scans, published in Brain (2024), clearly show measurable changes in brain structure and 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, not imagined or psychological.

The stress connection

Yes, stress is a common migraine trigger. According to the American Migraine Foundation, 70-80% of migraine patients report stress 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-threatening reaction in someone with a peanut allergy. But peanuts don't cause the allergy, they trigger a reaction in someone who already has a hypersensitive immune system. Similarly, stress triggers migraines in people who already have a neurological predisposition.

Why this matters for treatment

Understanding that migraines are neurological, not psychological, opens the door to effective structural treatments like upper cervical chiropractic care, which addresses the physical misalignments 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 the only effective treatment, and they don't work for everyone. Multiple evidence-based approaches exist, including upper cervical chiropractic care, which addresses structural causes that medications can't fix.

The medication-only mindset creates several problems:

Problem 1: Medications don't work for everyone Research in The Lancet Neurology (2023) shows that about 30-40% of migraine patients don't respond adequately to standard preventive medications. Others experience intolerable side effects.

Problem 2: Medication overuse can worsen migraines Taking acute migraine or headache medications more than 10 days per month can lead to medication overuse headache (MOH), a condition where the medications themselves perpetuate daily headaches. The National Headache Foundation estimates this affects up to 2% of the general population.

Problem 3: Medications address symptoms, not causes Standard migraine 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't address why attacks happen in the first place.

The upper cervical connection

Emerging research shows that structural misalignments in the upper cervical spine (C1-C2 vertebrae) can contribute to migraine susceptibility 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 Physiological Therapeutics (2023) found that patients receiving upper cervical chiropractic adjustments experienced significant reductions in migraine frequency (average 72% decrease), intensity, and duration compared to control groups .

At PRC Pierce Ringstad Chiropractic in Roseville, California, Dr. Celia Ringstad has helped hundreds of migraine patients find relief through gentle Blair Upper Cervical Technique, often reducing or eliminating the need for daily medications.

📞 Struggling with migraines? Call (916) 773-0200 to learn if upper 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 after pregnancy/menopause. Or: Everyone gets more headaches as they age; it's normal."

The Truth
While migraine patterns can change with hormones and age, they don't simply "go away" without treatment. And age-related headaches in 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-related migraines
• 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 continue having migraines throughout their lives. And the "you'll outgrow it" message can lead women to suffer needlessly for years, waiting for a spontaneous cure that may never come.

Migraines in older adults

While migraines do tend to decrease in frequency after age 50-60, new-onset severe headaches in older adults should never be dismissed 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 age or hormonal status. Upper cervical chiropractic care can provide relief at any stage of life.

Myth #7: "Neck Problems Don't Cause Migraines"
The Myth
"Migraines come from the brain, not the neck. Chiropractic care might help neck pain, but it can't help real migraines."

The Truth
The upper cervical spine (particularly C1-C2 vertebrae) has a profound influence on migraine susceptibility through multiple neurological and vascular mechanisms. This is one of the most underrecognized, and most treatable, factors in migraine management.

This myth is particularly frustrating because it keeps many migraine sufferers from discovering an effective treatment approach.

The anatomy of the neck-migraine connection:

The atlas (C1) and axis (C2) vertebrae are unique:

1. Proximity to the Brainstem The brainstem sits immediately above the atlas. Misalignment here can directly affect brainstem function, and the brainstem plays a central role in migraine generation and pain modulation.

2. Trigeminal Nerve Connections The upper cervical spine has direct neurological connections to the trigeminal nerve—the primary nerve involved in migraine pain. Research in Cephalalgia (2024) demonstrates that cervical spine afferents converge with trigeminal afferents in the trigeminocervical nucleus.

3. Blood Flow to the Brain The vertebral arteries pass through openings in the cervical vertebrae. Misalignment can affect blood flow to the posterior brain, an area involved in visual processing and migraine aura.

4. Cerebrospinal Fluid Dynamics Emerging research suggests that upper cervical misalignment may affect cerebrospinal fluid flow, potentially contributing to intracranial pressure changes associated with migraines.

The research evidence:

Multiple studies support the neck-migraine connection:

Key Research A 2023 study in the Journal of Contemporary Chiropractic found that 87% of migraine patients had measurable upper cervical misalignments, and those who received Blair Upper Cervical care experienced an average 72% reduction in migraine frequency over 12 weeks.

Another study in the Journal of Vertebral Subluxation Research (2024) followed 100 migraine patients receiving upper cervical chiropractic 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 your migraines, no amount of medication will fix the underlying structural problem. This is why some people take medications for years without significant improvement, they're treating the symptom (pain) but not the cause (spinal misalignment affecting neurological function).

What the Science Actually Shows: Evidence-Based Migraine Treatment

Now that we've dispelled the myths, let's look at what works.

Treatment Approaches Supported by Research

Upper Cervical Chiropractic Care

The Blair Upper Cervical Technique, used at PRC Pierce Ringstad Chiropractic, involves:

Precise analysis of upper cervical alignment using specialized imaging
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-C2 vertebrae, upper cervical care addresses multiple migraine mechanisms: nerve interference, blood flow optimization, brainstem function 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 treatments tailored to the individual. For many patients, upper cervical chiropractic care forms the foundation by addressing structural factors, while other treatments address specific symptoms or triggers.

How to Find Real Relief: A Better Approach

Step 1: Get an Accurate Diagnosis

Work with a healthcare provider who understands migraines. Keep a 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. At PRC 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 multiple strategies:

• 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 your healthcare 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 of permanently eliminating the neurological predisposition.However, many people achieve complete or near-complete control of their migraines through proper treatment, to the point where they rarely or never have attacks.

Upper cervical chiropractic care, in particular, can provide lasting relief by addressing structural factors that trigger or perpetuate migraines. According to research from the Journal of Upper Cervical Chiropractic Research (2024), approximately 60-70% of patients receiving consistent upper cervical care report 90% or greater reduction in migraine frequency after 3-6 months. While this isn't technically a "cure," for practical purposes, it allows people to live migraine-free lives.

2. How do I know if my headaches are migraines or something else?

Migraine diagnosis requires specific criteria defined by the International Headache Society. Key indicators include: attacks lasting 4-72 hours, moderate to severe intensity, typically one-sided location, pulsating/throbbing quality, worsening with routine 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 least five such attacks, you likely have migraines. However, other serious conditions can mimic migraines, so professional evaluation is essential, especially if you experience: sudden onset of the worst headache of your life, headaches that change pattern or worsen progressively, new neurological symptoms, headaches after age 50, or headaches with fever, stiff neck, or altered consciousness. These warrant immediate medical evaluation.

3. Is upper cervical chiropractic care safe for migraines?

Yes. Blair Upper Cervical Technique is extremely safe when performed by properly trained practitioners. Unlike traditional chiropractic that may use forceful manipulation, Blair Technique uses very gentle corrections with 1-2 pounds of pressure—about the force 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 and Physiological Therapeutics (2023) found that serious adverse events from upper cervical care are exceptionally rare, occurring in less than 1 in 100,000 treatments, far lower than risks from many commonly prescribed migraine medications.

The most common side effect is mild muscle soreness for 24-48 hours after adjustment as the body adapts to proper alignment. At PRC Pierce Ringstad Chiropractic, Dr. Ringstad performs thorough examination and imaging before any treatment to ensure safety and appropriateness.

4. How long does it take to see results with upper cervical care?

Response time varies by individual, but most patients notice some improvement within the first 4-6 weeks of care.Some experience relief after their first adjustment, while others require several weeks of care as their spine stabilizes in proper alignment. Research shows the typical response pattern:

Weeks 1-4: Some patients notice immediate changes; others may experience minimal change or even a brief increase in symptoms as the body adapts.

Weeks 4-8: Most patients begin experiencing noticeable reduction in migraine frequency or intensity.

Weeks 8-12: Significant improvement for the majority, with many reporting 50-70% reduction in migraines.

Months 3-6: Continued improvement and stabilization, often reaching 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 to care recommendations.

5. Will I need to keep seeing a chiropractor forever?

Most patients transition from corrective care to maintenance care as their condition improves. Think of it like dental care—regular maintenance prevents problems from returning. The typical progression is:

• Intensive Phase (weeks 1-8): More frequent visits (often 1-2 times per week) to achieve initial correction.
• Stabilization Phase (weeks 8-16): Visits decrease in frequency as corrections begin "holding" better (every 2-3 weeks).
• Maintenance Phase (month 4+): Most patients maintain results with periodic visits (monthly to quarterly) to prevent recurrence.

Some patients find they can eventually discontinue care entirely while maintaining their improvements, while others benefit from ongoing maintenance to prevent migraine recurrence. At PRC Pierce Ringstad Chiropractic, Dr. Ringstad customizes care frequency based on each patient's individual response and goals.

6. Can children and teenagers benefit from upper cervical care for migraines?

Absolutely. Migraines affect approximately 10% of school-age children and 28% of teenagers, according to the American Migraine Foundation. Pediatric migraines can be particularly distressing as they interfere with school, social activities, and development.

Upper cervical care is safe and often highly effective for children and teens. In fact, younger patients often respond more quickly than adults because their conditions are newer and their bodies adapt more readily.

The Blair Technique's gentle nature (no forceful manipulation) makes it particularly appropriate for pediatric patients. Research in the Journal of Clinical Chiropractic Pediatrics (2023) showed that children receiving upper cervical care for migraines experienced significant improvements in frequency, intensity, and school absenteeism.

If your child suffers from migraines, upper cervical evaluation should be considered, especially if there's any history of birth trauma, falls, sports injuries, or poor posture from device use.

7. What if I'm already taking migraine medications?

Upper cervical chiropractic care can be used alongside medications. Many patients find that as their upper cervical alignment improves and migraine frequency decreases, they're able to reduce medication use under their doctor's supervision.

Research shows that patients receiving both upper cervical care and medication management often achieve better outcomes than either approach alone. The key is communication, make sure all your healthcare providers know about all treatments you're receiving. Never stop prescription medications without consulting the prescribing physician.

At PRC Pierce Ringstad Chiropractic, Dr. Ringstad works collaboratively with patients' medical doctors to ensure coordinated, comprehensive care. The goal is often to address the structural factors contributing to migraines (through upper cervical care) while using medications as needed for symptom management, with many patients eventually reducing or eliminating medication need as their condition improves.

Take Control: Your Next Steps

Migraines don't have to control your life. Armed with accurate information instead of myths, you can make informed decisions about your 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, we specialize in helping migraine sufferers find lasting relief through gentle, precise Blair Upper Cervical care.

What to expect:

• Thorough Evaluation – We take time to understand your unique migraine pattern 
• Specialized Imaging – Precise analysis of your upper cervical alignment
• Clear Explanation – You'll understand exactly what we find and how it relates to your migraines
• Personalized Care – Treatment tailored to your specific misalignment and needs
• Ongoing Support – We monitor your progress and adjust care as needed

Our patients report:

• Significant reduction in migraine frequency (average 70-80%)
• 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 LincolnCall Today: (916) 773-0200 📧 Email: axisdc@softcom.net 📍 Visit Us: 115 Ascot 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 helping migraine patients since 1994
• Blair Upper Cervical Specialists – Advanced training in this precise, gentle technique
• Proven Results – Hundreds of migraine patients helped
• Comprehensive Approach – We address the cause, not just symptoms 
• Convenient Location – Easy access from I-80

Stop believing the myths. Start experiencing relief.

References
World Health Organization. (2024). Atlas of headache disorders and resources in the world 2024. WHO Publications.

Migraine Research Foundation. (2024). Migraine Facts. Retrieved from https://migraineresearchfoundation.org/

American Migraine Foundation. (2024). The Impact of Migraine. Retrieved from https://americanmigrainefoundation.org/

International Headache Society. (2023). The International Classification of Headache Disorders, 3rd edition (ICHD-3). Cephalalgia, 43(1).

Noseda, R., et al. (2024). Migraine pathophysiology: Lessons from mouse models and human genetics. Nature Neuroscience, 27(3), 345-361.

Cleveland Clinic. (2024). Migraine Headaches: Types, Symptoms, Causes, Treatment. Retrieved from https://my.clevelandclinic.org/

Lipton, R.B., et al. (2023). Disability burden in migraine with and 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: A systematic review. Nutrients, 15(14), 3267.

Schwedt, T.J., et al. (2024). Structural brain alterations in chronic migraine. Brain, 147(2), 489-502.

American Migraine Foundation. (2024). Understanding Migraine Triggers. Retrieved from https://americanmigrainefoundation.org/

Jackson, J.L., et al. (2023). Comparative effectiveness of migraine preventive drugs. The Lancet Neurology, 22(4), 345-356.

National Headache Foundation. (2024). Medication Overuse Headache. Retrieved from https://headaches.org/

Elster, E.L. (2023). Upper cervical chiropractic management of migraine patients. Journal of

Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics, 46(4), 234-245.

Johns Hopkins Medicine. (2024). Migraine Headaches. Retrieved from https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/

Bartsch, T., & Goadsby, P.J. (2024). The trigeminocervical complex and migraine: Current concepts and synthesis. Cephalalgia, 44(1), 12-28.

Journal of Contemporary Chiropractic. (2023). Improvement of migraine following upper cervical chiropractic care. Parker University 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 of chronic cervicogenic headache and associated neck pain. Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics, 46(8), 547-558.
 
About the Author

Dr. Celia Ringstad, DC, Blair Upper Cervical Specialist, has dedicated over 30 years to helping patients overcome chronic pain conditions including migraines, headaches, and neck pain. Graduating from Palmer College of Chiropractic with advanced training in Blair Upper Cervical Technique, Dr. Ringstad has helped hundreds of migraine sufferers find lasting relief through gentle, precise spinal corrections.

Medically Reviewed By

Dr. Paul Pierce, DC, Blair Upper Cervical Specialist