Migraines are a neurological disorder that affects an estimated 1 billion people worldwide. In the United States alone, there are about 39 million men, women, and children who experience migraines. More and more people are turning to natural methods of migraine care, and that’s why so many people who live in Minnesota turn to us for help. If you’re looking for a Duluth, MN, migraine chiropractor, Zenith Spine and Wellness is one facility you can count on to provide you with much-needed relief.
In this article, you will read about how upper cervical chiropractic care is a gentle and successful way of reducing the severity and frequency of migraines, even for children.
The Facts
Migraines among children often go undiagnosed. And to give a clearer picture, here are some little-known facts about this condition:
- About ten percent of school-age children experience migraine attacks.
- Upon reaching the age of 17, 23% of girls and 8% of boys have already had a migraine.
- Children with migraines miss twice any many days of school compared to those without migraines.
- A child whose parent suffers from migraines has a 50% chance of developing migraines too. If both parents have migraines, a child has a 70% change of developing migraines.
- Doctors have identified migrain symptoms in children as young as 18 months old.
- Recently, a connection was seen between infant colic and migraines. Some have theorized that colic could be an early form of migraines.
- Girls experience more migraines than boys after they hit puberty. This is most likely due to the fluctuations in hormone levels that girls experience once they start their menstrual cycle.
Migraine Symptoms in Children
The symptoms of migraines in children and adults are similar, but there are some key differences. The common symptoms in both age groups include the usual pounding or throbbing head pain, sensitivity to light, sounds and certain smells, and dizziness. Some people also experience mood swings, as well as nausea and vomiting.
Migraine reactions among children vary depending on a child’s age. Infants, for instance, may bang their heads because of the pain. Preschoolers may experience abdominal pain, vomiting, and may appear very sleepy.
For children aged 5 to 10, there can be complaints about head pain in the front, sides, and back of the head. It is also accompanied by sensitivity to light and sound, abdominal cramping, sleepiness, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.
While a child’s migraines may be fewer and shorter compared to adults, their conditions can be more debilitating and disruptive to their young lives. For teenagers, migraines may cause anticipatory anxiety. It is a condition where they worry about when the next migraine attack will hit. The anxiety in itself can be debilitating.
Chronic Migraines for Children
Like adults, children and teenagers also experience chronic migraines. This means they experience more than 15 attacks in a month for three or more consecutive months. Teens in particular can experience daily head pain, sleep problems, dizziness, and fatigue. In worse cases, some of them experience depression, anxiety, and concentration problems.
Providing Migraine Relief for Children
Because children cannot take as many medications as adults can, sleep and rest are often the primary recommendation for enduring a migraine attack.
First off, it is essential to explain what migraines are to children to help them understand their condition. Strict bedtimes and routine meal schedules can help prevent migraine episodes.
Second, finding out what triggers a migraine and then avoiding the triggers may also help reduce migraine episodes. Writing down the foods the child ate and what was happening up to 2 days before an episode can help parents discover a child’s triggers.
During a migraine episode, the child should lie down in a dark, cool, quiet room to try to sleep through the pain. Icing the affected area may also help relieve some of the pain.
Upper Cervical Care for Young Migraine Sufferers
It is always tough to see a child go through pain. One of the ways to reduce the severity and frequency of migraines is through upper cervical chiropractic care.
Migraines are associated with misalignment of the top two vertebrae in the neck (the C1 and C2). They are more susceptible to misalignment because of their unique shapes and broader ranges of motion. Because these two bones protect the brainstem, any misalignment puts unnecessary pressure on the brainstem, affecting the function of the central nervous system.
When the vertebrae are misaligned, blood flow and cerebral spinal fluid flow to and from the brain are hindered. This type of situation sets the stage for the development of migraines. Correcting the misalignment of the vertebrae enables the body to heal itself and return to normal function. Often the result is significant relief or a complete disappearance of migraines.
Many upper cervical chiropractors today make use of gentler methods than traditional chiropractic techniques. Our gentle and accurate adjustment methods are even gentle enough for children and the elderly.
So if you’re a Minnesota resident in search of a Duluth, MN, migraine chiropractor, contact me at Zenith Spine & Wellness. Call (218) 390-5113 to schedule a complimentary consultation.