West Los Angeles
Migraine & Headache Relief
Find lasting relief from chronic migraines and headaches in West LA. Dr. Summer Shanfar D.C. is a highly qualified chiropractor who has helped countless people live pain-free lives through proven, drug-free therapies.
Get relief from your migraines and headaches
Do you suffer from migraines or headaches? If so, you are not alone. Even if you don’t experience a headache every time, you may be encountering a postdrome phase, which can cause a dull, painful headache. Millions of people worldwide experience these debilitating health conditions regularly, and there is no cure for either one. But thankfully, there are many treatments to help ease the pain and discomfort associated with both types of headaches.
Did you know that migraines affect more than 36 million Americans annually? About 10% of those diagnosed have chronic migraines that they’re experiencing at least 15 days each month. If you suffer from these conditions or know someone who does, or you are considering a headache or migraine chiropractor in West Los Angeles, read on! Getting a diagnosis is the first step. A chiropractor can help you determine if the cause of your pain is organic or caused by a dietary factor.
A chiropractor can also perform a physical examination to rule out a medical cause of your pain. If the problem is genetic, chiropractic care can be helpful. Once you’ve identified the exact cause of your headache, you can learn to control your stress. This will help you deal with migraines.
Causes of migraines and headaches
Many environmental factors can trigger a migraine. A person’s lifestyle and diet are also essential factors in determining the frequency of the headache. Some of the common environmental causes include a change in light, noise, or even the type of food they eat. These changes can result in an increased risk of developing a migraine. If your migraine symptoms are frequent or severe, your doctor may recommend that you consult a specialist.
There are many different causes of migraines and headaches. Some common ones include:
- Stress
- Hormonal changes in a woman’s menstrual cycle
- Changes in weather patterns, such as high humidity or sudden temperature drops
- Foods such as cheese, chocolate, citrus fruits and juices, nuts, and processed meats
- Alcoholic beverages. If you notice that these cause your symptoms to worsen or last longer than usual, then avoid them at all costs!
Other causes of migraines include:
- Changes in sleep patterns (too much or too little)
- Lifestyle choices, such as smoking or drinking caffeinated beverages
Migraine types
Migraines can be considered either classic or every day. The main difference between them is that the symptoms of a typical migraine tend to come on over several days and then end abruptly, while those with a classic migraineur have more severe, debilitating pain for at least four hours.
Another difference is that common migraines usually affect one side of your head, while classic migraines typically cause pain across both sides.
Aura is another type of migraine usually preceded by visual disturbances, including flashing lights or zigzag lines. Some people experience an aura without having any headache pain, while others may only get the warning sign and no actual head pain. The symptoms of an aura are also common. If an aura accompanies your migraine, it is called an “aura.” This condition can be a precursor to a headache or a precursor to a migraine.
Migraine symptoms
Because there are many different types of migraines, the symptoms can vary widely. Some common ones include:
- Head pain that’s usually located on one side or both sides of your head
- Nausea and/or vomiting
- Sensitivity to light, sounds, smells, or touch
- Visual disturbances such as zigzag lines or flashing lights
- Numbness, tingling, and tremors in your extremities
Headache symptoms can also vary widely depending on the cause, but some common ones include:
- Pain that’s located around one eye or both eyes
- Sharp pain at the back of your head
- Pain that worsens when you move
- A constant, throbbing pain
- Nausea and/or vomiting
Acute migraines can last for days. While some of them are short-lived, the pain may last for four to six hours. For some, it can last for a couple of days. Other people experience headaches for a few days, while others only suffer for a few hours.
How can chiropractic treatment help relieve migraines and headaches?
Chiropractic treatment can help reduce or eliminate both types of headaches in several ways. One main benefit is that it helps restore the proper movement to your neck and upper spine, which increases blood flow throughout your entire body. This leads to improved health, energy levels, and mood while also helping you feel less pain overall.
Another benefit is that chiropractic care helps release muscle tension throughout your body. This allows you to feel more relaxed and at ease, which can help reduce the severity of headaches and migraines in some cases.
Regular chiropractic care can help prevent migraines and headaches from occurring in the first place. This is especially true if you’re a woman since hormonal changes are one of the leading causes of these conditions to appear.
Stop suffering from migraines
If you suffer from chronic migraines or headaches, make an appointment with Dr. Summer Shanfar in her West Los Angeles office today! She can help relieve the pain and discomfort associated with these conditions while also offering preventative care. Another area that Dr. Shanfar can help you with is neck pain.