migraines, balance problems and dizziness

What are migraines?

Migraines are a type of headache. They typically cause throbbing pain in one side of the head and can last for hours or even up to three days. Alongside the pain, many people feel other symptoms such as nausea and sensitivity to light. Most people who get migraines get the same migraine symptoms repeatedly, several times a month or week. They can cause serious disability and reduced quality of life by making it difficult or impossible to participate in everyday activities. 

Some people experience auras, or visual disturbances like flashing lines that happen shortly before the onset of a migraine, that warn them that it’s coming. 

Migraine symptoms

Symptoms of migraines include:

• Intense, throbbing, one-sided headaches

• Visual disturbances

• Nausea or vomiting

• Sensitivity to light

What causes migraines?

Researchers have more to learn about why migraines happen, but the pain seems to originate from nerves in the walls of blood vessels that travel through your spine and brain. While most people with migraines experience severe headaches, some people with migraines don’t have headaches at all. They may have abdominal pain or visual disturbances. 

Many different stimuli in our lives and environments can trigger migraines, and these triggers can be different for everyone. Keeping a journal can help you determine if certain foods, activities, weather changes or stress is causing your migraines. If so, you can make efforts to avoid those foods or prepare for certain weather or stressful situations. 

Some common migraine triggers include:

• Drinking alcohol

• Sudden changes in weather

• Not enough (or too much) sleep

• Stress

• Sudden noises or bright lights

• Low blood sugar

• Mood disorders

• Skipping meals

• Exposure to strong scents

Can neck and spine misalignment cause migraines?

There’s still a lot more research to do, but preliminary studies show that a very large portion (nearly 90%) of people who report neck pain also experience migraine or tension headaches. 

How do you make migraines go away?

People use a variety of strategies to get rid of migraines or make them feel less severe. Some people use medications every day to lower the number of days they have migraines. But many others find relief through lifestyle adjustments and alternative treatments including:

• Turning the lights off

• Using hot and cold pads or baths

• Small amounts of caffeine which can relax and widen your blood vessels

• Acupuncture 

If you get migraines regularly, it can be helpful to keep a diary of what you eat, how stressed you are, how much you sleep, the weather and how much sunlight you get. There are many different triggers for migraines and this journal can help you discover and then avoid those foods or habits that trigger yours.

What does a chiropractor do for migraines?

In one study, women who got chiropractic care said the treatments helped them better understand how their musculoskeletal systems can contribute to migraines and they also said they found new ways to manage their symptoms. 

A review of five randomized controlled trials found that over the course of two to six months chiropractic care reduced the number of migraines patients reported each month, and the severity of those migraines.  

Balance disorders

There are many different types of balance disorders because many of your body systems are involved in keeping you balanced. Your eyes, ears and brain help you determine where you are in space. Your circulatory system keeps your blood flowing to your brain and your toes. Your muscles and bones keep you upright. You get the idea.

Symptoms of balance disorders include:

• Feeling like you or the room you’re in is spinning

• Blurred vision

• Stumbling or feeling like you might fall

• Lightheadedness

• Nausea

• Fear  

What Causes Balance Problems?

There are many reasons you might feel dizzy. From time to time, most of us get dizzy for one reason or another such as motion sickness or low blood sugar, but if it happens to you often or it doesn’t go away after a few seconds, it could signal a serious problem. 

Common Causes of Dizziness

Some common causes of dizziness include:

• Low blood sugar

• Low blood pressure 

• Ear infections

• An imbalance in your eye muscles

• Side effects of medications

• Arthritis 

• Skeletal problems 

Can Vertigo be Caused by Neck Problems?

Yes. Some people experience what’s called cervicogenic dizziness (CGD). Doctors sometimes have trouble diagnosing the condition, but it often happens to people who have had neck injuries. It’s caused by postural problems, range of motion, or blood flow issues. Rather than feel like the room is spinning, people with CGD may feel like they are floating. 

How Can a Chiropractor Help with Balance and Dizziness?

In a survey of 288 chiropractors, more than half reported patients who came in with neck pain saw improvements in dizziness in addition to less pain after receiving chiropractic care.  

If you’re having problems with migraines, balance or dizziness, holistic care from a chiropractor may help you manage your symptoms. 

Learn More:

Back Pain Basics

How to Manage Back Pain

How to Find a Chiropractor