Migraines can be very difficult to deal with as adults, but for children, it can be even more of a challenge. Adults are able to recognize the signs, sometimes even before a migraine begins, and describe in detail to a doctor the pain they are experiencing. Children, however, have a much harder time.
It can be easy for a parent to mistake a migraine for an ordinary headache. But it is important to recognize the signs of migraines in children so as to acquire the right care. After all, if migraines keep adults from getting work done, imagine the effect on a child’s school performance.
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Here are some things to look for if you suspect your child is having migraines:
- Colic – Babies with colic are more likely to have migraines.
- Other members of the family are having migraines – The risk of migraines increases if one or both parents have them.
- Torticollis – Described as a spasm in the neck muscles that cause the head to tilt, this can be a precursor to getting migraines.
Around 10% of kids, ages 5 to 15, have had at least one migraine. Even infants, as young as 18 months old have been seen to have migraines. Due to their lack of communication skills and vocabulary, it is often hard to diagnose and properly care for migraines in young ones.
Most family physicians will probably recommend some kind of medication to help children cope, but many parents are not keen on the idea of giving their children strong medication due to the side effects. Parents often want natural, non-invasive ways to help their children with migraines.
Neck Alignment and Migraines
Children are prone to accidents – minor slips and falls, skateboard accidents, sports injuries, or similar traumas. These can increase the chance that a child may have a misalignment of one of the bones of the upper neck vertebrae. Here at our Rochester Hills, Michigan practice, we use a gentle, safe method that is great for kids and adults alike. This method moves the bones of the neck into place more naturally than popping or cracking the spine. This is often the only thing needed to help children see a decrease in or an elimination of migraines.
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If you are outside of the local area, you can find an Upper Cervical Doctor near you at www.uppercervicalawareness.com.