Migraines affect about 38 million people in the US. That makes it astonishing that so little research is done to help the high percentage of men, women, and children suffering from this debilitating condition.
For example, the Migraine Research Foundation reports that in 2013 the NIH only received funding equal to about 50 cents for each American migraine sufferer. Facts about diagnosis and care are also staggering.
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Why Migraine Sufferers Struggle to Find Help
There are only about 500 doctors in the US who are certified as headache experts. Obviously, this limited group of individuals cannot see all 38 million patients. Therefore, most sufferers will never see an expert for their condition. Most only go to a primary care physician.
Another major factor when it comes to migraines is that most patients only seek symptomatic relief care. This is because most doctors are only aware of medications to care for pain once a migraine begins. Therefore, only about 12% of patients are provided care that is focused on stopping migraines from occurring. Generally, this is done by using a diary to identify triggers. Then these triggers are avoided through diet and lifestyle changes.
Finally, it is estimated that more than half of people who suffer from migraines never get a diagnosis, meaning that 38 million is an incredibly low estimate of how many people suffer migraines despite being approximately 12% of the US population.
Stop Migraines Before They Start
The key to stopping migraines before they begin is to ensure that a misalignment of the upper neck is not an underlying cause. For many, an injury results in a neck misalignment. Then this subluxation gradually brings on migraines as a result of pressure on the brainstem, lack of proper blood flow to the brain, improper cerebrospinal fluid drainage, or other complications.
At Balanced Living Chiropractic, we focus on realigning a patient’s upper cervical spine using a precise and gentle method. For many, especially those with a history of head or neck injury, this reduces the frequency of migraines and has even meant an end of the condition for some.
To schedule a complimentary NUCCA consultation, call 248-831-0729 or just click the button below.
If you are outside of the local area, you can find an Upper Cervical Doctor near you at www.uppercervicalawareness.com.