Missed a lot of days of work because of Migraines? Here’s how to reduce the pain!

Blog

April 23, 2024

Achieve Integrative Health, the best restorative acupuncture clinic in Leander, TX and Cedar Park, TX, is dedicated to provide valuable insights on Natural solutions for Migraine.

But wait, there’s something exciting happening! Today, we’re spicing things up by featuring blogs from acupuncturists listed in our AcupunctureNearMe.org Directory. Today, we want to express our gratitude to Mark Whalen from Five Points Acupuncture & Wellness for contributing to this blog! Let’s get started!

If you’ve ever suffered with a Migraine, you know how debilitating it can be. In the US alone over 30 million people suffer from migraines. Migraine is the #6 leading causes of disability worldwide.

Ninety-one percent of migraine sufferers miss work or can’t function normally. The estimated cost of lost productivity is between $5.6 to $17.2 billion.2 It’s estimated that Migraine sufferers spend between $13,000-$18,000 per year on their care.

SYMPTOMS of Migraines

Typical migraine symptoms may include an aura, pounding or pulsating pain in the head, blurred vision, tunnel vision, nausea, vomiting, sensitivity to light and/or sound, or balance issues. Migraines can be debilitating and greatly decrease a patient’s quality of life.

CAUSES OF MIGRAINES

There is no one definitive cause of Migraine headache. There is definitely a familial (genetic) link. It is estimated up to 70% of migraines are related to a genetic link.

It has long been believed that Migraines were a Neuro-Vascular disorder. A Neuro-Vascular Disorder occurs when there is bleeding or restricted blood flow in an area of the brain. Most of the medications used for treatment have focused on this theory.

TREATMENT OF MIGRAINES

The approach to treat migraines is to stop an attack when it’s happening or use medications to prevent/limit future attacks.

Common medications include:

Preventative Medications designed to reduce frequency of attacks: beta-blockers, antidepressants, anti-seizure medications and botox6

CGRP Antagonists are a newer class of medications designed to prevent migraines. CGRP = Calcitonin G Related Peptide- a major vasodilator in the body.

Abortive medications to stop an attack can range from Advil, Excedrin Migraine all the way up to Triptans (Imitrex and others).

Despite all the potential medications, many patients still suffer greatly from their Migraines. Why? What if the approach is backwards? These medications all treat the end cause – the migraine and associated symptoms- all based on the blood flow and neurovascular theory. Is there additional way to treat migraines?

Brain-State Theory

A newer area of research is known as the ‘brain-state’ theory. The difference with this theory is that the brain is at the center of dysfunction. I learned about this in the book ‘Mastering Migraine’ by Dr. Adam Harcourt. The theory is that the brain of a migraine sufferer is functionally different from those who don’t suffer.

In this view, an area of the brain is dysfunctional and ‘primed’ for a migraine. It’s just waiting for a trigger to set it off.

So how can we help?

Acupuncture for Migraine

When treating patients, we look to treat the migraines at their source. We assess and evaluate each patient individually to determine the main areas of their brain that are affected. Treatment is aimed at reducing any current pain AND treating the underlying cause of the migraines.

Musculoskeletal Issues– typically related to tight upper back and neck muscles. Jaw tension can also play a role. Acupuncture improves blood flow, reduces tight muscles, can release trigger points and helps with pain

Hormonal Causes– Acupuncture helps regulate hormonal shifts in the body. It helps to balance out the hormonal changes taking place during the month

Stress– acupuncture regulates the Hypothalamic-Adrenal-Pituitary Axis involved in stress hormone regulation, getting you out of fight or flight mode

Treating the Brain Dysfunction directly

Acupuncture has been shown to influence the area of the brain related to pain perception.

Acupuncture is also able to influence the nervous system, causing the release and regulation of dopamine, serotonin and beta-endorphins, the feel-good chemicals of the brain.

Acupuncture influences the Trigeminal Cervical Complex- an area which is always involved in head pain

We also incorporate additional resources if necessary- nutritional supplementation and/or botanical medicine to help.

TREATMENT OUTCOMES

Now to the most important sections. Benefits of proper treatment include:

Less frequent Migraine days
Lower intensity of headaches when they do occur
Reduction in Medication dosage
Reduction in Medication needed
Less missed days of work- or less ‘pushing through’
Better Quality of life- a return to doing things they WANT to be doing

With proper treatment, patients can improve their quality of life and be in charge of what they want to do and not. Are you next? If you or someone you know is suffering from Migraines, please spread the word. There is hope and help out there!

References

Migraine.com/migraine-statistics/ Written by Otesa Miles. Reviewed by John-Claude Krusz PhD, MD. November 2010
Ibid
Mastering Migraine. Harcourt, Adam.
First Genetic Link Found for Common Migraine. Researchers a Step Closer to Unlocking Mysteries of Migraines By Kelli Miller Stacy. WebMD Health News. Reviewed by Laura J. Martin, MD
Lay CL, Broner SW (May 2009). “Migraine in women”. Neurologic Clinics 27 (2): 503 doi:10.1016/j.ncl.2009.01.002. PMID 19289228.
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/migraine-headache/DS00120/DSECTION=treatments-and-drugs
Ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
Migraines Linked to Heart Attack Risk. Study Shows Heart Risk Is Highest for Those With Migraines With Aura By Jennifer Warner WebMD Health News. Reviewed by Louise Chang, MD

http://www.headachenech.com/headache_info/default.asp?Content=Migraine
Larkin, Marilynn, “The Role of Serotonin in Migraine” JAMA Migraine Information Center, www.ama-assn.org/special/migraine/newsline/briefing/serotonin.htm
Acupuncture Changes Brain’s Perception And Processing Of Pain. Nov 30, 2010 Coauthors are Kyung-Eun Choi, M.Sc., Elke Gizewski, M.D., Ph.D., Thomas Rampp, M.D., Gustav Dobos, M.D., Ph.D., Michael Forsting, M.D., Ph.D., and Frauke Musial, Ph.D. Radiological Society of America

Do you want to start your restorative acupuncture journey?

Achieve Integrative Health, the number one acupuncture clinic in Austin, Texas, Specializing in natural solutions to restore organ function and fix the root cause, we’re here to support you on your journey to wellness.

Take the first step toward optimal well-being. Connect with us at (512) 273-7006 or schedule an Initial Examination. At Achieve Integrative Health, our mission is to empower you to enjoy a higher quality of life through acupuncture and holistic care, addressing your unique needs and restoring vitality. Your path to a healthier, more vibrant, and more energetic life begins here.