Dr. Snow's Chiropractic & Jiu Jitsu Blog: How to Stay Rollin' - Migraines

Migraines are another reason to go see a Chiropractor

I was recently reviewing the literature on headaches and Chiropractic measures for the treatment.  If you have a history of headaches, I am sure you have tried all sorts of treatments, including various prescription drugs and over-the-counter medications, home remedies, and I hope Chiropractic care.

Research shows that spinal manipulation provided by a Doctor of Chiropractic is as effective as, and even safer than, the drug approach offered by your MD.  There was a study done comparing the treatment of migraines in three ways:

1. with chiropractic care alone;
2. with Elavil, which is an antidepressant (Amitriptyline);
3. with a combination of both drugs and chiropractic care.

The Chiropractic group showed significant improvement, on track with the drug group, and better than the combined group (1).  The thing to note here is that Chiropractic care performed as well, or better than the drug group, but doesn’t have the side effects. 

I have been in practice since 1996, and have seen hundreds and hundreds of headache cases.  I have seen diagnoses of muscular tension headaches, migraine headaches, cluster headaches, allergy headaches, hormonal headaches, cervical headaches, etc.  In that time, I honestly cannot think of two handfuls of patients that did not respond favorably to chiropractic care for headaches. 

My opinion is that most of these are related to postural distortions in the spine, related to our habits of daily living.  Poor posture while sitting, standing, laying all will take effect as time goes on.  I have also seen postural distortions that are a result of habits on the mat.  Certain styles, primarily guard guys, will develop spinal conditions more readily than top game guys.  My job is to evaluate for postural distortions, and make a treatment plan which addresses each individual’s unique posture. 

Dr. Jeff Snow, The BJJ Chiropractor

(1)  Nelson, CF, Brontfort G, Evans R, et. al.  The efficacy of spinal manipulation, amitriptyline and the combination of both therapies for prophylaxis of migraine headache.  JMPT, October 1998: Volume 21, number 8, pages 511-19.

Vandry BJJ Academy: Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) & Muay Thai Boxing, Austin, Texas.