Migraines and Panic Disorders
Migraines.com wrote a recent article highlighting the link between migraines and panic disorders. The Mayo Clinic defines migraines as an “intense throbbing or pulsing in one area of the head, and is commonly accompanied by nausea, vomiting, and extreme sensitivity to light and sound.” WebMD defines panic disorders as “sudden attacks of fear and nervousness, as well as physical symptoms such as sweating and racing heart.”
While most medical research focuses on drug therapies for both conditions, Upper Cervical chiropractors look to signs of physical restrictions at the base of the skull. Upper Cervical Chiropractors use complex imaging to see the opening at the base of the skull in 3D, and specifically correct any misalignments that can interfere with the nerve structures at the level just beneath the brainstem.
Drug-Free Relief of Migraines
Dr. Raymond Damadian, the inventor of the MRI has been doing some amazing research with upright MRIs and specialized software. He’s been able to show that when someone has a misalignment in the upper neck it is actually changing the flow of cerebral spinal fluid (CSF) to, from and through the brain. CSF is the fluid that lubricates the brain and spinal cord. These misalignments could be leading to migraine headaches, panic disorders and more.
The obstruction comes as the first few bones in the neck become misaligned and causes a backup of CSF and increased pressure inside the head. When this misalignment was corrected by an upper cervical procedure such as NUCCA, the studies show that the pressure inside the head decreases and the CSF flow becomes normal.
For example, one of the studies reports on two patients who presented with severe, long-standing migraine headaches and other complications following whiplash injuries. Both patients were examined in an upright MRI utilizing specialized software, which allowed for evaluation of CSF flow.
It was found that in each patient there was a misalignment of the 1st cervical vertebra (Atlas), as well as substantially reduced CSF flow between the skull and the neck. Both patients received an upper cervical correction directed at the C1 misalignment.
Within an hour of the correction both patients were rescanned and normal CSF flow was restored. Additionally, the headache pain was nearly eliminated immediately after the correction in both patients.
The researchers stated:
Prior research has demonstrated a correlation between CSF flow obstruction and intracranial pressure headaches. This is a potentially significant clinical finding (CSF obstruction) that can lead to long-term and often unexplained complaints of unresolved headaches, neck pain, tingling, numbness, and a variety of other symptoms.
This type of upper neck correction can only be performed by a specially trained group of doctors.
Dr. Reanna Plancich of Discover Health Chiropractic in Seattle, Washington is an Upper Cervical Chiropractor trained by the National Upper Cervical Chiropractic Association (NUCCA). Her upper cervical clinic also serves the Northwest Seattle area of University District, Wallingford, Wedgwood, Montlake and Capital Hill. She is uniquely trained to correct problems in the upper cervical spine (upper neck). This vital area is intimately connected to the central nervous system and problems in this area have been shown to be an underlying cause of a variety of different health problems, including migraines and other headaches, fibromyalgia, vertigo, whiplash and auto injuries. More information can be found on her website at https://www.discoverchiropracticinseattle.com/