Unraveling Migraines: Can Upper Cervical Care Help?

How often have you had to call in sick because your head wouldn’t stop pounding? Skipped social plans because you feared the lights, sounds, or smells would trigger another migraine? Wished for something—anything—that could bring lasting relief?

If that sounds familiar, you’re not alone. Many people in Jacksonville and Mandarin face the same struggle. But for some, hope has come through the care of a chiropractor who understands migraines from the inside out, Dr. Thuraia Owais at San Jose Chiropractic.

The Pain and Persistence of Migraines

Migraines aren’t “just bad headaches.” They’re a neurological condition that starts when certain nerves and blood vessels in the brain become overstimulated. This process releases inflammatory chemicals that make nerve endings extremely sensitive, creating the intense, throbbing pain so many migraine sufferers know all too well.

Attacks can last anywhere from 4 to 72 hours, according to the Migraine Research Foundation. For those with chronic migraines, episodes can occur 15 or more days a month, meaning pain and symptoms dominate nearly half the month.

How Migraines Affect Your Life

Migraines can bring a host of symptoms along with head pain, including:

• Nausea and vomiting

• Dizziness or vertigo

• Sensitivity to light, sound, or smells

• Visual disturbances (aura)

• Fatigue and brain fog

The ripple effects can be significant. Many people experience reduced productivity at work, strained relationships, and increased risk of anxiety or depression.

How Upper Cervical Care May Help

One potential factor in migraine pain is misalignment in the top two bones of the neck—the atlas (C1) and axis (C2). These bones protect the brainstem and play a key role in how the nervous system and blood vessels function.

Dr. O uses Upper Cervical Chiropractic Care with the Orthospinology technique, which focuses on correcting these misalignments with gentle, precise adjustments. Studies suggest that restoring proper alignment in this area may:

• Reduce pressure on the brainstem

• Improve blood flow to the brain

• Support healthier nervous system function

For many patients, this approach leads to fewer migraine days, reduced symptom severity, and a better quality of life.

A Holistic Step Forward in Migraine Management

While Upper Cervical Care isn’t a cure-all, it can be a powerful piece of a larger migraine management plan—especially for those who haven’t found relief with other treatments.

By addressing potential nerve and blood flow issues at the top of the spine, you may be able to regain control over your migraines and say “yes” to more of life without worrying about the next attack.

Ready to explore a natural, gentle approach to migraine relief? Call 904-683-4476 or request an appointment online with Dr. Thuraia Owais at San Jose Chiropractic to see how Orthospinology could fit into your migraine care plan.