Migraine Explained
What is a Migraine?
Migraine headache is a complex disorder which affects roughly 13 % of the global population with women three times more likely to have this disorder. Migraines involve moderate to severe pain, and sometimes other additional symptoms such as photophobia (sensitivity to light) phonophobia (sensitivity to sound), nausea, vomiting, and many more diverse symptoms commonly defined as "aura". Migraines can be extremely debilitating for the sufferer, and can often lead to physical, psychological, social, professional, educational and financial issues.
Why do Migraines happen?
A key mechanism of the origin of migraine headache is a neurovascular inflammatory reaction in the trigeminovascular system.
Wait, what? Don't worry- let's break it down.
The trigeminal nerve is the fifth (and largest) cranial nerve in the body. The trigeminal nerve sits deep in the brain and is responsible for providing sensation to the face. So you can imagine that if this nerve is irritated, then this would affect the sensation of the face, which could be painful, right? Sounds familiar?
When the trigeminal nerve is activated, various substances called neuropeptides are released (for those interested they are called: Calcitonin Gene Related Peptide (CGRP), Pituitary Adenylate Cyclase-Activating-Polyeptide (PACAP38), substance P, and neurokinin A).
These peptides cause inflammation and a widening of the blood vessels (vasodilation) that supply the meninges (the outer layer of the brain, which is very sensitive to pain). The vasodilation can cause these meninges to become irritated, and also cause this throbbing, pulsating pain, which many migraine sufferers experience.
Another migraine mechanism is called Cortical Spreading Depression (CSD), which involves a wave of nerve activation, followed by suppression, which activates pain stimulus in the meninges and can also contribute to aura.
Additional factors such as peripheral sensitisation (an over-active trigeminal nerve) and central sensitisation (increased excitability in the brain stem and spinal cord) are also perpetuating factors for migraine sufferers.
Ok are you still with me? I know it's a bit of a headache to get your head around (pun certainly intended), but understanding the reason for your migraine can help give you more clarity and empowerment!
How Osteopathic Care Supports You
So how can I help?
As stress is one of the most significant triggers of migraine, Osteopathic treatment can help relieve stress-related muscular tension which is a common contributor to migraine exacerbation. Osteopathic treatment also aims to target the structures involved in pain generation of migraine (meninges, blood vessels) with various techniques.
In addition to osteopathic treatment, I also utilise the Headstrong program which involves education, manual therapy (osteopathic treatment), lifestyle modifications, stress management, physical activity and a personalised plan to assist you in independently managing your migraines throughout your life.
The Headstrong Program
The aim of this program is
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to reduce migraine frequency and intensity
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improve quality of life by mitigating disruptions caused by migraine
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empower you with education and take home tools for independent care
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offer holistic, multimodal care which addresses all aspects of your health
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support the management of comorbidities such as insomnia, depression, anxiety, gastrointestinal and cardiovascular complaints
Migraines can be extremely debilitating and can be adversely impactful on daily life. I am here to support you on your way to managing your migraines. Keep in mind– this is a team effort, but the hard work pays off!