Migraines and SeizuresWhen the upper neck is misaligned it affects the way the brain is working. These brain changes can mimic a variety of different conditions.
Recently the Journal of Upper Cervical Chiropractic Research had a very interesting case study that discussed the impact of an upper neck misalignment on the brain.
After seeing a series of medical doctors, cardiologists and neurologists a 75-year-old woman finally found a neurologist who was familiar with upper cervical chiropractic. The neurologist determined that she had an upper cervical misalignment which he thought was causing an exacerbation of symptoms related to an old concussion.
According to the neurologist she had a history of concussion 10 years prior. Although her current episode was worse than ever before, the patient reported similar episodes in the past dating back to the concussion. The nature of the injury was a fall resulting in the impact of the back of her head with the floor. She was unable to talk immediately following the fall and was taken to the hospital. She reported receiving a CAT scan and MRI along with many neurological examinations over the next 3 months and then was released.
Her current symptoms were as follows:
Exhaustion or bending forward brought on her seizures. When the seizures occurred, she felt a hot sensation in her upper chest, lost the ability to speak, and developed a painful migraine of the common type (no aura).
A Thorough Upper Neck EvaluationAfter a postural and x-ray evaluation, it was determined that her atlas was out of alignment. After her initial adjustment her walking had improved as well as her neck range of motion - specifically rotation, which had been severely decreased "for years." The patient reported an increase in energy.
The patient's care was continued. During each visit, she was checked to make sure the adjustment was holding through subjective evaluation, scanning palpation, and supine leg check. Further visits saw improvement in her walking including the ability to walk heel-to-toe. Her balance improved to where she could stand on one foot. She noticed a general improvement in her vision - specifically clarity, brightness, and color perception are her lazy eye diminished and then finally went away. Finally, it should be noted that she had not had a seizure with the accompanying migraine since beginning care.
The authors suggest a change in blood flow to the brain a likely cause of the patient symptoms.
Do you have a collection of strange neurological symptoms? Do you have a history of head or neck trauma or concussion?
Then an upper cervical evaluation could be your answer.
To schedule your NUCCA evaluation, click here.
Want to hear from people like you? Check out our reviews here.
Dr. Pete Tsiglieris of Advanced Spinal Care in Redwood City, California is an Upper Cervical Specialist trained by the National Upper Cervical Chiropractic Association (NUCCA). His upper cervical clinic also serves San Mateo, Palo Alto, Menlo Park, San Carlos, and Sunnyvale. They are 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, carpal tunnel syndrome, neck pain, back pain and shoulder pain and weakness. More information can be found on our website at https://bayareanuccacare.com/
References:
Source:
Seizure, Ataxia, Fatigue, Strabismus and Migraine Resolved by Precise Realignment of the First Cervical Vertebra: A Case Report Roy Sweat DC, BCAO & Tyson Pottenger DC
Journal of upper cervical chiropractic research March 12, 2012
Retinal MigraineHave you been experiencing strange symptoms in one of your eyes?
Seen flashing lights, suffered temporary blindness or seen patterns in your visual field?
Have you been to your medical doctor and received a diagnosis of retinal migraine?
Have you been told that medications are the only answer for your headaches?
The problem may actually be one of blood flow, and the solution may be traced to an accident or injury in your past. But what exactly is a retinal migraine? Here are five signs that you can use to tell if you have retinal migraine…
Researchers suspect decreased blood flow to the eye or optic nerve may be to blame for the unique symptoms of retinal migraine. This decreased blood flow can be a result of trauma to the upper neck. Accidents and injuries affecting the head and neck can lead to misalignments which can change blood flow from the brain to the body.
A doctor trained by the National Upper Cervical Chiropractic Association (N.U.C.C.A.) is able to closely examine the anatomy of the upper neck with both physical examination procedures and specific x-ray protocols. By identifying these specific misalignments the NUCCA trained doctor may be able to find the missing link and underlying cause of the retinal migraine.
To find an upper cervical chiropractor in your area go to www.NUCCA.org or www.upCspine.com or if you are in the Redwood City, California area to schedule your NUCCA evaluation, click here.
Want to hear from people like you? Check out our reviews here.
Dr. Pete Tsiglieris of Advanced Spinal Care in Redwood City, California is an Upper Cervical Specialist trained by the National Upper Cervical Chiropractic Association (NUCCA). His upper cervical clinic also serves San Mateo, Palo Alto, Menlo Park, San Carlos, and Sunnyvale. They are 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, carpal tunnel syndrome, neck pain, back pain and shoulder pain and weakness. More information can be found on our website at https://bayareanuccacare.com/
Migraines and Panic DisordersMigraines.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.
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.
To find a Doctor in your area go to www.NUCCA.org or www.upcspine.com or if you are in the Bay Area, to schedule your NUCCA evaluation, click here.
Want to hear from people like you? Check out our reviews here.
Dr. Pete Tsiglieris of Advanced Spinal Care in Redwood City, California is an Upper Cervical Specialist trained by the National Upper Cervical Chiropractic Association (NUCCA). His upper cervical clinic also serves San Mateo, Palo Alto, Menlo Park, San Carlos, and Sunnyvale. They are 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, carpal tunnel syndrome, neck pain, back pain and shoulder pain and weakness. More information can be found on our website at https://bayareanuccacare.com/
90% of Americans Have HeadachesA recent press release by the American Chiropractic Association on August 2, 2013, that appeared in several news outlets. The release, and several associated news articles discuss how chiropractic helps people who suffer from headaches.
The ACA release begins by noting, "If you have a headache, you're not alone. Nine out of ten Americans suffer from headaches. Some are occasional, some frequent, some are dull and throbbing, and some cause debilitating pain and nausea."
Another article about chiropractic and headaches in the Merritt Herald from Canada on July 24, 2013, starts by stating, "Did you know that one of the most common forms of headache is actually caused by problems in the neck?"
The ACA release reported on research of how chiropractic helps headaches by noting, "A report released in 2001 by researchers at the Duke University Evidence-Based Practice Center in Durham, N.C., found that upper neck adjustments resulted in almost immediate improvement for those headaches that originate in the neck, and had significantly fewer side effects and longer-lasting relief of tension-type headache than a commonly prescribed medication."
Medical Doctors Have Poor Understanding of HeadachesUsing chiropractic care for headaches is not a common medical procedure. This fact was illustrated in the Merritt Herald article, "Unfortunately, the medical understanding of headaches often does not take into account the chiropractic model, which remains foreign to many within the medical profession."
The Merritt Herald article also reported that this information is not new, noting that, "In 1995, a team of MDs at Syracuse University established neck problems as the cause of many headaches with scientific, anatomical proof." The researchers were headed up by Dr. Rothbart, a medical doctor.
In an interview after the research, Dr. Rothbart stated, "Some brilliant people have put their hearts, souls and minds to this (headache) problem and haven't come up with anything. All we've been able to do is treat people with an array of medicines, one after the other, and hope the side effects won’t be too bad. We couldn’t believe it at first. We’ve been able to put together a scientific explanation for how neck structure causes headaches — not all headaches, but a significant number of them. It's true that chiropractors have been saying this for years. Unfortunately, many (medical) doctors tend to have a jaundiced view of chiropractors, but they were right about headaches."
Do you suffer from headaches?
A thorough evaluation of your upper neck by an upper cervical specialist could provide the answers and the end to your chronic headaches.
Now is the time for you to take the first step to see if you can find natural headache relief.
To schedule your NUCCA evaluation, click here.
Want to hear from people like you? Check out our reviews here.
Dr. Pete Tsiglieris
Dr. Pete Tsiglieris of Advanced Spinal Care in Redwood City, California is an Upper Cervical Specialist trained by the National Upper Cervical Chiropractic Association (NUCCA). His upper cervical clinic also serves San Mateo, Palo Alto, Menlo Park, San Carlos, and Sunnyvale. They are 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, carpal tunnel syndrome, neck pain, back pain and shoulder pain and weakness. More information can be found on our website at https://bayareanuccacare.com/
How Are Migraines Related to High Blood Pressure?A recent article in the Journal of Upper Cervical Chiropractic Research documented the positive effects of specific, upper cervical chiropractic adjustments on a 25- year-old female with high blood pressure, also known as hypertension and migraines.
A 25-year-old female with medically diagnosed hypertension presented to an upper cervical chiropractic office for treatment. The patient also had symptoms of migraine headaches occurring two times per week. She had been taking Hydrochlorothiazide for her hypertension.
A thorough history and examination were performed and her blood pressure was 134/98 mmHg. The patient was diagnosed with an upper neck misalignment and specific upper cervical x-rays were taken to confirm. Paraspinal thermography, supine leg length assessment, postural assessment and blood pressure measurements were taken at each follow-up visit.
The patient received upper cervical specific chiropractic care for twelve weeks. By the end of care the patient experienced a significant decrease in blood pressure to 114/80 mmHg and also experienced a significant decrease in both frequency and severity of migraine headache symptoms.
This case study is consistent with past research that has looked at the upper cervical spine, blood flow, migraine headaches and hypertension.
Researchers at the Hypertension Center at the University of Chicago Medical Center reported stunning reductions in the blood pressure of patients afflicted with hypertension following NUCCA chiropractic care.
In the study – published in the March 2, 2007 issue of The Journal of Human Hypertension and featured on WebMD, Good Morning America and other sources – 50 patients with hypertension were divided into two groups of 25 each. One group of 25 received a NUCCA spinal correction to the Atlas vertebra (uppermost bone in the neck). This vertebra holds up the head and only relies on soft tissue to maintain alignment. This misalignment usually goes undiagnosed and causes no pain or discomfort. The other group of 25 received a similar procedure but with no adjustment being given.
After 8 weeks of care, the 25 people in the group receiving the real chiropractic adjustments all showed a significant reduction in blood pressure compared to the group that received the sham adjustment. Those patients who got the real adjustment showed an average of 14 mmHg greater drop in systolic blood pressure (the top number in a blood pressure count), and an average of 8 mm Hg greater drop in diastolic blood pressure (the bottom blood pressure number) over those who got the fake or sham adjustment.
Follow-up X-rays confirmed that the adjustments changed the position of the atlas vertebra among those in the study group. The study leader reported that the procedure had the effect of not one, but two blood pressure medications given in combination. And, his team reported no side effects whatsoever from the adjustment.
So if this NUCCA Procedure has been shown to reduce blood pressure, effect the blood flow from the brain in Migraine patients and influence many other conditions that effect millions of Americans...why hasn't hardly anyone heard of it?
Good question tell someone about NUCCA today!
To schedule your NUCCA evaluation, click here.
Want to hear from people like you? Check out our reviews here.
Dr. Pete Tsiglieris of Advanced Spinal Care in Redwood City, California is an Upper Cervical Specialist trained by the National Upper Cervical Chiropractic Association (NUCCA). His upper cervical clinic also serves San Mateo, Palo Alto, Menlo Park, San Carlos, and Sunnyvale. They are 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, carpal tunnel syndrome, neck pain, back pain and shoulder pain and weakness. More information can be found on our website at https://bayareanuccacare.com/
What Can I Do to Get Rid of My Migraine Headaches?Have you been asking this question?
How long have you suffered?
In the Journal of the American Medical Association it was once stated “Headaches are not headaches at all but really a pain in the neck.” Seletz E. Whiplash Injuries. JAMA, 1958; 168(13): 1750-1755
So why is most headache help focused on numbing the head?
The most common form of migraine treatment today is the use of prescription drugs. Not only are these medications costly, but they also can cause numerous, negative side effects.
| Imitrex | Maxalt | Zomig | Relpax |
But what if there was a way to get the underlying cause of the Migraines?
Not just cover it up but eliminate the Migraines completely by getting to the reason why you are getting the headaches?
Is it possible?
For many people NUCCA Care has been the missing piece of the puzzle.
NUCCA Specialists have helped thousands of patients reduce the frequency and intensity of their migraine symptoms. Because the upper cervical region of the neck (C1-C2) is more susceptible to injury than the rest of the spine, NUCCA Doctors have found a link between a misalignment of the upper neck area and migraine and other chronic headaches. And they are able to gently and safely address this underlying problem.
But the big factor with Migraines is blood flow. Or more properly the improper flow of blood and cerebral spinal fluid from the brain. Research with migraine patients under NUCCA care has shown and improvement in blood flow and CSF flow on before and after MRI's. So not only are people feeling better with NUCCA care but the underlying cause is actually being reversed.
So what are you waiting for?
The science is showing the connection and if you want to hear from more real people like you who have found the help that they needed than check out our reviews and testimonials.
Only a small group of doctors have been trained in this specialized procedure.
So now it is just about taking that first step...
To schedule your NUCCA evaluation, click here.
Want to hear from people like you? Check out our reviews here.
Dr. Pete Tsiglieris of Advanced Spinal Care in Redwood City, California is an Upper Cervical Specialist trained by the National Upper Cervical Chiropractic Association (NUCCA). His upper cervical clinic also serves San Mateo, Palo Alto, Menlo Park, San Carlos, and Sunnyvale. They are 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, carpal tunnel syndrome, neck pain, back pain and shoulder pain and weakness. More information can be found on our website at https://bayareanuccacare.com/
