3 Drug-Free Migraine Treatments That Work

A migraine is a severe headache that often comes with many other detrimental symptoms. If you get migraines, you’re well aware of the overwhelming nausea, visual disturbances, and fatigue that can come with them. 

You might have chronic migraine, which involves migraines that persist or recur for at least 15 days per month. 

Understandably, some people would rather not use drugs to manage migraines; many medications cause unpleasant side effects like dizziness, nausea, or fatigue that counteract the migraine relief. In other cases, drugs may not provide the relief you need from migraine symptoms. 

At Smoky Hill Chiropractic in Salina, Kansas, second-generation chiropractic specialist Heath Hancock, DC, can help you tame your pain by using non-drug treatments for migraines. Take a moment as we highlight three of your best non-drug treatment options. 

1. Spinal manipulation

An experienced chiropractor, Dr. Hancock specializes in spinal manipulation using the latest tools in chiropractic care. Smoky Hill Chiropractic features the iTrac® spinal remodeling system. This is a computerized device that restores your spine’s curvature with controlled traction (stretching). 

Headaches and migraines often arise from tension in your neck related to the loss of your cervical spinal curve. 

When using the iTrac device, you sit in a comfortable chair as Dr. Hancock straps the traction device to your head. The iTrac gently stretches your spine to relieve neck tension and migraine headaches. 

2. Soft tissue release

Chiropractors specialize in a technique called soft tissue release, or myofascial release, that targets rigid muscles and tension. 

A manual technique that applies deep pressure, soft tissue release helps reduce stiffness and moves fluids that have been trapped in your tissues. Like spinal manipulation, soft tissue release targets muscles in your neck that contribute to migraines. 

3. Lifestyle adjustments

Changing your lifestyle can go a long way toward alleviating and preventing migraine headaches. Dr. Hancock gives you personalized suggestions for lifestyle changes that help reduce the frequency and intensity of your migraines. 

Based on your habits, Dr. Hancock might suggest: 

• Sleeping more consistently
• Cutting down on alcohol, caffeine, chocolate, and other trigger foods
• Getting regular exercise 
• Drinking lots of water
• Finding ways to reduce stress and anxiety

It may help you to keep a journal of the foods and behaviors that tend to trigger your migraines so you can avoid them in the future. 

Are you looking for a drug-free treatment for recurrent migraine headaches? Dr. Hancock and his team have you covered. Call Smoky Hill Chiropractic or book an appointment online today.