OT: Advice for a migraine sufferer..if you please!

My oldest son suffers from migraines - to the point he vommits just when sitting up. When I was in the chiropractic office for an adjustment one day I was telling my chiropractor that I was so tired because I had been in the ER the night before with my son who had been on DAY 3 of a super-intense migraine . He looked at me and said "BRING HIM IN". He said that's the very reason he went into practice as a chiropractor - because he used to have HORRIBLE migraines and it was the only thing that helped him. My son has been migraine-free for the last 14 months. An occasional "regular" headache is the que I need to make him another appointment for an adjustment. It also has worked for another friend of mine who has seen the results in my son. I'm not saying it's a cure-all for everybody but it's DEFINITELy worth trying!

Hmmm, that is interesting! I never even thought about that. I might try it out! Couldn't hurt! I have lower back issues sometimes so I could get that checked out as well! Thanks!!

yeah def do it tam!!
i used to get migraines and after a few bad car accidents i stated seeing a chiro and after i was getting adjusted i didnt get them anymore

and like she said...when you start getting headaces again its usually time for an adjustment!

Do you have health insurance? Maybe you could get a script for Topamax...it's a good medicine (as in effective.) but it has some side effects...the good side effect is that it completely kills your appetite...bad side effect is that it makes it difficult to concentrate. I have taken it in the past for weight loss and as a mood stabilizer.

Topomax pushed me over the edge. I mean I went certifiably loopy. I had mood swings of epic proportions, even losing it with my boss!:noway: I couldn't stop crying, and at the most inappropriate times! I was afraid I was going to curse out my boss and lose my job, so I quit taking it. I currently take Imitrex when I feel a migraine coming on. My migraines are triggered by too much sodium and changes in barometric pressure -- one trigger I can control, and the other is beyond my means.

My advice though -- if you feel a migraine coming on, take something for it. Don't let it blow up on you.


PS- I can't take Motrin either. After being on it a short period after a surgery last year, it caused a perforated ulcer (hole in my stomach). I take Tylenol for my milder migraines.

I just made a DR. appointment for tomorrow. I will make a chiropractor as well. I am just a little worried. I get migraines but they usually go away. Since Saturday, I have felt a constant pressure on the forward crown part of my head. Maybe it's a different kind of headache..but I am not used to this pressure staying like this.

Has anyone else experienced this??

I used to get migraines at least once a month, and I would get "regular" headaches about 2-3 times a week. I started going to the chiropractor because of lower back/hip issues and have not had a migraine since. I get headaches from time to time, but it's usually when I haven't been to get adjusted in a really long time. Hopefully this will work for you!

If you don't have an aversion to taking meds to get rid of a migraine I'd suggest Midrin. The only downside I see for you with this medication is that it usually knocks me out immediately, and with your little one you may not be able to take something with that kind of side-effect.

Good luck, and keep me posted! I'd love to hear if you find any other remedies, as trips to the chiropractor can get kind of expensive depending on insurance coverage!

Topomax pushed me over the edge. I mean I went certifiably loopy. I had mood swings of epic proportions, even losing it with my boss!:noway: I couldn't stop crying, and at the most inappropriate times! I was afraid I was going to curse out my boss and lose my job, so I quit taking it.

I had that same problem and I thought I was losing my mind. I was constantly picking fights with my boyfriend for absolutely no reason.

I'm taking a pharmacology class now, and I've learned that it's probably because Topamax is also used for treatment of bipolar disorder. If you don't have bipolar disorder, it kind of "over corrects" and causes the bipolar like mood swings.

Hi Tam -
I have been having migraines for 14 years, and when I don't take care of myself I can have 2 a week. I also usually start with the feeling of tightness around the base of my head. I have found a lot of things that work.

Exercise does usually help, but be careful not to push to hard. Generally walking or slow jogging and stretching help. Tai Chi really helps.

As others have said a Chiropractor can help. However, they can also cause more pain. Find a reputable one, ask around and find out what their specialty is. I always find one who has training in treating neck pain and migraines. A bad chiropractor, or even one who is not experienced with migraines can actually make you worse and turn your week to hell.

I don't really like prescription meds because they either make me sleep, or make my head foggy - while not taking away the pain. But, tylenol and ibuprofen will work sometimes. See what over the counters are safe to be taken together and mix and match until you find something that works.

MASSAGE! If I get regular massages it helps relieve pre-migraine pain, and can help prevent it. There is also myofascial release. If you don't know what this is I highly recommend looking into it. Warning: It can make you worse for a month or two before you begin getting better.

If you are getting them regularly think about preventative measures. Get plenty of regular sleep. Stay hydrated. Watch out for trigger foods. One of my triggers is sudden light changes. I can't watch movies in a completely dark room or it triggers a migraine - so look for weird things like that. Also watch your posture. If you are at a desk for a long time, hunching over the sink washing dishes, watching tv or reading with your neck tilted at a funny angle - any prolonged time in one position can really cause or increase that tightness at the base of the head.

I am not a doctor - so double check. These are things that work for me - I'm sure so things are different for you. Just listen to what your body tells you. I have done a lot of reading on migraines, so if you have any more questions let me know.

Good Luck and hope you feel better soon.