Any doctors out there (MD or Neurologist)? I have a question for you...

I am not sure if this is just a method a chiropracter uses to get patients and to make money. I have been told that my migraines (w/ aura) may be caused by by tightness in a ligament at the base of my skull. I have had migraines before an accident where I had whiplash, but they were significantly less in frequency and severity...I used to get them once a year, since the accident I seem to get them monthly. I amnot sure if it's because I'm getting older, how I sleep, or what I eat, but I am wondering if there is some truth to this since more than one chiropracter has told me this. I am not sure if this is just a way to get me to come in more often, which can be pricey since it's out of pocket. The books I have read on migraine mention head trauma, but nothing muscular. Any input would be helpful before I invest in regular chiropractic treatment. Thanks!

Re: Any doctors out there (MD or Neurologist)? I have a question for you...

I'm a doctor....a "DO" not an "MD" (DO=doctor of osteopathic medicine) Google "osteopathic and headaches"---we learn manipulation/osteopathic treatments in addition to having a medical degree. You may find some treatments to be beneficial. Good luck!!!

Re: Any doctors out there (MD or Neurologist)? I have a question for you...

I think most MD's and neurologists would poo poo chiropracty. But like PP said, its just different training and theories.

Re: Any doctors out there (MD or Neurologist)? I have a question for you...

My DH is a chiropractor. I know you asked for "real" doctors...but here is what he said:

Migraines need a "trigger", and it's totally possible and likely that your accident/whiplash (aka ~ the trigger) is causing you to have more frequent migraines. A chiropractor can help by working on the issue, whether it's in your neck, spine, etc...which in turn should stop the frequency of the headaches. Since you are already prone to migraines, it will not stop them completely but it will get you back to your previous state.

Re: Any doctors out there (MD or Neurologist)? I have a question for you...

I go to a chiropractor 2x/week. It is great. I think it makes perfect sense - if one of your vertabrea in your neck is pinching a nerve that can be released through manipulation.

Re: Any doctors out there (MD or Neurologist)? I have a question for you...

Not a doctor or chiropractor, but my friend is a chiropractor.

I don't know much about triggers, ligaments (except a torn one), etc. My friend has adjusted me when I was in the beginning stages of a migraine. It definitely quelched it.

Good luck!

Re: Any doctors out there (MD or Neurologist)? I have a question for you...

My mom was in a bad car accident years ago, and her chiropractor helped her to walk again. She swears by them!

Re: Any doctors out there (MD or Neurologist)? I have a question for you...

Thanks everyone! I have gone to chiropracters too...for my whiplash, and they were a big help. I just wasn't sure if migraines were triggered by tight ligaments in my neck.

The chiropracter that told me this is not my normal chiropracter, that's why I questioned it. This guy was a quack, and his office was filthy. He was doing a lot of "hard sells" when I saw him, so I wasn't sure if this was just his way to get me to come in for more visits.

Re: Any doctors out there (MD or Neurologist)? I have a question for you...

Do you have health insurance? If you do, I would definately go see your GP for a referral to a DO or Neurologist before you start shelling out big $$ for chiropractic visits that aren't covered. They might be able to provide treatment that will only cost you a copay- plus a 2nd opinion from a physician is probably a good idea regardless.