Very few people realize that migraines in children can definitely happen. Here are some enlightening facts:

• As many as 10 percent of school-age children have migraines.
• Half of all migraine sufferers have their first attack before age 12.
• Migraines have been seen in children as young as age 18 months.
• Infant colic has recently been associated with childhood migraines and may actually be a form of a migraine.
• Children with migraines are absent two times more often than those who do not have them.
• If a child has one parent with migraines, he or she has a 50 percent chance of getting them also. A child with two parents suffering from migraines has a 75% chance of inheriting them.

Parents often agree that when it comes to caring for migraines, the medication used is not something they are thrilled about giving to their child. The side effects can be dangerous. The FDA actually has not approved the majority of migraine medication for children anyway. This causes parents and caregivers to wonder if there is a safe, more natural way to care for migraines. Thankfully, the answer is yes! However, before discussing that, let’s take a look at a few things you can do with your child to help them avoid migraines.

How Parents Can Help with Migraines in Children

There are some things parents can do to help in managing migraines in children. The following practices are recommended by migraine experts:

• Make sure your child has a regular bedtime and is getting sufficient rest each night.
• Ensure that your child is eating meals on a regular basis and not skipping meals, leading to low blood sugar and, in turn, migraines.
• Your child should be getting exercise on a daily basis.
• Stress should be kept to a minimum for them if at all possible.
• Help them to identify and then avoid migraine triggers. To do this, it is important to keep a migraine diary.

We also highly recommend checking the things your child did the day before a migraine, such as what foods he ate, what activities he participated in, and where his stress levels were, can help you see a pattern developing that may indicate his personal triggers are.

Some things are known to cause migraines. These include caffeine, aged cheeses, lunch meats, MSG, aspartame, and chocolate.

To learn more about the connection between head and neck injuries and migraines, download our complimentary e-book by clicking the image below.

It is important to consult your primary care doctor if you notice signs of migraines in children. If your child's symptoms are getting worse, changing from their normal routine, or you notice new and different symptoms.

Finding the Root Cause of Migraines in Children

Medication for migraines in children usually addresses the symptoms but not the cause. However, for permanent relief, the underlying cause has to be addressed. Medication falls into one of two categories:

• Rescue or abortive medication for when a migraine has already begun.
• Preventative medication, usually taken on a daily basis, to stop migraines before they begin.

As mentioned, neither of these address the root cause.

It has been seen repeatedly that migraines are often caused by a misalignment of the bones of the upper cervical spine in the neck. The C1 and C2 vertebrae often become misaligned due to a minor blow to the head or overextending the neck muscles.

This leads to an obstruction of blood flow to and from the brain, along with the brainstem being put under stress or pressure. These bones lie at the very spot where the brainstem is located.

Causes of neck bone misalignment in kids

You may wonder how your child may have endured this type of injury, especially if they are very young. Because of the shape and mobility of these bones, they are more susceptible to misaligning than other bones of the spine.

Repeated falls when your child is learning to walk, the birth process and the strain put on the neck as the baby exits the birth canal, sporting or playground injuries, being in a car that was rear-ended, or a number of other things can cause the bones of the neck to misalign.

It only takes a quarter millimeter of a misalignment to cause problems throughout the entire body. By correcting this, many people have seen their migraine episodes improve.

Finding Relief for Migraine Attacks in Children

Children, as well as adults, have been seen to benefit from having the bones of the upper neck properly aligned.

Here at Louisville Spinal Care in Louisville, Kentucky, we use a method that is both gentle and effective. It does not involve popping or cracking the spine or neck. Therefore, no additional stress is put on your child’s body.

The technique used encourages the bones of the neck to move back into place more naturally. This allows the body to begin healing from the damage done, and it restores the flow of proper fluids to and from the brain.

This is often all that is needed to see an improvement in or an elimination of migraines. But is this proven to be effective?

A study was done observing 101 migraine patients. It was observed that each of these recalled some type of trauma to their head or neck before the onset of migraines. They were all examined, and it was discovered each one had a misalignment in their C1 or C2 vertebrae.

Adjustments by an upper cervical chiropractor were given according to the individual’s needs. The outcome was amazing!

As many as 85 reported that their migraines went away completely, some in only a few visits. All patients under the age of 18 had their headaches resolved within only two months of care. The remaining ones reported seeing a great reduction in the severity and frequency of their migraines.

To schedule a complimentary Atlas Orthogonal consultation for migraines in children, call 231-227-4495 or just click the button below.

If you are outside of the local area, you can find an Upper Cervical Doctor near you at www.uppercervicalawareness.com.