Migraines.

Migraines

Migraines are a very intense form of headache that can induce nausea, stabbing pain, throbbing sensations, dizziness and are debilitating. They are thought to be the result of abnormal brain activity temporarily affecting nerve signals, chemicals and blood vessels in the brain.

Dr. Sydney will often see three different types of migraines and her diagnosis is given depending on a person’s individual symptoms. Because of sudden weather changes and Chinooks in Calgary, migraines are a very prominent condition in this part of Canada, one that Dr. Sydney treats very often. Through the use of acupuncture, the head, neck, scalp and brain is nourished by improving circulation and ensuring that your scalp and neck muscles are healthy and loose. By rewiring the nervous system to better handle weather changes, stress, bright lights, smells and sleep, migraines can be rid in the moment and prevented from coming on again.

“I have treated several migraines in clinic, which set on right before treatment, and have been able to rid them, but majority of my migraine treatments are very focused around preventative measures, because let’s be honest, if you are in the middle of a migraine, you will not be able to get in the car to see me, you will be wrapped in a blanket, with a bucket, waiting for the pain to go away. I sympathize greatly with people struggling with migraines as I have watched my loved one experience them throughout my childhood, and it is wonderful to not see that person struggling with them any longer to date. By nourishing the scalp and keeping the neck and shoulders loose, we can ensure proper blood flow to your brain. Further, I will be using specific acupuncture points to rewire improper signals firing in your brain which are bringing on migraines. I build a plan with my patients between 3-6 treatments for 6 weeks, to set them up for success and then space treatments every 4 months as a preventative measure. I am very happy with the result that has been gained with my patients; it is wonderful to see them enjoying life with their friends and families regardless of the weather and to see my patients come off of Botox injections as well.” - Dr. Sydney

Other options to help with migraines:

If you are currently experiencing a migraine, hot and cold packs will help to relax muscles around the head, neck and scalp. Drink a caffeinated beverage, WITHOUT sugar: in small amounts, caffeine alone can relieve migraine pain in the early stages or enhance the pain-reducing effects of acetaminophen (Tylenol) and aspirin. Caffeine works because it increases your circulation and dilates your blood vessels.

Botox is another helper to migraines as it forces relaxation in muscles of your scalp, face, neck and shoulders: relaxed muscles means easier circulation. The problem with Botox is that botulinum is a toxin that prevents the release of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine from axon endings at the neuromuscular junction, thus causing flaccid paralysis (paralysis of the muscle is what forces the relaxation); because of this influence on the neurons, these nerves cannot send proper signals to the brain, hence the root problem is not solved. This is why people using Botox to help their migraines will still experience a reduced amount of migraines (the problem is not fixed). Botox also needs to be done every three months and becomes a very costly treatment. Please feel free to ask us questions regarding Botox and acupuncture in combination with each other. Dr. Sydney believes that if a patient wants to try Botox to help their situation, she is very supportive in her patients freedom and wants their body to respond well to Botox treatments and the digestion of the toxin botulinum.

Testimonials:

“My goal was to reduce the amount of botox I needed for my migraines: botox was becoming financially draining, and although it helped reduce my migraines, it never fully rid me of them. To date, I no longer have need for botox, as acupuncture is what has rid my migraines completely. Now I see sydney as a preventative measure so that they do not return and intense weather changes in Calgary don’t trigger a sudden flare.” - JL

“My migraines were almost daily and horrific for 10+ years. Sydney has made me a believer in acupuncture, I no longer suffer the intensity I use-to. I only have headaches now when the weather dramatically shifts. I continue to see Sydney for my mental well-being and to keep my energy levels high.” -EB

“I came into clinic with a migraine coming on, and Dr. Sydney was able to stop it before it got worse. I was so blown away. She loosened a muscle in my neck and the migraine instantly drained away. Thank you Dr. Sydney!” -MJ

“Dr Sidney works miracles with her acupuncture. She cured a headache almost instantly and has helped reduce my tension greatly.” -MC