Headaches and migraines: symptoms, causes, prevention and natural solutions in Montreal (downtown)

Table of Contents

Relieving a migraine with a chiropractor

Headaches

Headaches, more commonly known as cephalalgia, are among the most frequent reasons for consulting a healthcare professional. They can occur on an occasional or chronic basis, and in some cases are accompanied by intense, even incapacitating pain. Whether it’s persistent migraines, tension headaches after a long day at work, or headaches linked to postural disorders, the pain experienced can greatly disrupt daily life.

Our goal is to help you better understand the different types of headaches, their causes and symptoms, and the most effective strategies for preventing or relieving them. This article will cover:

Migraine symptoms and their specificities (including ophthalmic/ocular migraine)
The causes of headaches and migraine triggers
The difference between tension headache and migraine, to better understand your condition
Information on headaches in pregnant women, migraine in children and the possible link between headaches and hypertension
Chiropractic treatments and migraine prevention measures to treat migraines without medication, or at least to alleviate them
The benefits of a chiropractic consultation for headaches in downtown Montreal for holistic care

Causes of headaches: understanding the origins

Headaches can have multiple, often intertwined origins. Precisely identifying their causes is an essential first step in preventing their onset and effectively relieving the pain.

Facteurs environnementaux: Excessive light, ambient noise, pollution, and weather changes can disrupt the body and trigger headaches.
Dietary factors: Certain foods like chocolate, aged cheeses, alcohol (especially red wine), and caffeine are often implicated in triggering or worsening migraines.
Lifestyle factors: Lack of sleep, sedentary behavior, prolonged screen time, and dehydration can contribute to the onset of headaches.
Mechanical and postural issues: Cervical joint dysfunctions (also called vertebral subluxations in chiropractic), poor posture, or muscle tension in the neck and shoulders can radiate pain toward the head, causing cervicogenic headaches or worsening pre-existing migraines.
Stress and emotions: Chronic stress, anxiety and even depression are major triggers, promoting the release of certain hormones and neurotransmitters that alter pain perception.

By identifying and addressing these headache causes, you significantly increase your chances of reducing the frequency and intensity of your episodes. A chiropractic evaluation can help identify mechanical or postural imbalances.

To get an appointment online at Tonika Clinique Chiropractique, you can do so online or call the center directly, either in Montreal at (514) 307.0188 or in St-Lambert at (450) 259-1022

Migraine Symptoms: recognizing key signs

A migraine is much more than just a bad headache. It is a neurological condition often characterized by:

Pulsating pain: Typically felt on one side of the head but may shift sides during prolonged attacks.
Moderate to severe intensity: Migraines can be highly disabling, significantly interfering with work, household tasks, and social activities.
Sensory sensitivity: Patients often suffer from photophobia (sensitivity to light), phonophobia (sensitivity to noise) and, occasionally, osmophobia (sensitivity to smells).
Nausea and vomiting: Linked to the severity of the pain and disturbances in the autonomic nervous system.
Aura (in some cases): A set of visual, sensory, or language disturbances preceding the migraine attack, such as flashing lights, zigzag lines, tingling sensations, or speech difficulties.

Migraine symptoms vary from person to person in terms of duration (ranging from 4 hours to several days) and recurrence. Early recognition of these signs is crucial for adapting treatment and pain management strategies.

Difference between tension headaches and migraines

Many people wonder how to distinguish between tension headaches and migraines, two common types of headaches:

Location and type of pain

Tension headache: Diffuse pain, often described as a “tight band” or pressure around the head.
Migrainee: Pulsating pain, usually on one side, with marked intensity.

Associated symptoms

Tension headache: Little to no nausea, no visual aura.
Migraine: Possible aura, nausea, vomiting, light, and noise sensitivity.

Frequency and duration

Tension headache: Occurs more frequently, especially during periods of stress, but each episode tends to be shorter and less debilitating.
Migraine: Attacks may last up to 72 hours and occur less frequently, although some people suffer from chronic migraines.

Understanding the difference between tension headaches and migraines allows for better-targeted treatment. In both cases, a consultation with a chiropractor in downtown Montreal can help identify mechanical factors (poor posture, neck tension, etc.) that contribute to the pain.

Other Types of Headaches: cervicogenic, cluster headaches, occipital neuralgia, ocular (ophthalmic) migraines, etc.

Cervicogenic Headaches

Associated with cervical spine dysfunction, cervicogenic headaches manifest as pain that begins in the neck and radiates to the back of the head. Movement of the neck can aggravate the pain.

Cluster Headaches (Horton’s Headaches) 

Highly intense, these headaches focus around one eye or temple and occur in closely spaced clusters. They often cause tearing and nasal congestion and are among the most painful headache types.

Arnold’s neuralgia (occipital neuralgia) 

Localized pain at the back of the skull, felt as sharp, electric shock-like sensations. This condition results from irritation of the occipital nerve and may be relieved by chiropractic techniques designed to decompress the nerve.

Ocular Migraine or ophthalmic migraine 

Also known as “migraine with visual aura”, ophthalmic migraine is characterized by temporary visual disturbances (flashes of light, zigzags, colored spots) preceding or accompanying pain. Symptoms of ophthalmic migraine sometimes include disturbances of peripheral vision.

Headaches during pregnancy 

Due to hormonal fluctuations and increased blood volume, it’s common for pregnant women to experience frequent headaches. Given the limitations on medication use, chiropractic care offers a natural, safe alternative for pain relief.

Headaches and hypertension

Although not always correlated, hypertension can sometimes cause pulsatile headaches, often located at the back of the head. Medical evaluation is crucial to rule out serious complications.

Migraines in children

Children can also suffer from migraines, though symptoms may present differently (nausea, sound sensitivity, irritability). A careful chiropractic or medical consultation can help ensure a safe and adapted management plan. .

Migraine triggers: what can make the situation worse

Identifying and avoiding migraine triggers is crucial to reducing attack frequency and severity. Here are the most common ones:

Stress and emotions : Mental or emotional overload can lead to migraines.
Diet: Certain foods (chocolate, wine, cheese, coffee…) are known for their triggering effect.
Hormonal fluctuations: In women, the menstrual period or pregnancy can increase the frequency of attacks.
Sensory stimuli : Bright lights, loud noises, strong smells.
Sleep disturbances: Lack of sleep, oversleeping, or irregular sleep patterns.
Postural issues: Cervical strain, often caused by prolonged work in front of a computer without a break, is an aggravating factor.

A chiropractor can help identify your personal triggers and suggest lifestyle adjustments (exercise, posture corrections, etc.) to manage them more effectively.

Natural remedies for headaches: opt for gentle approaches

Many patients today seek natural remedies for headaches. Here are some effective options:

Relaxation techniques: Yoga, meditation, deep breathing (coherence breathing) help reduce stress and muscle tension.
Hydration: Adequate water intake prevents dehydration, a common headache trigger.
Moderate physical activity: Walking, swimming, or cycling promote blood circulation and stress reduction.
Postural issues: Cervical strain, often caused by prolonged work in front of a computer without a break, is an aggravating factor.
Improved ergonomics: An ergonomic workspace reduces neck and shoulder tension.

These solutions are part of a holistic approach to natural headache relief. They can be combined with targeted chiropractic care to optimize results.

When to seek help for frequent migraines: warning signs

Sometimes it’s hard to know when to seek help for frequent migraines or recurring headaches. Here are a few guidelines:

Increasing attack frequency: If you suffer from several migraines a month, it’s time to consult.
Disabling pain: When pain severely disrupts your personal, social or professional life.
Resistance to usual treatments: When medications or natural remedies no longer work.
Unusual symptoms: Presence of neurological disorders (double vision, paralysis, confusion, etc.) or sudden, intense pain (risk of more serious pathology).
Need for a comprehensive approach: To better understand the root cause and build a long-term care plan.

A chiropractic consultation can determine whether spinal dysfunctions (vertebral subluxations) or muscle tensions are contributing to your symptoms and develop a holistic prevention plan.

For a consultation with a chiro for your neck pain in Montreal and Saint-Lambert, please contact us!

Inflammatory back pain + Chiropractor in Montreal

514.307.0188

615 René-Lévesque Blvd. West, Suite 610, Downtown Montreal, H3B 1P5
27 Boul. Desaulniers, Saint-Lambert, Quebec, J4P 1L7

Dre Valéry Bergeron, chiropractor, D.C.

Chiropractor in downtown Montreal and Saint-Lambert.

I run the Tonika Chiropractic Clinic.

I have been practicing chiropractic since 2006.

Member of the Order of Chiropractors of Quebec (OCQ)
Member of the OCQ Disciplinary Committee (2014 to present)
Member of the Professional Liability Insurance Committee of the OCQ Québec (2009-2011)
Member of the Association of Chiropractors of Quebec (ACQ)
Member of the Association of Chiropractors of Canada (ACC)
Volunteer chiropractor with the Aigles football team at the Amitié secondary school (2006-2010)

Migraine Prevention: a long-term strategy

Preventing migraines is based on a comprehensive approach aimed at reducing exposure to triggers and strengthening your body:

Stress management: Learn emotional management techniques (relaxation, cognitive-behavioral therapy, etc.) or consider reorganizing working hours.
Monitoring diet: Keep a diary to identify trigger foods and reduce their consumption.
Staying active: Regular, moderate physical exercise helps to regulate the sleep cycle, improve circulation and reduce anxiety
Prioritizing sleep hygiene: Aim for regular hours and optimal sleep hygiene (cool room, no screens, etc.).
Improving posture: Targeted exercises and ergonomic workstations can prevent muscular tension.

Many individuals notice a significant decrease in the frequency and severity of migraines through consistent preventive measures.

The chiropractic approach: diagnosis and treatment tailored to your needs in the Montreal area

Chiropractic Diagnosis 

The chiropractor’s diagnosis of headaches is based on an in-depth analysis of the underlying causes of the pain. Unlike a purely symptomatic approach, the chiropractic approach aims to identify the structural, muscular and neurological factors responsible for headaches. The chiropractor takes into account the patient’s history, the symptoms experienced and any pre-existing medical conditions, to establish a natural headache treatment and migraine prevention plan tailored to each individual.

1. Posture analysis

Poor posture (imbalance of the cervical spine, excessive forward head posture, etc.) can cause muscular tension, leading to headaches. The chiropractor carefully examines posture and spinal alignments to identify any postural compensations contributing to headaches.

2. Examination of muscular tension in the neck, jaw and shoulders 

Excessive tension in the cervical region, jaw (temporomandibular joint) and trapezius can cause or intensify headaches. Using thorough palpation, the chiropractor identifies areas of tension and trigger points that may contribute to the onset of migraines or cervicogenic headaches.

2. Examination of muscular tension in the neck, jaw and shoulders 

3. Palpation of cervical vertebrae to detect blockages

Joint dysfunctions or vertebral subluxations, which correspond to joint misalignment, can compress cervical nerves and cause headaches. The chiropractor checks the mobility of the cervical vertebrae for joint restrictions. He also assesses the sensitivity of the occipital nerve, often involved in cervicogenic headaches and certain forms of migraine.

4. Neurological examination and orthopedic tests 

Neurological examination and orthopedic testing Orthopedic and neurological testing is performed to evaluate nerve function and to determine whether irritation or compression of the cervical spine is the cause. These evaluations can identify any radiculopathies or neurological dysfunction that may be the cause of recurrent headaches.

5. Cervical mobility assessment  

Reduced mobility of the cervical vertebrae may contribute to the onset or persistence of migraines. The chiropractor examines the range of motion of the neck for restrictions and asymmetries that can affect posture and muscle tension.

6. Analysis of lifestyle habits and triggers 

Stress, lack of sleep, inadequate hydration and poor diet are all triggers for migraines and headaches. The chiropractor takes these factors into account to provide a comprehensive, personalized approach focused on long-term headache prevention.

If necessary, the chiropractor will recommend imaging tests (X-rays, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)) to better visualize the condition of the cervical vertebrae or to rule out any underlying pathology. This comprehensive and detailed approach allows us to define a targeted chiropractic treatment aimed at reducing the frequency of migraines and relieving headaches in a natural way, especially in an urban environment such as downtown Montreal.

Analysis of lifestyle habits and triggers of migraines

The chiropractic approach: treatments and relief strategies

Chiropractic treatment of headaches is based on a series of manual techniques and personalized recommendations designed to correct structural imbalances, relieve muscular tension and promote optimal nervous system function.

Unlike conventional, purely symptomatic approaches, the chiropractic approach is based on a thorough understanding of the biomechanical and neurological factors that contribute to the persistence of migraines or tension headaches.

Chiropractic manipulations and mobilizations (chiropractic adjustments) 

Chiropractic manipulations (chiropractic adjustments) aim to restore mobility to the cervical vertebrae and correct vertebral dysfunctions (also known as vertebral subluxations) that may be compressing nerve roots.

Restoring proper alignment facilitates communication between the nervous system and muscular structures, which can reduce the frequency of migraines and alleviate the intensity of headaches. Manipulations involving cavitation (cracking) are never performed without the patient’s consent. Depending on patient preference, gentler, non-cracking mobilizations can always be performed to restore mobility.

Tech Soft-tissue techniques and muscle release  

In addition to adjustments, the chiropractor may use myofascial release techniques (ischemic pressure points, trigger points, Graston® technique, massage, etc.) to relax the neck, jaw and shoulder muscles. This relaxation reduces local tension, thereby limiting migraine triggers and radiating pain.

Conseils posturaux et exercices d’étirement 

Poor posture or excessive forward head tilt can lead to headaches. Chiropractors often suggest stretching and muscle strengthening exercises, as well as ergonomic advice on improving posture, to prevent the onset of bad habits that contribute to pain.

Lifestyle Adjustments 

To prevent headaches, the chiropractor considers the patient’s stress, sleep, hydration and diet. By identifying individual triggers (certain foods, caffeine, etc.), the chiropractor can suggest specific adjustments to relieve headaches naturally and effectively.

Monitoring and adjustment of the treatment plan

The number of sessions varies according to the needs and progress of each individual. Follow-up sessions can be proposed to measure the effectiveness of the approaches used and, if necessary, to adjust the techniques used. This flexible approach promotes a gradual improvement in symptoms and quality of life, especially for active people living in downtown Montreal.

Combined, these therapeutic strategies offer a comprehensive, personalized solution for migraines, cervicogenic headaches or tension headaches, with the emphasis on natural headache treatment without systematic recourse to medication.

The objective remains to reduce the frequency and intensity of migraines and to promote general well-being in harmony with the demands of a dynamic urban lifestyle.

Tonika Clinique Chiropratique: personalized support for your headache care

Whether you suffer from tension headaches, ophthalmic migraines, Horton’s headaches, Arnold’s neuralgia or pregnancy-related headaches, our chiropractors tailor treatment to your unique situation. Our goal is to harmonize your body’s overall balance, address the triggers of your migraines, and provide a preventative solution for long-term headache reduction. Contact us at (514) 307-0188 or online!

Choose a natural, long-lasting solution in Montreal (downtown)

Headaches and migraines are not inevitable. By identifying their causes, recognizing their symptoms, and knowing the difference between a tension headache and a migraine, you’ll lay the foundation for wise management. With this understanding, you can take steps to reduce triggers and know when to seek help, especially if attacks become more frequent or intense.

With its holistic, scientific approach, chiropractic offers a natural way to relieve headaches. Chiropractic manipulation, postural advice and personalized lifestyle support can reduce the frequency of migraines and even prevent them in the long term. If you are looking for a chiropractor in downtown Montreal, the team at Tonika Clinique Chiropratique can provide a thorough examination and personalized follow-up to help you regain lasting well-being.

Choose a natural and effective solution

For comprehensive and natural headache relief, treatment and prevention, you should not hesitate to schedule a chiropractic consultation. Through better stress management, improved posture, and targeted chiropractic care, it is possible to support the management of headaches and neck pain.

The expertise of Tonika Clinique Chiropractic will help you transform your daily routine and enjoy your activities to the fullest, without letting headaches interfere with your quality of life.

Tonika Chiropractic Clinic, the solution for your migraines in Montreal and Saint-Lambert!