Migraines

What Are Migraines?

Migraines are more than just headaches. They are a neurological condition that causes recurring, often severe pain that may last hours or days. Migraines commonly affect women between the ages of 20 and 50 but can impact anyone. For many, migraines interfere with work, relationships, and overall quality of life.

Common Symptoms of Migraines

Migraines can present differently from person to person. Common symptoms include:

• Intense, throbbing head pain (often one-sided)

• Sensitivity to light, sound, or smells

• Nausea and vomiting

• Visual disturbances or aura (flashes of light, blind spots)

• Dizziness or vertigo

• Fatigue or difficulty concentrating

• Neck stiffness or pain

Migraines often overlap with other conditions, which is why accurate diagnosis is critical.

Root Causes and Contributing Factors

Migraines are influenced by a combination of underlying causes and triggers.
Root causes may include:

• Hormonal fluctuations (estrogen and progesterone changes)

• Nutrient deficiencies (magnesium, B vitamins)

• Gut health imbalances and inflammation

• Stress and poor sleep quality

• Structural or musculoskeletal tension in the neck and upper back

Common triggers include:

• Certain foods (caffeine, alcohol, aged cheeses)

• Environmental changes (weather, altitude)

• Bright lights or strong smells

• Irregular sleep patterns

Migraines are frequently underdiagnosed or misattributed to “stress headaches,” leaving many without the care they need.

How Migraines Are Diagnosed

We take a comprehensive approach to migraine diagnosis, going beyond traditional symptom-based evaluation:

• Advanced testing for nutrient deficiencies, hormone imbalances, and inflammation markers

• Functional assessments of gut health and stress response

• Musculoskeletal evaluation to identify posture or tension-related triggers

Unlike conventional care, we focus on identifying the root causes of your migraines rather than only treating the pain.

Our Treatment Approach

At Aligned Modern Health, migraine treatment is personalized and rooted in evidence-based care:

• Functional Medicine: Address nutrient imbalances, hormone fluctuations, and gut health issues.

• Acupuncture: Reduce pain frequency and severity by calming the nervous system and improving circulation.

• Chiropractic Care: Relieve neck tension and improve spinal alignment, which can reduce migraine triggers.

• Lifestyle Support: Nutrition guidance, sleep optimization, and stress management strategies tailored to your needs.

Learn more about Functional Medicine
Explore Acupuncture for Pain Relief
Chiropractic Care for Headaches

Conditions Commonly Linked to Migraines

Migraines often overlap or are mistaken for other conditions:

• Hormonal Imbalance

• Adrenal Fatigue

• Neck Pain

• Food Sensitivities

What to Expect From Care

Whether in-person or virtual, your care journey is designed around you:

1. Initial visit: Review your health history and migraine patterns.

2. Testing: Identify root causes with advanced labs.

3. Personalized care plan: Nutrition, supplements, therapies, and lifestyle strategies.

4. Ongoing follow-up: Adjustments to keep your progress on track.

5. Insurance-friendly care: We accept major insurance plans, plus self-pay and FSA/HSA options.

Is Migraine Pain Holding You Back?

You don’t need to push through the pain. Our providers will help you uncover what’s driving your migraines and develop a plan for real, lasting relief.