Getting Rid of Migraine Pain and Why Surgery Works

Nearly 25% of women between 18 and 50 suffer from migraine headaches. As any of you who suffer from migraines knows, the total cost - of medications, ER visits, lost days at work, etc (not to mention time lost with your family and friends, which is irreplaceable) is enormous.

The commonly accepted theory as to why migraines happen is as follows:

A migraine trigger sends a depressive wave through the main part of the brain, which then releases chemical irritants. This causes sensory fibers in the meninges - the covering of the brain - to be activated, which is then felt as pain. If this process continues, a part of the brain and brainstem known as the trigeminal nucleus caudalis (TNC) becomes inflamed and starts a process called central sensitization (a "full blown" migraine). The main symptom of central sensitization is severe pain from things that are usually painless - brushing your hair, breathing through the nose on cool days, or having the shower water splash your face. Stopping the migraine headache at this point is difficult - commonly prescribed medications will "take the edge off", but will not completely stop the migraine. The key is to eliminate the migraine headache before it gets to this stage by blocking the inflammation and release of triggering chemicals. Imitrex and the other commonly used medications works at this point of the cycle.

As the frequency of migraine headaches increases, there can be anatomic changes in the brain as a result of drawn out sensitization of the nerves. It is thought that by eliminating the triggers (which are, essentially, fuel for the fire), the headaches will diminish in intensity, frequency, and duration. Hopefully, they will disappear altogether. It is at this point that surgery should be considered.

In plastic surgery, we are trained to work on and with nerves in the arms and legs. There are certain syndromes (like carpal tunnel syndrome) that we deal with often in our residency and fellowship training where we treat the results of prolonged nerve compression. It is theorized that surgery to treat migraine headaches works in a similar manner as that for carpal tunnel - releasing pressure on nerves from otherwise normal anatomy that unfortunately causes problems in some people but not in others.

There are quite a few areas in the head and neck where nerves can be compressed by surrounding tissue (muscles or the muscle covering, known as fascia). In individuals with a genetic predisposition to getting migraine headaches, these compression points can act as triggers that start the cascade towards central sensitization and chronic migraine headaches. By releasing these nerves from their compression points with surgery, the anatomic stimulus for the headache is removed, and the headaches either disappear or are greatly reduced. We are learning more about nerve compression points of the trigeminal nerve (the main sensory nerve of the head and neck, which gives sensation to your face and scalp through its numerous branches) each and every day.

Known compression points (which can be successfully treated with surgery) are:

- supraorbital and supratrochlear nerves
- zygomaticotemporal nerve
- auriculotemporal nerve
- greater occipital nerve
- lesser occipital nerve
- numerous small nerve branches of the nasal septum & turbinates

Not everyone suffering from migraine headaches will have these trigger points, and surgery is not the solution for all migraine headache sufferers. In a number of people, avoidance of known triggers and prescription medications is enough to limit or eliminate the headaches.

However, as we have seen in numerous publications, surgical decompression can lead to a drastic reduction or elimination of migraines in 80-90% of patients. I feel that it is a treatment that is backed by sound science and logical thinking, and should be considered as a treatment option for many people as the severity of their headaches increases.

For more information about surgical treatment of migraine headaches, and to see if you or someone you know may be a candidate for surgery, visit http://www.drjasonhall.com/ and fill in the "Learn More" section of the website.

Treating Neck Pain, Headaches, and Other Problems Without Expensive Surgery or Drugs

Often many people overlook the Atlas Orthogonal Procedure when they experience Neck pain, Headaches, Vertigo, TMJ, Migraines, and other symptoms. They may resort to expensive surgical procedures or drugs first, which may not solve the issue at hand. Many patients find out about this non-invasive procedure called Atlas Orthogonal after they've already gone through surgeries. Sometimes they ask themselves why they weren't told about this procedure beforehand.

For example malpositions of the top bone in the spine called Atlas can cause some common jaw disorder called Temporomandibular Joint Dysfunction (TMJ). Through simple and painless procedures, Atlas Orthogonistmay be able to cause the discomfort associated with TMJ symptoms by adjusting the atlas vertebra. The jaw itself is held by 68 pairs of muscles of the head, neck, and shoulder. The muscles, ligaments and bones of the human body are very complex in nature. An Atlas Orthogonist has a great understanding of the entire upper cervical region of the spine. Luckily an Atlas Orthogonistcan identify the issue at hand, and they can align the upper cervical area of the spine by a correction to your atlas bone. Anyone who has TMJ should consider trying this before moving on to the next option.

Tinnitus is another problem that may be treated by Atlas Orthogonal Procedure The Atlas Orthogonist Specialize in the first of the spine. A lot of patients find it hard to believe that the Atlas Orthogonal Procedure care can be effective; but have found it very effective. The Atlas Orthogonal Procedure uses a percussion instrument to correct the misalignment of the atlas vertebra (the top vertebra in the cervical spine). Malpositions of the atlas bone may cause many problems in the body. Through simple corrections an Atlas Orthogonist doctor may improve the quality of your life, and help many different problems such as:

• Nervous tension

• Chronic fatigue syndrome

• Knee pain

• Trigeminal neuralgia

• Arthritis

• Headaches and Migrained

• Cervical and lumbar pain problems

• Arm pain

• Hip pain

• Lower back pain

• Sciatica

• Balance problems

• Allergies

• Numbness

• Fibromyalgia

When finding a doctor you should look for an Atlas Orthogonist who is a Certified Doctor. Some doctors have also started using BGI approaches in their Atlas Orthogonal practice. If you can find a doctor who uses this approach you will be in the best hands possible.

BGI (Bio-Geometric Integration) is an AO approach that focuses on the geometry of the human body. It applies the science of quantum physics to health and healing. BGI is a philosophy that the body is not just a physical structure but rather an energetic system. It also combines the energetic quality of the body and the idea of subluxation to create a perfect healing technique.

This approach uses the new understanding of the body to maximize Atlas Orthogonal effectiveness through light touches and gentle structural adjustments. BGI targets tensions patterns, and releases them gradually and progressively in the same way that they were accumulated. Through BGI, AO doctors are able to maximize your body's health, ability to recover, and wellness.

This article on this website is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. This article is intended, but not promised or guaranteed to be current, complete, or up-to-date and should in no way be taken as an indication of future results.

Sinus Symptoms That Indicate the Need for Surgery

If a common cold has been bothering you since a month, then it is time to consider going to a doctor to check out the cause. It could be sinus and it could lead to painful headaches as well. The intensity of your sinus headache gives you a reason to try out every possible remedy and medicine that anyone suggests to you. The most unfortunate thing to happen after that is if none of the remedies work and you continue to be tortured from the pain. These headaches are usually a surprise, and the sufferer is not prepared for his life coming to a halt. Sinus can be extremely difficult to treat at times.

If expensive and popular medical treatments and even the basic home remedies have not worked for you, then you need to get to the next level. Also if you are prone to sinus problems and, again, no prescribed remedy seems to be working, so now, prepare yourself for surgery to get a quick, long-term or permanent solution. Sinus surgery is performed by the ENT (ear, nose and throat) specialist who is also known as an otolaryngologist. Do not be afraid of a surgical procedure. It helps to improve the system of sinus drainage through the removal of the blockage or by draining mucus. This could mean the removal of -

* Any foreign substance blocking the nasal or the sinus passage.

* Bone so that the opening for mucus drainage could be widened.

* Infected or swollen or a damaged tissue.

* Growths (like polyps) that live inside noses or sinuses.

Factors that indicate the need for surgery -

* The nasal or sinus passage is terribly blocked (maybe by polyps) or infected and you are only left with the option of surgery to achieve proper drainage. Do remember though, that surgery may not completely cure sinusitis and a second procedure may be needed for some.

* You suffer from chronic sinusitis.

* A four to six weeks medical treatment has been followed including medicines, home treatment, antibiotics, steroid spray, other prescribed medicines, etc.

* After the above treatment, tests like MRIs and CT scans were taken because no other reason for the sinus was clear. This will show the reason for improper drainage of your sinuses. Your infection and swellings must reduce so that the doctor understands the cause of your infection.

* Your sinus infection is due to fungus which can never be cured by antibiotics.

* Some other infection has developed way beyond sinus. This is a rare condition.

The extent of your sinus problem would influence the surgery's intensity. Surgeries work the best when a proper medical treatment and home treatment are also continued simultaneously. This also helps you to kick the chances of a second surgery and future problems like this.

For the best sinus treatment and for some sinus home remedy contact us at Kill Sinus today