The exact cause of migraines is still unknown, but its thought to be the result of abnormal brain activity affecting nerve signals and irritation or traction of blood vessels around the head and the neck. The brain lacks pain receptors which means it is not sensitive to pain. However, underneath the muscles that cover the head and neck, there are arteries outside the skull, large veins, spinal nerves and blood vessels which have nociceptors. Nociceptors are essentially “pain receptors” which are brain cells which can sense pain by transmitting a signal which travels along a chain of nerves via the spinal cord to the brain. 

Often the muscles that cover the head, neck and shoulders get really tight from poor posture which then cause irritation or put pressure on the blood vessels and some of the surrounding nerves. Once a blood vessel or nerve is compressed by a short and tight muscle, a nociceptor sends a message up the length of the nerve fiber to the nerve cells in the brain, signalling that a part of the body hurts.

 While the cause of migraines are unknown, our approach of addressing the muscles that cause irritation to the blood vessels and some of the surrounding nerves have allowed our clients to overcome their migraines. With lifestyle changes, we can help you overcome this disabling condition.