Migraines are far more than “just bad headaches.” For millions of people, they are recurring, throbbing, often debilitating events that can last anywhere from a few hours to several days.
According to the Migraine Research Foundation, migraines affect around 12% of the global population, making them the third most common disease worldwide and the sixth most disabling.
In the U.S. alone, it’s estimated that one in four households has at least one person living with this condition.
While the hallmark symptom is head pain—often starting on one side and spreading across the head—migraines can also bring nausea, vomiting, sensitivity to light or sound, extreme fatigue, and even neurological “auras” such as flashing lights or tingling in the hands.
But there’s another complication that many patients don’t expect: dizziness or loss of balance. In fact, more than 40% of migraine sufferers report experiencing vertigo during attacks. This condition is known as migraine associated vertigo (MAV).
What Is Migraine Associated Vertigo?
Migraine associated vertigo (MAV) occurs when migraine attacks are paired with dizziness, imbalance, or spinning sensations. While it can happen to anyone, MAV is especially common in women between the ages of 20 and 40.
For some, the vertigo feels like the room is moving; for others, it’s more like feeling lightheaded or unsteady. Either way, it adds another layer of disability to an already difficult condition.
Traditional treatment usually involves painkillers, anti-nausea medication, and sometimes vestibular suppressants to calm dizziness.
While these options may bring short-term relief, they rarely address the underlying cause—and often do little to prevent future episodes. That’s where chiropractic care, specifically Blair Upper Cervical Chiropractic, enters the picture.
Why the Spine Matters in Migraine Associated Vertigo
The spine isn’t just a column of bones; it’s the protective casing for the spinal cord, the vital communication line between the brain and body.
When everything is aligned, signals travel smoothly. But if the spine—particularly the atlas (C1) at the very top—is misaligned, pressure can build on the brainstem and spinal cord.
This interference can trigger a chain reaction of problems:
- Disrupted nervous system communication
- Increased tension in surrounding muscles
- Restricted blood flow to the brain
- Neurological symptoms like migraine, vertigo, and dizziness
Many chiropractors theorize that MAV is often linked to these structural imbalances in the upper cervical spine. Correcting the alignment may reduce irritation of the nervous system and improve the body’s ability to regulate balance and pain perception.
Blair Chiropractic and Atlas Orthogonal
Blair chiropractic care specializes in locating and correcting misalignments in the upper cervical spine. A central technique used for migraine associated vertigo is called Atlas Orthogonal.
Here’s how it works:
- Precision Imaging – Before any adjustment, specialized imaging is taken to map out the exact position and angle of the atlas vertebra.
- Gentle Correction – Using biomechanical principles and careful calculations, the chiropractor applies a light, specific adjustment to restore proper alignment. Importantly, this does not involve cracking, twisting, or popping.
- Restoring Communication – Once the atlas is back in its proper place, nerve signals can flow freely again, reducing the stress on the nervous system and often alleviating migraine and vertigo symptoms.
One documented case involved a 23-year-old woman who experienced dramatic improvement after undergoing Atlas Orthogonal treatment, with her dizziness disappearing entirely. Stories like hers echo what many Blair chiropractic patients report: less frequent migraines, fewer vertigo episodes, and a better quality of life.
The Blair Technique for Vertigo
In addition to Atlas Orthogonal adjustments, Blair chiropractors often use the Blair Technique, which addresses vertigo caused by inner ear dysfunction. Vertigo frequently results when tiny calcium carbonate crystals (otoconia) in the inner ear become dislodged and interfere with balance.
The Blair Technique repositions these particles, helping restore normal vestibular function. Chiropractors may also teach simple exercises to strengthen the vestibulocochlear system, though these tend to be less effective than hands-on treatment.
When performed by a qualified Blair chiropractor, these techniques are safe and targeted, designed to correct the root cause rather than simply mask symptoms.
Why a Proper Diagnosis Matters
Migraine and vertigo symptoms can overlap with more serious neurological conditions—such as strokes, brain tumors, or meningitis.
For that reason, it’s essential to work with experienced providers. A Blair chiropractor will typically recommend a comprehensive evaluation and may coordinate care with a primary physician or neurologist to rule out other causes.
Hope for Those Living with MAV
Living with migraine associated vertigo can feel like being trapped in a cycle of pain and disorientation. Medications may dull the symptoms, but they rarely resolve the deeper issue.
By addressing the spine’s alignment—particularly the upper cervical region—Blair chiropractic care offers a natural, non-invasive approach that supports the body’s ability to heal.
Every case is unique. Some patients notice improvements after a single adjustment; others experience gradual change as their spine stabilizes. What remains consistent is the principle: when the nervous system is free of interference, the body functions better.
If you’re struggling with recurring migraines and dizziness, and especially if traditional treatments haven’t given you lasting relief, exploring upper cervical chiropractic may be the next step toward reclaiming your health.
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