Integrative Migraine Pain Alleviation Through Chiropractic Therapy

Integrative Migraine Pain Alleviation Through Chiropractic Therapy

This pilot study evaluates the addition of chiropractic treatment to conventional neurological care in the treatment of migraine headaches in adult women. Half of the participants will receive 10 chiropractic treatments in addition to their usual care over a 14 week period, while the other half will continue their usual medical care alone, as prescribed by their physician during that time period.

Chiropractic care is a commonly used therapeutic intervention for the treatment of pain disorders, and some smaller studies have shown that it might be helpful for migraines. This pilot study will use a comprehensive model of chiropractic treatment which can include soft tissue mobilization, spinal manipulation, and postural and spinal stabilization and correctional exercises.

Specific Aims:

Aim #1 - Determine the feasibility of conducting a randomized control trial (RCT) of chiropractic care in adult women with migraine.

Aim #2 - To provide preliminary data on the safety and effectiveness of chiropractic care on migraine frequency, severity, duration, and medication use in adult women with migraine.

Aim #3 - To provide preliminary estimates of the effects of chiropractic on disability, health-related quality of life, and psychosocial well-being.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Diagnosis of episodic migraine with or without aura (International Classification of Headache Disorders-II)
• 4 to 13 days with migraines/month
• More than one year of migraines
• Agreeable to participate, commit to all study procedures, and to be randomized to either group
• Fluent in English (required to complete self-report instruments)

Exclusion Criteria:

• Currently, or having received chiropractic care in past 3 months for any condition
• Any major systemic illness or unstable medical or psychiatric condition (e.g. Parkinson's disease, cancer) requiring immediate treatment or that could lead to difficulty complying with the protocol
• History of stroke, carotid artery dissection, or vertebral artery dissection
• Head or neck trauma within the past year
• Diagnosis of medication overuse headache (International Classification of Headache Disorders-II)
• Began use of new prophylactic medication for migraine headaches within the last 3 months
• Currently taking prophylactic migraine medications other than propranolol and topiramate
• Failure to complete baseline diary recordings of migraine activity and medication use during run-in phase
• Currently, or having received Botox treatment for migraine
• Current alcohol or substance abuse (self-reported)
• Diagnosis of Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome