This patient’s migraines manifest with intense nausea, heaviness in the head, grittiness in the eyes, and body aches, making mornings a significant challenge. The unpredictable nature of her migraine episodes forces her to frequently cancel work commitments and urgently rearrange childcare, straining her relationships with her family.
Challenges and Initial Treaments
Her condition, unresponsive to symptomatic lead treatments model including sumatriptan and consultations with various specialists, pushed her towards exploring alternative approaches. Despite temporary relief, the prescribed medications led to increased drowsiness and a sense of dependency, prompting her to seek other solutions.
Physiotherapy Assessment
Upon referral to a physiotherapist, a detailed physical assessment revealed a lateral shift in her sphenoid bone and abnormalities in her cervical spine posture. These findings suggested underlying physical contributors to her migraine symptoms that had not been addressed by previous treatments.
Functional Approach to Migraine Relief
Our sessions included cranial therapy focused on the sphenoid bone, using gentle mobilization techniques to adjust and relieve pressure points within the skull. Additionally, home exercises were prescribed to improve spinal alignment and reduce muscular tension in the neck and back.
Movement Sequences and Stabilisation Techniques
Through dynamic neuromuscular stabilization exercises, we introduced movements that enhanced her neck stability and spinal lengthening. These exercises were tailored to her specific needs, helping to realign her posture and reduce the frequency of migraine triggers.
Long-Term Improvement of Migraines
After 18 months of consistent treatment and self-managed exercises, the patient reported a significant reduction in migraine frequency and intensity. The ability to manage her condition without medication has been empowering, allowing her to resume activities like cycling and swimming, which were previously unimaginable.
Conclusion
This case highlights the importance of considering physiotherapy therapy as a viable option for chronic migraine relief. Through personalised and targeted individual interventions, patients can achieve substantial relief and reclaim their quality of life. If you are struggling with similar symptoms, consider reaching out for a comprehensive evaluation to explore a different way of looking at your problem.