June is Migraine Awareness Month, a good time to highlight the impact of migraines and support those who suffer from them, especially the youngest among us. At Alliance Chiropractic, serving Ancaster and the greater Hamilton area, we see many patients suffering from migraines. We want to share how common these disabling headaches are in children and teens, how they affect daily life, and how chiropractic care can help manage pain.
How Common are Migraines?
Migraines are surprisingly common in young people. In fact, Migraine Canada reports that migraines are the third most common disease in the world, more common than asthma or diabetes. Here are statistics that may surprise you:
- 12% of the global population
- 15% of women
- 8% of men
- 10% of children
- 25% of Canadian households
- 1–2% live with chronic migraines, a severe form that causes symptoms 15 or more days each month.
With a 12% prevalence rate, meaning that 12 out of 100 people suffer from them, migraines are more common than:
- Asthma: 8%
- Diabetes: 7%
- Epilepsy: 1%
- Multiple Sclerosis: 2 per 1000 people
Migraines are not just an adult problem – they affect young people too.
Migraines in Children and Teens: A Hidden Struggle
Many people think migraines only affect adults, but kids can be affected too. According to Migraine Canada, about 10% of children experience migraines before puberty, and these headaches can be just as disruptive for young people as they are for adults.
For children and adolescents, migraines can have a huge impact on their lives. Effects include:
- Missed school and falling behind in lessons
- Inability to participate in sports and social activities
- Difficulty with concentration and ongoing fatigue
- Feeling stressed and anxious about when the next migraine will strike
For children, having the support of parents, teachers, and healthcare providers is critical. Understanding that migraines are more than ‘just a headache’ can help ensure they get the care and treatment they need.
How does Chiropractic Care Help with Headaches?
Chiropractic care cannot cure migraines but it can help patients manage the pain and frequency of headaches. The Canadian Chiropractic Association details three different types of headaches including:
- Migraine headaches: Pain that often affects one side of the head, and is accompanied by nausea and sensitivity to light or sound
- Tension-type headaches: A band-like pressure around the head that can also contribute to migraines
- Cervicogenic headaches: Headaches that originate from the neck but are felt in the head or face. Family history, stress, and neck stiffness (think text neck!) are common causes.
Many patients seek chiropractic care to help their headache symptoms. Treatment can include:
- Manual therapy to reduce muscle tension
- Soft tissue therapy and modalities like electrical stimulation or acupuncture
- Rehabilitation exercises to improve posture and flexibility
- Education on lifestyle changes and triggers
Collaboration with other healthcare providers to ensure comprehensive care
When is the Right Time to Consider Chiropractic Care?
If your child is missing out on school or play-time, or is experiencing symptoms that disrupt sleep or other ‘being a kid’ activities, it might be time to consider chiropractic care. Some headaches can signal more serious problems, but chiropractic care can help identify root causes and provide pain symptom relief.
It’s important to watch for the following symptoms and seek medical attention if headaches:
- Come on suddenly and severely
- Follow a head injury
- Accompany fever, neck stiffness, weakness, numbness, or trouble speaking
If your child’s headaches are persistent and affect how they feel and function, chiropractic care offers symptom relief and guidance on when to pursue additional treatment.
Supporting Kids Affected by Migraines
Kids suffering from migraines need pain relief and support.
Migraine Canada offers extensive resources to help young patients make sense of their headache experiences, plus support for parents, teachers, and others who regularly interact with children and youth, to help them ensure children and young people keep learning, growing, and making the most of their experiences despite migraines.
A Final Word on Migraines in Children and Teens
Migraines can be overwhelming for children and their families, but resources and support are available. At Alliance Chiropractic, we work with patients of all ages to reduce the impact of headaches and migraines on daily life. Chiropractic care can help ensure our loved ones continue to thrive despite migraines.
Contact us if you have questions regarding this blog or any other health or wellness concern.
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Information for this blog was sourced from: Migraine Canada, Migraine Canada’s Migraine in Children Resource, Canadian Chiropractic Association