MIGRAINE TREATMENT IN ATLANTA
"Adjusting the upper neck is a missing link in healthcare"
- Dr. Damadian, Inventor of the MRI
Patient-Centered Treatment
We are focused on helping you achieve your highest quality of life. That is why we take our time with every patient and recognize your unique situation. Prior to providing you with any treatment or recommendations, you will sit down with the doctor to go over your medical history and be evaluated thoroughly using our 7-step protocol.
Are you tired of waiting 6 months to see a specialist only to have them give you another medication that may or may not work?
Our innovative approach to migraine relief focuses on the cause, not just a temporary cover up. We have presented a small research study here: Migraine Presentation DDCJP.pdf
In this study we have tracked 13 consecutive patients over a 3-month treatment period. These patients reported a 75% improvement in the frequency of their Migraines. This data was collected by surveying patients before and after treatment utilizing an assessment form known as MIDAS.
In our office, we do not treat you like a number, we see you as an individual and we are interested in your specific case. We discuss lifestyle, diet, medications and examine the entire neck region. We are looking for a potential choking point of fluid/blood flow, disruption in nerve signaling, muscular imbalances and trigger points.
We have had too many patients come to us after YEARS of traditional therapy (medications, Botox and even surgery) that provided them little to no relief. The doctors in our office understand the severe/debilitating nature of migraines and we will work with you one-on-one every step of the way.
The Importance of the Upper Neck and Migraines
The upper neck is the area of your spine where the Cranium meets the first vertebrae, Atlas (C1). It is a critical area for blood and nerve flow to and from the brain. Recently, there have been several studies conducted by both the field of medicine as well as the field of chiropractic regarding the correlation between Migraines and dysfunction of the upper neck.
Dr. Scott Rosa, an Upper Cervical Chiropractor, has been conducting research with Dr. Raymond Damadian, a Medical Doctor and inventor of the MRI, and what they have discovered could give those who suffer from migraines the answer that they have been searching for. By using upright MRI’s, Blood Flow and CSF studies, they believe they have found one of the major causes of migraine headaches.
Dr. Rosa and Dr. Damadian have provided studies with images to show how the upper neck misalignment is affecting the flow of spinal fluid as well as blood flow. What is more impressive is that Dr. Rosa has also provided images after adjusting the upper neck that show a complete reversal of the condition.
Dr. Damadian has even stated publicly that adjusting the Atlas (C1) is a missing link in health care. While chiropractors, who specialize in the correction of the upper neck, have always had great success with migraine sufferers, this new research can pinpoint the exact reason why.
Some of the signs of migraine related to neck pain/dysfunction include:
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tightness and stiffness in the neck
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a reduced range of neck movement
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headaches that worsen when you apply pressure to certain parts of the neck
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pain located on one side of the head only
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pain that spreads from the back of the head and neck up to the front
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headache pain behind the eyes
What Are Your Options?
The current migraine treatments have been limited to pain medication, anti-depressants, and now Botox injections. While these methods may reduce the suffering of the patient, they are only temporary and do not get to the root cause of the migraines. Most current treatment focuses on the changes going on in the brain, but if the problem is starting in the Cervical spine, or neck, these treatments may only be moderately effective, and in some cases not effective at all. There has not been much help or relief at getting to the true cause of this condition, until now...
How Our Doctors Can Help
With the newfound research and ability to correct upper cervical misalignments, we are giving new hope to individuals suffering from this debilitating condition.
Pierce Upper Cervical Chiropractic uses a revolutionary healthcare procedure that focuses on the Upper Cervical Spine. This procedure identifies subtle misalignments of the top vertebrae in the neck, using 3D imaging, and corrects those misalignments using a light-force instrument adjustment. These corrections have led to the restoration of fluid flow and relief from migraines.
We also utilize trigger point release techniques in the surrounding soft tissue that may also be contributing to your Migraine symptoms.
Aside from our research study posted above, we have many satisfied patients who were able to decrease or eliminate their Migraines under our care.
Patient Stories
From Melissa W :
"Prior to seeing Dr. Culig, I had been going through 4-6 months of severe daily pain and excruciating migraines. I did not leave my home, I got my work done in between hours of lying in bed. I went to urgent care three times. I was on and off medications and treatments, running from one doctor or specialist to the next. None of the doctors I saw were able to do anything to help me, nor did anyone even mention Upper Cervical as a possible solution until that recent neurologist visit.
I still can’t even believe the success I’ve had as a result of this care. My very first adjustment provided instant relief from the pain I was in. We weren’t 100% there from the first visit, as I did come out of alignment a few times and also need neuromuscular therapy as part of my program to get me healed – but that first visit immediately relieved pain, pressure and daily migraines to the point where I was able to actually live life – who knew?"
From Andrea S :
Dr. Culig and his team are amazing, meticulous, and professional. After suffering with migraines for several years, I finally made an appointment. From the very beginning, Dr. Culig was patient and detailed with our appointments, taking the time to explain possibilities for my condition, as well as the prognosis for my treatment plan. The technique that's used is much more precise than just snapping/twisting your neck, and has helped me achieve nearly five weeks (and counting) of no migraines!
From Maria Z:
If you have migraines, go! I have had debilitating migraines for 17 years. I would have 2-3 at least every month. I have gone to countless doctors, specialists, changed my diet, and changed my medicines numerous times, never getting results.
In the 1st month of visiting Dr. Culig, his treatment was effective, and I was migraine-free for two months. In the third month, when my migraine came back, and I told Dr. Culig he was persistent in getting longer results, and he adapted my treatment. So now I am going into three months of no migraine. I honestly cannot believe this! I recommend this place to everyone I know, not only for the effective treatment, but everyone at the clinic has the best energy!
Pierce Upper Cervical Chiropractic is incredible! My dentist referred me to Dr. Culig due to the persistent jaw pain and migraines I've had for years. Dr. Culig evaluated my condition and in just under 2 months my jaw pain and migraines have completely stopped. Their treatment is simple and effective, easily recognizing the problems.
Alex T.
I was experiencing terrible migraines and missing lots of work before a friend referred me to Dr. Culig. After seeing neurologists and having MRIs done with no root cause, Dr. Culig was able to identify and fix my problems. I’ve been migraine free and medication free for months now!
Rachel C.
One of my colleagues became tired of seeing me struggle with migraines and sinus headaches so he made me an appt with Dr. Culig. After my initial visit with Dr. Culig I was impressed with him and his office so I decided to return for my follow up. That was about 8 visits ago and I have been amazed with the results.
Dennis P.
I went to Dr. Culig seeking help for neck pain. Thanks to him, I learned that being out of alignment in my upper cervical spine was not only causing the neck pain, but also the migraines I had been having since age 13. I am now pain free all the way around. Dr. Culig's treatment method is evidence-based.
Kristin D.
Frequently Asked Questions and How to Prepare for Your Initial Visit
Can I receive your treatment if I have herniated discs?
Yes, our adjustments are provided to the Upper Cervical spine, C1 and C2, which are the only segments in the spine without a disc in between them. Furthermore, our adjustments are very gentle and safe, without any twisting of the neck. When you have disc herniations, you want to avoid any rotatory/twisting manipulations to the neck because these can tend to “sheer” the discs and could make the problem worse.
Can I receive your treatment if I have had neck fusion/surgery?
This depends on the extent of the surgery and when it was done. We typically like to wait at least 6 months after the surgery was done prior to providing any treatment. After 6 months, you could come in for an evaluation and we will determine if our treatment is right for you. We have had several successful post-surgical cases due to our focus on the C1-C2 area, which is typically not an area that will be touched by a surgeon unless necessary.
Can this treatment make my Migraine worse?
Although there is a chance that ANY treatment can make a condition worse, we take all necessary precautions prior to giving any treatment to the neck. Our approach is very conservative and precise, we begin slowly and see how each patient responds and then we adapt our care from there.
Do the corrections hurt?
No. The adjustments are very gentle and precise utilizing 1/8”-1/4” depth with no twisting or cracking of the spine.
How is this different from general chiropractic?
Upper Cervical Care is a specialty within the Chiropractic profession that requires several additional certifications and endless study outside the general chiropractic education. This is because we are dealing with such an important area that is vastly different both anatomically and physiologically from the rest of the spine below. Our procedure requires a 3-dimensional imaging analysis that provides us with an extremely specific line of correction that is unique to you. With this line of correction, we are able to correct your C1-C2 misalignment utilizing a precise, light-force instrument assisted adjuster. This does not involve any forceful manipulation of the neck.
How do I know that I am a candidate for Upper Cervical Care?
If your migraines may be related to dysfunction of your neck you will have one or more of the following symptoms:
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tightness and stiffness in the neck
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a reduced range of neck movement
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headaches that worsen when you apply pressure to certain parts of the neck
-
pain located on one side of the head only
-
pain that spreads from the back of the head and neck up to the front
-
headache pain behind the eyes
What should I do to prepare for my initial visit?
1. Do not drink caffeine or smoke 12 hours prior to your visit
2. Answer the following questions as they pertain to your Migraines: How often? How long do they last? What makes them better or worse? When do you get them? Where do you feel the pain? What does the migraine/headache feel like? Who else in your family gets them?
3. Make a list of all current medications
4. Bring any imaging that you may have had from previous doctor visits such as; MRI, CT, X-rays etc.
5. Please come with any questions that you might want to ask the doctor. Remember, there is no such thing as a bad question, especially when it comes to your health.
