Every Oakland chiropractor sees a rising trend of severe headaches among minors, especially among teens who spend hours playing video games or using gadgets. While there is no solid proof of association between gaming or gadget use and their headaches, there may be clues as to why they have head pain.

In fact, an article from the Harvard Medical School tackled precisely this concern. The report dealt with the reality that children and other minors do experience headaches. Some actually experience migraines and other symptoms associated with that condition. The common thing about children or minors who experienced head pain is their screen time.

The glare of the video game or gadget can be a trigger for migraines. Add to their hours of screen time is the extra pressure of working on their school requirements. Many kids say they get tension headaches from all the school work that they need to finish.

Later, let’s deal with the more vital information: how to help minors who experience tension headaches and migraines. Before that, let’s go over some of the basic facts about migraines.

Migraine Symptoms

Some of the most common migraine symptoms are:

• Throbbing, pulsating, pressing kind of head pain
• Dizziness
• Nausea
• Vomiting 
• Numbness
• Tingling in the hands and feet
• Photo-sensitivity (being too sensitive to bright lights)
• Audio-sensitivity (sensitivity to loud sounds or music)

While people may experience other symptoms, these are among the most common occurrences for people with migraines.  Interestingly, sensitivity to light and sounds may be among the reasons why minors who use gadgets for long periods experience tension headaches or migraines.

To learn more about the connection between head and neck injuries and migraines and other headaches, download our complimentary e-book by clicking the image below.

Known Causes of Migraines

Many research programs are still underway to unravel the real source or cause of migraines. At present, these are the acknowledged possible sources of this painful condition:

• Stress
• Sudden change in weather or barometric pressure
• Dehydration
• Heavy drinking or alcohol consumption (which also causes dehydration)
• Hormonal Changes
• Low blood sugar (usually due to hunger)
• Loud noises
• Very bright or flashing lights
• Medications that lead to side effects

Types of Migraines

Children and teens who suffer from migraines usually are undiagnosed or misdiagnosed during the early stages. The reason for this is that symptoms do vary depending on the type of migraine. There are two main types of migraines: without aura and with aura. Every Oakland chiropractor deals with both migraine types. Let’s go over a few characteristics of these migraines.

1. Migraine without Aura

Also known as the Common Migraine, a migraine without aura has the following characteristics and symptoms:

• The length of time a person experiences a headache may last for several minutes to more than four hours. In some cases, the migraine attack can last for a few days.
• Pain concentrated on one side of the head
• Most children and teens, as well as adults, describe the pain as moderate or severe

2. Migraine with Aura

Health experts refer to it as a complicated migraine or hemiplegic migraine. This condition affects at least 25 percent of all migraineurs.  It has several symptoms, such as:

• Fatigue
• False visions of bright lights, stars, rectangular shapes, and odd flashing objects
• Numbness
• Tingling
• Tinnitus or ringing in the ears
• Vertigo or spinning dizziness
• Speech problems
• Difficulty in speaking or comprehending others
• Temporary blindness

3 Coping Methods for Migraines

Now, let’s take a lot of three ways to help children and teens minimize or manage their migraine attacks, as advised by our Oakland chiropractor. Here are three strategies or methods to help them cope with this painful condition:

1.  Mild Pain Relievers

At the start, especially for very young children, dealing with a headache can be a source of panic for a parent or adult guardian. Some young kids do not yet know how to describe their pain. The strategy to help very young children is to embrace them, pay attention to what they say, and give them a sense of security. For teens, they may be given mild pain medications prescribed by a certified health care provider or your family physician. 

While taking medications may not be the best option, especially for those who have suffered from migraines for a long time, it may be the most immediate and necessary intervention. However, always make sure that the medications are safe, trusted, and prescribed. Avoid self-medication.

2.  Slow Breathing and Meditation

For millennia, slow and meditative breathing has been used effectively for stress and pain management. As young as they are, children and teens can take up the practice and learn to control their breath. Plenty of studies have shown the health benefits of breathwork on coping with pain and promoting one’s overall health.

3.  Chiropractic Care

Specific chiropractic is a safe and natural way to deal with pain due to migraines. Studies show that some cases of migraines are actually due to structural alignment problems in the spine. 

Pain relief is experienced when a specific chiropractor performs manual movements or adjustments to a person’s spine from top to bottom (neck to lower back).  The precise adjustments restore the bones’ alignment to their proper place and angle.  

When the spine is aligned, the blood flow and cerebrospinal fluid flow to and from the brain is smooth and unimpeded. This makes a person who suffers from migraines get some relief and restore their mobility and good health.For more information about specific chiropractic and how it helps people with migraines, please consult with our Oakland chiropractor here at Life Chiropractic, or fill out our contact form.

To schedule a special consultation in our Oakland office call (510) 594-9994, or just click the button below.