title: Intractable migraine headaches during pregnancy under chiropractic care.
abstract: The absence of hormone fluctuations and/or the analgesic effects of increased beta-endorphins are thought to confer improvements in headache symptoms during pregnancy. However, for a number of pregnant patients, they continue to suffer or have worsening headache symptoms. The use of pharmacotherapy for palliative care is a concern for both the mother and the developing fetus and alternative/complementary care options are sought. We present a 24-year-old gravid female with chronic migraine headaches since age 12years. Previous unsuccessful care included osteopathy, physical therapy, massage and medication. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medication with codeine provided minor and temporary relief. Chiropractic care involving spinal manipulative therapy (SMT) and adjunctive therapies resulted in symptom improvement and independence from medication. This document provides supporting evidence on the safety and possible effectiveness of chiropractic care for patients with headaches during pregnancy.
authors.affiliation: International Chiropractic Pediatric Association, 327 North Middletown Dr, Media, PA, USA. dr_jalcantara@yahoo.com
authors.forename: Joel
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Alcantara
authors.forename: Martine
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Cossette
mesh_terms: D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D026882:Manipulation, Chiropractic / Q000379:methods*; D020393:Manipulation, Spinal / Q000379:methods*; D008881:Migraine Disorders / Q000628:therapy*; D011247:Pregnancy; D011248:Pregnancy Complications / Q000628:therapy*; D055815:Young Adult