When visual disturbances strike suddenly, ocular migraines can be frightening and very disruptive. Many patients seeking ocular migraine treatment in Tigard describe shimmering lights, flashes, blind spots, or zig-zag patterns that appear without warning. The good news is that ocular migraines are usually temporary. With the right care, including chiropractic treatment, many people in Tigard find lasting relief.
This article explains what ocular migraines are, the causes, symptoms and how proper chiropractic care helps reduce frequency and intensity of these episodes.
What Is an Ocular Migraine
An ocular migraine, sometimes called a retinal or visual migraine, is a neurological event that temporarily affects your vision. These episodes often occur in one eye and cause visual changes that last from a few minutes to ½ an hour. Unlike classic migraines, many ocular migraines do not involve typical headache.
The good news is the visual symptoms are typically temporary and reversible. Because ocular migraines are usually triggered by neurological, vascular or muscular factors, chiropractic is uniquely suited to help.
Causes of Ocular Migraines
There is no single cause of ocular migraines, but research points to several contributing factors.
Like muscles, blood vessels can spasm and temporarily limit blood flow to the retina or visual cortex in the brain causing visual disturbances. Spinal imbalance, particularly in the upper segments, may irritate nerves and blood vessels connected to the eyes and visual cortex. Chronic tightness in the neck, shoulders, or jaw can contribute to nerve irritation. Hormonal changes may trigger ocular migraines in some susceptible individuals.
Diet and lifestyle can play a HUGE part. Alcohol, aged cheese, artificial sweeteners, MSG, and caffeine are possible offenders. Stress, dehydration, screen time, poor sleep, bright lights are on the list. And yes, it appears there is some genetic predisposition as migraines often run in families. (Maybe that’s genetic and maybe that’s learned behavior.)
Symptoms of Ocular Migraines
Ocular migraine symptoms often follow a predictable pattern. Sufferers report flickering, shimmering lights or sparkles, zig-zag like kaleidoscope patterns, blurry vision and even blind spots. Again, not all ocular migraines cause overt headache pain. Most patients will experience throbbing or pressure behind one eye. Because there is always neurological component, people may experience dizziness, neck tightness and difficulty concentrating.
Chiropractic Treatment for Ocular Migraines
Chiropractic care is a viable option to reduce migraine frequency and intensity and is uniquely positioned to address most of the known causes. Imbalance in the upper neck can disrupt nerve function and blood flow. Adjustments help restore normal biomechanics. Soft-tissue techniques and chiropractic massage reduce stress on the nerves associated with vision. Poor posture with rounded shoulders and head sticking out strains the cervical spine and can trigger migraines.
Natural Strategies to Reduce Ocular Migraines
If you know red wine, good, aged cheese and shellfish are your triggers… it just makes sense to avoid them! Take a minute to unwind. Believe it or not, exercise helps you unwind. Put the phone down and breathe! Try following a beginners guide to meditation on YouTube. There are hundreds to choose from.
When to Seek Care
Ocular migraines can ruin your day. If vision loss occurs in both eyes or if symptoms include severe headache with numbness or confusion go to the ER! However, if low grade, nagging symptoms focused behind the eye haven’t subsided in a day or so, call BeWell Chiropractic in Tigard. We have proven solutions.
Final Thoughts…
Ocular migraines may be alarming, but they are manageable with the right care. Chiropractic treatment, especially targeting the upper cervical spine, offers a powerful, natural approach to reducing ocular migraine symptoms and preventing future episodes. All of this and more can be found at BeWell Chiropractic in Tigard.
