Technique Toolbox Migraine headaches Figure 1 Figure 1: Graston general scan of the posterior cervical muscles using a GT5. A special thank-you goes to Dr. Mark Prii of Surrey, British Columbia, and Dr. Jay Burness of Oakville, Ontario, for their tremendous contributions to this article. Dr. John Minardi is a 2001 gradu- ate of CMCC. A Thompson-certified practitioner and instructor, Dr. Mi- nardi is the creator of the Thomp- son Technique Seminar Series and author of The Complete Thompson Textbook – Minardi Integrated Systems. In addition to his busy lecture schedule, Dr. Minardi oper- ates a successful private practice in Oakville, Ontario. E-mail: johnmi- [email protected], or visit www. ThompsonChiropracticTechnique. com. M igraine headaches are a condition that chiropractors face daily. Every practising chiropractor has witnessed the debilitating effects migraines can have on their patients, and each chiropractor does everything in his/her power to alleviate the symptoms, as well as improve the patient’s overall health and well-being. Research shows that chiropractic care can have a positive impact on migraines.1,2,3,4,5 to common first line prophylactic prescription medications.4 The literature indicates that chiropractic care results in statistically significant decreases in mi- graine frequency and duration, while reducing its disabling effects and the patient’s use of medication. 1,2,3 The research also suggests that cervical spine adjustments have a similar effect Furthermore, combining chiro- practic adjustments with active or passive soft tissue treatment improves a patient’s strength, flexibility and range of motion, while decreasing the frequency and duration of migraines.4,5 So, which specific technique protocols can help with migraines? In this edition of Technique Toolbox, I will discuss two chiropractic treatment procedures that can be combined to combat migraines, and get our patients back on the road to recovery. Before we begin, let us assume that a proper initial examination has taken place, that no contra- indications are present, and that this is an appropriate chiropractic case. GONSTEAD TECHNIqUE The Gonstead System and procedures are the result of clinical research by Dr. C.S. Gon- stead. The Gonstead chiropractor conducts a thorough analysis of a patient’s spine using five criteria to detect vertebral subluxations: case history, static palpation, motion palpa- tion, instrumentation and full spine X-ray analysis. It is important to remember that each patient is different, and therefore will have different vertebral findings associated with their individual migraines. Once these vertebral subluxations, with their specific direc- tion of movements, are detected, proper correction can take place. 28 • CANADIAN CHIROPRACTOR | APRIL 2009 www.canadianchiropractor.ca John Minardi, BHK, DC feature
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