Migraines & Headaches
A recurring migraine or headache can be your body’s way of signaling that something else is out of balance. About one in ten Americans experience migraines, and women are affected roughly three times more often than men. Migraines are most common between the ages of 15 and 55, and 70 to 80 percent of people who get them have a family history of migraine.
Migraine Symptoms
Migraine symptoms vary from person to person, but may include:
- Intense, throbbing pain, often on one side of the head
- Visual disturbances or aura, such as flashing lights or unusual odors
- Nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea
- Increased sensitivity to light, sound, and smell
- Stiffness in the neck and shoulders
- Tingling or stiffness in the limbs
- Difficulty concentrating
Migraine pain can last from a few hours to several days, and for many people it is severe enough to interrupt daily life. Some migraines are preceded by an aura, though not everyone experiences one.
Common Migraine Triggers
A range of factors can set off a migraine, including:
- Changes to your sleep-wake cycle
- Skipping or delaying meals
- Certain medications, including frequent use of headache medications
- Bright or flickering light, such as sunlight, fluorescent light, and screens
- Certain foods
- Excessive noise
- Stress or underlying depression
MIGRAINES AND NEUROTRANSMITTER LEVELS
Migraines are often linked to how the nervous system is functioning, and in particular to imbalances in neurotransmitters. Neurotransmitters are chemicals that relay signals between nerve cells. They are essential for normal brain and body function, and problems can arise when their levels are too high or too low.
Some neurotransmitters are inhibitory and calming, while others are excitatory and stimulating. Research has associated deficiencies in serotonin and norepinephrine, two central nervous system neurotransmitters, with the development of migraines. Environmental and biological factors such as stress, foods, hormonal changes, and genetics can all affect neurotransmitter levels and may trigger or worsen migraines.
Neurotransmitter levels can be measured, and those results help Dr. Ulery recommend a program tailored to you.
TREATMENT OPTIONS
Most conventional migraine medications either relieve migraine pain or work to prevent migraines:
- NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) relieve pain, though long-term use can lead to ulcers or gastrointestinal bleeding.
- Triptans mimic serotonin by binding to its receptors, which constricts cerebral blood vessels.
- Preventive medications, including certain cardiovascular drugs, antidepressants, and anti-seizure drugs, can reduce how often migraines occur and how severe they are.
Some of these medications carry significant side effects. (Overview adapted from Mayo Clinic.)
Last reviewed: September 2026.
Neurotransmitter function can also be supported through nutrition. Neurotransmitters are built from components found in a normal, healthy diet, and adjusting those dietary building blocks can help maintain healthy levels. No single program works for everyone, so the goal is to match the right drug-based or nutrient-based approach, or a combination, to your specific needs. This work also connects to our broader acute and chronic pain relief care, since tension in the neck and shoulders can contribute to headaches.
frequently asked questions
What causes migraines?
How are neurotransmitters linked to migraine frequency?
Neurotransmitters relay signals between nerve cells. When the levels of calming or stimulating neurotransmitters are out of balance, migraines can become more frequent or severe. Measuring these levels can help guide a targeted plan.
What migraine treatments don't involve medication?
Nutrition-based programs can support healthy neurotransmitter levels, and chiropractic care can address physical triggers such as neck and shoulder tension. Dr. Ulery tailors the approach to your specific triggers.
Are migraines hereditary?
Often, yes. Around 70 to 80 percent of people who experience migraines have a family history of them.
When should I see a doctor about my headaches?
If your headaches are frequent, severe, or interfering with daily life, it is worth having them evaluated so the underlying triggers and any neurotransmitter imbalances can be identified.
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