Magnesium for Migraines: Natural Relief with Upper Cervical Chiropractic Care at Lavender Family Chiropractic

Posted on6 September 2024,in

By Dr. Rusty Lavender, D.C. — upper cervical chiropractor, Lavender Family Chiropractic, Sarasota, FL. Reviewed and updated October 2026.

Our complete guide to migraine care in Sarasota covers the causes we see, the imaging we use, and what to expect at an evaluation.

Magnesium for Migraines: Migraines can be debilitating, affecting millions of people worldwide. While medications are often prescribed to manage the pain and other symptoms, many individuals seek natural remedies for a more holistic approach to migraine management. One such remedy gaining attention is magnesium, an essential mineral that plays a key role in many bodily functions, including nerve transmission and muscle function. Magnesium deficiency has been linked to an increased frequency of migraines, making it an important component in managing and preventing these painful headaches.

At Lavender Family Chiropractic, we specialize in Upper Cervical Chiropractic care, which focuses on realigning the spine to improve overall health and well-being. In this article, we’ll explore how magnesium can help manage migraines, how Upper Cervical Chiropractic care complements this natural treatment, and how both can provide relief for those suffering from migraines.

What Are Migraines?

Migraines are severe headaches that are often accompanied by other symptoms, such as nausea, vomiting, and sensitivity to light and sound. They can last anywhere from a few hours to several days and can significantly impact a person’s quality of life. While the exact cause of migraines is not fully understood, they are believed to be the result of abnormal brain activity affecting nerve signals, chemicals, and blood vessels in the brain.

Common Migraine Symptoms

Intense headache on one or both sides of the head
Nausea or vomiting
Sensitivity to light and sound
Visual disturbances such as auras, flashing lights, or blind spots
Dizziness or lightheadedness
Neck stiffness or pain

Migraines can be triggered by a variety of factors, including stress, hormonal changes, certain foods, dehydration, and even environmental changes. Identifying and managing these triggers can help reduce the frequency and severity of migraines.

How Magnesium Helps with Migraines

Magnesium is an essential mineral involved in over 300 biochemical reactions in the body. It plays a key role in regulating muscle and nerve function, blood sugar levels, and blood pressure, as well as in making protein, bone, and DNA. For people suffering from migraines, magnesium may be particularly beneficial due to its ability to support nerve and muscle function, reduce inflammation, and improve blood flow.

Magnesium Deficiency and Migraines

Several studies have shown that people who suffer from migraines are often deficient in magnesium. This deficiency can lead to increased nerve excitability, making the brain more susceptible to triggers that can cause a migraine. Low magnesium levels can also contribute to the constriction of blood vessels, which is thought to be one of the mechanisms behind migraine attacks.

How Magnesium Helps Prevent Migraines

Regulates nerve function: Magnesium helps calm the nerves by reducing excitability, which can prevent the overstimulation that triggers migraines.
Improves blood flow: Magnesium supports the relaxation of blood vessels, which can reduce the likelihood of migraine-related blood vessel constriction.
Reduces inflammation: Migraines are often linked to inflammation, and magnesium’s anti-inflammatory properties can help mitigate this underlying factor.
Supports neurotransmitter balance: Magnesium helps regulate neurotransmitters, such as serotonin, which plays a role in mood and pain perception. Balanced serotonin levels can help reduce the frequency of migraines.

Magnesium-Rich Foods

Including magnesium-rich foods in your diet is a natural way to increase your intake of this important mineral. Some examples of magnesium-rich foods include:

Leafy green vegetables (spinach, kale, chard)
Nuts and seeds (almonds, pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds)
Whole grains (quinoa, brown rice, oats)
Legumes (black beans, lentils, chickpeas)
Avocados
Bananas
Dark chocolate

While a balanced diet rich in these foods can help maintain adequate magnesium levels, some people may still need to supplement to reach optimal levels, especially if they suffer from migraines.

Magnesium Supplements for Migraines

For those who find it difficult to get enough magnesium through diet alone, supplements can be an effective option. Magnesium supplements come in various forms, including magnesium citrate, magnesium oxide, and magnesium glycinate. The recommended daily intake of magnesium for adults is around 400-420 mg for men and 310-320 mg for women. However, for migraine prevention, higher doses may be required under the guidance of a healthcare provider.

It’s important to note that taking too much magnesium can lead to side effects such as diarrhea, so it’s always best to consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new supplement regimen.

How Upper Cervical Chiropractic Care at Lavender Family Chiropractic Helps with Migraines

While magnesium plays a crucial role in managing migraines, it’s important to consider other underlying factors that contribute to migraine frequency and severity. One often overlooked cause is misalignment in the upper cervical spine, which can impact nerve function, blood flow, and overall body balance.

At Lavender Family Chiropractic, we focus on Upper Cervical Chiropractic care, a specialized form of chiropractic care that targets the alignment of the top two vertebrae in the spine—the atlas (C1) and the axis (C2). These vertebrae are located at the base of the skull and play a critical role in supporting the head and protecting the brainstem, which is responsible for controlling many of the body’s vital functions, including the nervous system.

The Connection Between Upper Cervical Misalignment and Migraines

When the atlas or axis vertebrae become misaligned, it can put pressure on the nerves and blood vessels in the neck, leading to impaired blood flow to the brain, increased nerve irritation, and muscle tension—all of which can contribute to the development of migraines.

Upper Cervical misalignment can also interfere with the body’s ability to regulate important neurotransmitters, such as serotonin, which plays a key role in pain perception and mood regulation. By correcting this misalignment, Upper Cervical Chiropractic care can help reduce the frequency and severity of migraines.

Benefits of Upper Cervical Chiropractic Care for Migraines

Improved blood flow: By realigning the upper cervical spine, chiropractic care can restore proper blood flow to the brain, reducing the likelihood of blood vessel constriction and inflammation that can trigger migraines.
Reduced nerve irritation: Upper Cervical adjustments help relieve pressure on the nerves, allowing them to function properly and reducing the likelihood of migraine-related nerve dysfunction.
Decreased muscle tension: Misalignment in the upper cervical spine can lead to muscle tension in the neck and shoulders, which is a common migraine trigger. Chiropractic adjustments help relax these muscles, providing relief from tension-related headaches.
Holistic approach: At Lavender Family Chiropractic, we take a holistic approach to health and wellness. We not only focus on spinal alignment but also consider other factors such as nutrition, posture, and stress management to help you achieve optimal health.

What to Expect from Upper Cervical Chiropractic Care at Lavender Family Chiropractic

At Lavender Family Chiropractic, we begin with a thorough assessment of your condition, including a detailed review of your medical history, a physical examination, and advanced imaging to identify any misalignments in the upper cervical spine. Once we have a clear understanding of your condition, we create a personalized treatment plan tailored to your specific needs.

Our Upper Cervical Chiropractic adjustments are gentle and precise, using minimal force to realign the spine without any twisting or cracking. This approach is safe and effective for people of all ages and can provide lasting relief from migraines and other related symptoms.

Combining Magnesium and Upper Cervical Chiropractic for Effective Migraine Management

When it comes to managing migraines, a combination of magnesium supplementation and Upper Cervical Chiropractic care can offer a powerful, natural approach to relief. By addressing both the nutritional and structural factors that contribute to migraines, you can reduce the frequency and severity of your headaches, improve your overall health, and enhance your quality of life.

The Synergy Between Magnesium and Upper Cervical Care

Nerve function: Magnesium helps calm nerve excitability, while Upper Cervical Chiropractic care relieves pressure on the nerves, ensuring they function properly.
Blood flow: Magnesium supports healthy blood vessel function, and Upper Cervical Chiropractic care improves blood flow to the brain by correcting spinal misalignment.
Inflammation: Magnesium reduces inflammation, and Upper Cervical care helps reduce tension and irritation in the neck, which can contribute to inflammation.

By combining these two approaches, you are addressing the root causes of migraines—nerve dysfunction, blood flow issues, and inflammation—giving you the best chance for long-term relief.

Lifestyle Tips to Complement Magnesium and Upper Cervical Chiropractic Care

In addition to magnesium supplementation and chiropractic adjustments, there are several lifestyle changes you can make to support your migraine management:

1. Stay Hydrated

Dehydration is a common migraine trigger, so it’s important to drink plenty of water throughout the day. Aim for at least 8 glasses of water daily, and increase your intake during hot weather or exercise.

2. Manage Stress

Stress is a major trigger for migraines, so finding ways to manage it is essential. Incorporate stress-reducing activities like yoga, meditation, or deep breathing exercises into your daily routine.

3. Get Regular Exercise

Exercise helps improve blood flow and reduce tension in the muscles, both of which can help prevent migraines. Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate exercise most days of the week.

4. Maintain a Consistent Sleep Schedule

Sleep disturbances can trigger migraines, so it’s important to maintain a consistent sleep schedule. Aim for 7-9 hours of sleep per night and try to go to bed and wake up at the same time each day.

Why Choose Lavender Family Chiropractic for Migraine Relief?

At Lavender Family Chiropractic, we specialize in providing personalized, patient-centered care that addresses the root causes of your health issues. Our focus on Upper Cervical Chiropractic care allows us to offer a holistic approach to migraine management, helping you find lasting relief from pain and discomfort.

By combining chiropractic adjustments with nutritional guidance, such as the benefits of magnesium for migraines, we provide a comprehensive treatment plan that supports your overall health and well-being.

If you’re ready to explore natural, effective solutions for migraine relief, contact Lavender Family Chiropractic today to schedule a consultation. Together, we can help you achieve a life free from the limitations of migraines. Our full guide to migraine treatment in Sarasota covers types, triggers, and how we evaluate the neck’s role.

What the Research Says About Magnesium and Migraine

Magnesium is one of the few supplements with randomized-trial support for migraine. A meta-analysis of randomized trials found that intravenous magnesium reduced acute migraine within 15 to 45 minutes, and that oral magnesium reduced both the frequency and the intensity of attacks (Chiu et al., Pain Physician 2016). That makes sense given what migraine is: a disorder involving the trigeminovascular system and the neuropeptide CGRP, affecting more than a billion people and leading the causes of disability among those under 50 (Ashina, N Engl J Med 2020). Magnesium is inexpensive and generally well tolerated, which is why many headache specialists include it in a prevention plan alongside, not instead of, other evidence-based measures. Dose and form should be worked out with your physician.

A supplement calms the nervous system from the inside; the neck is a separate input that deserves its own look. In a prospective study of migraine attacks, neck pain was present more often than nausea (Calhoun et al., Headache 2010), a reminder that the top of the spine is part of the migraine picture for many people. On the treatment side, a systematic review and meta-analysis found spinal manipulation reduced migraine days and pain intensity, while calling for larger and better-designed trials (Rist et al., Headache 2019). We see magnesium and upper cervical care as compatible. Our part is to take 3D imaging of the atlas, deliver a correction that matches the imaging, and re-measure to confirm that the upper-neck component is actually changing.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does magnesium help with migraines?

Magnesium calms nerve excitability, supports blood vessel tone, and is involved in the brain’s response to the cortical spreading wave linked to migraine aura. Many migraine sufferers run low, and neurologists often recommend supplementation. It is a worthwhile piece of the picture. What magnesium cannot do is change the position of the atlas. If the upper neck is feeding irritation into the trigeminocervical complex, we address that structurally and measure the nervous system’s response with thermography before and after.

Can I take magnesium and also do upper cervical care?

Yes, and the two address different things. Magnesium works on the chemistry of nerve excitability; upper cervical care works on the structure that feeds the migraine generator in the brainstem. Supplement decisions and dosing belong with your physician or neurologist, and we coordinate with them. Our part is to measure the atlas and axis on 3D cone-beam CT, correct the alignment with a low-force technique, and confirm regulation changes with thermography at each visit. Many patients do both. Results vary by person.

What if magnesium helped a little but my migraines keep coming?

That pattern usually means a contributor has not been addressed. The upper neck feeds the trigeminocervical complex directly, and a misaligned atlas keeps that region irritable regardless of magnesium levels. People who have optimized diet, sleep, and supplements and still get migraines are the ones we most often find with a measurable misalignment. We confirm it on CBCT, correct the alignment, and track thermography. Serious causes should be ruled out by a physician first.

How do you know if the neck is involved in my migraines?

Three things point to it: a history of whiplash, concussion, or a fall, even years ago; thermography showing uneven nervous system regulation; and 3D cone-beam CT showing the atlas or axis out of position. Neck stiffness, pain at the base of the skull before an attack, and migraines that favor one side are common clues too. If the findings line up, we correct the alignment and measure the response. If they do not, we say so and refer.

Do you see migraine patients from Bradenton who are already on supplements?

Yes, frequently. Many arrive from Bradenton, Lakewood Ranch, University Park, and Venice already taking magnesium, riboflavin, or preventive medication, and we work alongside that plan. Our office is at 5899 Whitfield Avenue, Suite 107, Sarasota, at the corner of University Parkway and Whitfield. Bring your neurology notes so we can coordinate and share imaging on request. We are cash-pay and out-of-network and provide superbills. Call (941) 243-3729 to schedule an evaluation.