Integrative Migraine Pain Alleviation Through Chiropractic Therapy
United States61 participantsStarted 2017-06-07
Plain-language summary
This pilot study evaluates the addition of chiropractic treatment to conventional neurological care in the treatment of migraine headaches in adult women. Half of the participants will receive 10 chiropractic treatments in addition to their usual care over a 14 week period, while the other half will continue their usual medical care alone, as prescribed by their physician during that time period.
Who can participate
Age range
20 Years – 55 Years
Sex
FEMALE
See this in plain English?
AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.
Inclusion Criteria:
* Diagnosis of episodic migraine with or without aura (International Classification of Headache Disorders-II)
* 4 to 13 days with migraines/month
* More than one year of migraines
* Agreeable to participate, commit to all study procedures, and to be randomized to either group
* Fluent in English (required to complete self-report instruments)
Exclusion Criteria:
* Currently, or having received chiropractic care in past 3 months for any condition
* Any major systemic illness or unstable medical or psychiatric condition (e.g. Parkinson's disease, cancer) requiring immediate treatment or that could lead to difficulty complying with the protocol
* History of stroke, carotid artery dissection, or vertebral artery dissection
* Head or neck trauma within the past year
* Diagnosis of medication overuse headache (International Classification of Headache Disorders-II)
* Began use of new prophylactic medication for migraine headaches within the last 3 months
* Currently taking prophylactic migraine medications other than propranolol and topiramate
* Failure to complete baseline diary recordings of migraine activity and medication use during run-in phase
* Currently, or having received Botox treatment for migraine
* Current alcohol or substance abuse (self-reported)
* Diagnosis of Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome
Questions worth asking your doctor
Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.
1Based on my diagnosis and history, is this trial worth exploring for me — or is there a standard treatment we should try first?
2What does this trial's phase tell us about how much is already known about its safety and benefit?
3What would taking part actually involve for me — visits, tests, time, and travel?
4What are the known and possible risks or side effects I should weigh, and how would they be monitored?
5If this trial isn't the right fit, what other options or trials would you suggest I look into?
Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.
Questions for the trial coordinator
The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.
1What does taking part actually involve week to week — how many visits, where, and how long does each one take?
2What costs are covered by the study, and what might I have to pay for myself, including travel, parking, or time off work?
3What happens during screening, and what happens if the study team confirms I don't meet the criteria after those tests?
4Who pays for the scans, blood work, and other tests the trial requires — the study, my insurance, or me?
5How will being in the trial affect my regular care, and will my own doctor stay informed and involved?
6Can I leave the trial at any point if I change my mind, and what would happen to my care if I do?
A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.
What they're measuring
1
Change from baseline to the last four weeks of the intervention period in the number of migraine days.
Timeframe: From the baseline period to week 11 through week 14.