Migraines

Migraines are not well understood. They can be extremely debilitating for an extended period of time. Migraines usually present on one side of the head, pounding or throbbing pain that is severe. It can be worse with activity or cause a sensitivity to light or sound. There may or may not be an aura or prodrome that accompanies migraines. If an aura is present, it will appear 15-30 minutes before a migraine. An aura can cause “blind” spots, sparkling lights, zigzag vision, or feeling of pins & needles in the arms or legs. Often times, when the aura presents, that is what migraine sufferers use a variety of treatments to reduce the intensity or longevity of the migraine.

Since the cause of a migraine is not well understood, there can be a number of triggers. It could be associated with an imbalance of brain chemicals, barometric pressure, a dysfunction of the cranial nerve V, trigger points or postural changes. Foods like alcohol, cheese, chocolate, fermented food, caffeine and sodium can cause migraines. They are seen more often in women which means that hormonal changes can lead to migraines.

There are lots of treatments for management migraines based on the cause. The biggest key is going to be finding what your triggers are for the migraines. Recommendation of migraine diary can be a great way to identify them. Things that should be included in your diary are what you consumed for food or drink, the weather, the time of your menstraul cycle, and stress. Medication is a big portion of management for migraines. Seeking out help from a neurologist to discuss different medical treatments that could be available to you. Performing aerobic exercise can reduce migraine frequency, intensity & duration. Aerobic exercise can range from walking, jogging ,running, cycling, anything that can get your heart rate elevated. By adding in 30 minutes of aerobic exercise daily, it can positively effect your migraines.

Migraines can be severe and scary especially if you have not had them before. There are symptoms associated with headaches that need more urgency due to having a more serious underlying condition. If the headache is new, severe, abrupt, cause mental confusion, fever, weakness, or trouble speaking, it is best to seek out care urgently. If there was a headache after a recent strep infection or the use of antibiotics, this could be the result of something more serious.

If you are wanting to get evaluated to understand where your headaches could be coming from, seek out a clinician near you to discuss what your options may be. Chiropractic care can benefit migraine sufferers to improve range of motion and reduce tension which can have a positive benefit on migraines.