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Migraines can really sap your energy and leave you disabled for days afterward. This condition is endemic in the times we are living in. The International Headache Society has certain criteria which must be met to classify head pain as migraines and tension headaches. Using this as a basis, the number of adults who have an active headache disorder fall in the range of 46% for general headaches, 11% for migraines, 42% for tension headaches, and 3% for chronic daily headaches. This brings headache disorders into the 10 most disabling conditions for both males and females. It brings them into the 5 most disabling for women alone.
So, just what is a migraine? And why does it occur?
A migraine is often described as an intense pulsing or throbbing pain usually only affecting one side of the head. However, much more is involved. To be diagnosed, according to the International Headache Society, a migraine must meet the following criteria:
- Number of attacks: at least 5 lasting anywhere from 4 to 72 hours
- Additional symptoms: nausea, vomiting, sensitivity to light and sound
Other interesting facts about migraines:
- Migraines are seen 3 times more often in women than in men
- About one-third of those who get migraines can tell when one is about to come on due to an aura – a visual disturbance that looks like flashing lights, zig-zag lines, or temporary loss of vision.
- People with migraines generally have recurring attacks brought about by various triggers, such as stress, hormonal changes, bright or flashing lights, lack of food or sleep, etc..
- Some women experience migraines due to changes in hormone levels during menstruation.
- For years, it was believed that migraines were due to the dilation and constriction of blood vessels in the head. It is now thought migraines are genetic in origin.
- Migraines are not just a bad headache but are neurologically based. A headache is a major symptom of migraines.
Triggers for Migraines
Here is a list of some of the most common triggers that may be bringing on your migraines:
Stress:
- Arguments
- Crying
- Depression and anxiety
- Worry
- Major life changes
- Lack of sleep
- Too much exercise
Environmental Factors:
- Strong odors
- Excessive noise
- Bright sunlight or fluorescent lighting
- Heat and humidity
- Change in barometric pressure
- Chemicals used in new clothing or new carpets
- Cleaners – ammonia and bleach
- Beauty product chemicals
- Allergens – pet dander, dust, pollen
Overuse of Small Muscles in the Body:
- Excessively playing video games or using the computer
- Reading with improper glasses or bad lighting
- TMJ and tooth grinding
- Imbalanced movement because of injury
- Using the wrong pillow or sleeping on an old mattress
- Shivering
Body Chemistry Triggers:
- Monthly menstrual cycle
- Medication side effects
- Tooth decay or gum disease
- Illness
Dietary Triggers:
- Dehydration
- Too much or too little caffeine
- Lack of proper nutrients – B vitamins, magnesium, calcium, iron, potassium
- Fasting or skipping meals
- Food allergies – peanuts, dairy, gluten
Food Triggers:
- Alcohol
- Aspartame and other artificial sweeteners
- Avocado, bananas, figs, papaya, onions, pineapple, plums, raisins
- Liver – beef and chicken
- Baked goods – bread, doughnuts, sourdough bread, coffee cake
- Aged cheese
- MSG, meat tenderizer, seasoned salt
- Brewer’s yeast
- Caffeinated drinks – coffee, tea, and cola
- Canned herring or sardines
- Chocolate, cocoa, and carob
- Fermented, pickled, or marinated foods – olives, pickled fish, processed deli meat, sauerkraut, and pickles
- Canned soup or bouillon cubes
- Nuts and seeds
- Peanut butter
- Soy products – tofu and soy sauce
- Bacon, pork, and ham
- Pizza
- Broad bean pods – lima and navy beans, peas, snow peas, lentils
It is highly recommended that you keep a migraine diary if you are unaware of what your triggers may be. Keeping track of what you were doing before a migraine hit – even a few days before – can help you see a pattern develop. When you get to know what your triggers are and then begin to avoid them, you may see a significant reduction in the number of migraines you experience.
Caring for Migraines
When you visit your primary care doctor about migraines, he or she will probably begin by suggesting one of two things: either to prevent a migraine before it begins or to take something to relieve it as soon as you feel it coming on.
Prevention: This includes the use of behavior changes as well as medication. Drugs that are used for epilepsy, high blood pressure, or depression have proven to be effective in helping with migraines. Botulinum toxin A has also recently been used to care for chronic migraines. It is important to keep in mind, however, that all of these medications come with side effects that are often unwanted and dangerous.
Behavioral changes that may help relieve migraines include reducing stress, exercising regularly, practicing relaxation techniques, using biofeedback mechanisms, and similar therapies that limit daily discomfort. Being sure to be adequately hydrated and getting enough rest can also help.
Relief: This usually includes medications such as sumatriptan, ergotamine drugs, aspirin, and ibuprofen.
Natural Relief to Help Migraines
Here at Source Chiropractic and Wellness in Draper, Utah, we help our migraine patients by focusing on the alignment of the top bones of the upper cervical spine. If either the C1 (atlas) or C2 (axis) are out of alignment – even by ¼ of a millimeter – it can cause major problems in the body, including migraine headaches. We work with our patients to correct their specific misalignment. To do this, we employ a technique that is both gentle and precise. It does not require us to pop or crack the spine to get positive results. Our patients and those in case studies have seen their migraines improve greatly or go away entirely using this method.
To schedule a complimentary consultation with Dr. Cheney, call our Draper office at 385-331-7035. You can also click one of the buttons below.
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