Migraines are more than just headaches. They are a complex neurological condition that can cause a wide range of symptoms, including severe headache, nausea, vomiting, light sensitivity, and even changes in vision.
According to the Migraine Research Foundation, migraines are the 3rd most prevalent illness in the world, affecting 39 million men, women, and children in the United States and 1 billion people worldwide. If you are one of them, knowing the top triggers for migraines can help you avoid them.
Understanding Migraines
Migraines can affect anyone, but they are most common in adults aged 18 to 44. They tend to run in families, and about 90% of migraine sufferers have a family history of migraines. This suggests that genetics play a significant role in determining who gets migraines.
Unlike common tension headaches, which occur in band-like patterns and are recurring, and cluster headaches, which affect one side of the face and head, migraines are throbbing headaches that can prevent you from sleeping, resting, or working. They mostly occur in women and are accompanied by light and sound sensitivity. Even worse, migraines can last for up to 72 hours.
Common Migraine Triggers and Symptoms
Recognizing what triggers your migraines and understanding symptoms can be crucial steps in managing and preventing future attacks. Here are some of the most common triggers and symptoms:
Triggers:
- Stress: Often considered the most common trigger for migraines.
- Food and Drinks: Aged cheeses, alcohol (especially red wine), and foods containing nitrates (like processed meats) or MSG.
- Sleep Changes: Either too much or too little sleep can provoke a migraine.
- Sensory Stimuli: Bright lights, loud sounds, and strong smells. In fact, approximately 80% of people who experience migraines are sensitive to light.
- Weather Changes: Shifts in barometric pressure can initiate a migraine.
- Hormonal Changes: For women, menstrual cycles are a common trigger due to changes in estrogen levels.
Other possible migraine triggers include physical strain, medications, and changes in the weather.
Symptoms:
- Pain on one side of your head: Though it can occur on both sides.
- Pulsating, throbbing pain: Intensity can vary from moderate to severe.
- Sensitivity to light and sound
- Nausea and vomiting
- Aura: For some people, auras act as a warning sign that a migraine is about to begin. Auras can include visual disturbances, like seeing shapes, bright spots, or flashes of light.
How to Avoid Migraine Headaches
While it might not be possible to completely avoid migraines, there are strategies you can employ to reduce their frequency and severity:
- Identify and avoid triggers: Keep a headache diary to help identify possible triggers.
- Maintain a regular sleep schedule: Go to bed and wake up at the same time every day.
- Stay hydrated: Dehydration can trigger migraines, so drink plenty of water throughout the day.
- Manage stress: Techniques such as yoga, meditation, and regular exercise can help.
- Eat regularly: Skipping meals can trigger migraines, so maintain a regular eating schedule.
- Limit caffeine and alcohol intake: Both can be migraine triggers.
How Physical Therapy with H2 Health Can Help
At H2 Health, we understand how debilitating migraines can be. That is why our therapists are specially trained to help manage migraines through physical therapy. Our approach includes:
- Manual Therapy: Techniques such as massage and neck mobilization can reduce muscle tension and relieve migraine symptoms.
- Posture Training: Poor posture can contribute to the onset of migraines. We teach exercises that strengthen the muscles around the neck and improve posture.
- Stress-Relief Techniques: We provide training in relaxation techniques to help manage stress, a common trigger for migraines.
- Customized Exercise Plans: Regular, moderate exercise can reduce the frequency and severity of migraines. We design exercise plans tailored to your needs and abilities.
Migraine Treatment Near You
Don’t let migraines control your life. At H2 Health, we are committed to helping you manage your symptoms and improve your quality of life.
If you are struggling with migraines and want to see how physical therapy can help, we invite you to schedule an appointment with one of our specially trained therapists. H32 Health has locations throughout the United States, including Inverness, Florida, so there is bound to be one near you.
Contact us today to learn more about our migraine management program and how we can help you find relief. Call (800) 699-9395 or use our convenient Request an Appointment form to schedule your visit.
Take the first step towards managing your migraines and reclaiming your life. We are here to help you every step of the way.
Sources
https://migraine.com/migraine-statistics
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/migraine-headache/symptoms-causes/syc-20360201
