BEST EVIDENCE BASED METHODS FOR GETTING MIGRAINE AND HEADACHE RELIEF

Understanding your Migraine and Headache Triggers

Migraines are strong headaches often associated with light sensitivity, that tend to get worse with physical activity, and can last hours to days. 

Not all headaches are migraines. A migraine is a specific subtype of headache. Your migraine symptoms may include any combination of the following:

• pain on one side of your head

• a throbbing sensation in your head

• sensitivity to bright light or sounds

• blurred vision or vision changes, which are referred to as “aura”

• vertigo

• nausea

• vomiting

There are certain stages of migraines that can warn you a migraine attack is coming. If you can identify your warning sign you may be able to stave off a severe migraine with techniques such as stopping physical activity, shutting lights off and resting, or taking doctor prescribed medications. 

Stages of Migraine include:

• Prodrome

• Aura

• Attack

• Postdrome

Much is still unclear about what causes migraines. They likely have at least some genetic components. Evidence is also suggesting you either have a “migrainous brain” or you don’t.; meaning a person has sensitivities to triggers that others have no issue with. Environmental factors also appear to play a part. For example, the following factors can trigger migraines:

• certain foods

• food additives

• hormonal changes, such as the drop in estrogen that occurs either right before or after a woman’s period

• alcohol

• stress

• exercise, or sudden movements

• visually busy environments

• noise and different odors

• Lack of sleep: Click Here to Learn my best sleep hygiene tips

• Skipping meals

• Weather changes

• Neck dysfunction or muscle tightness

Common conservative treatments along with neurology include identifying migraine and headache triggers and eliminating these triggers. An elimination diet or food diary is a common method of managing migraine and headache triggers. 

Bucket Theory

A theory known now as the “bucket theory” is a great way to explain how triggers sometimes cause symptoms and symptoms have little effect. Think of an empty bucket. Now think of each trigger as a drop in that bucket. One or two triggers do very little to affect how that bucket is filled, but add 5 triggers to that bucket and now the bucket will spill over. This spill over is the migraine attack. Consider 3 triggers you have little to no control over: weather changes, hormones, and excess stress. Those are already 3 drops in your bucket! So what happens if you skip meals, stay up late, and have neck tightness from working on the computer? You will add 3 more drops in the bucket. Add a glass of wine, some brei cheese, and salami and you just added 3 more triggers that will likely allow your “bucket” to spill over and cause a migraine attack. 

Everyone has a different threshold, so it takes time to assess whether you are affected by just 3 or 9 triggers. Keeping your bucket as empty as possible is the best way to avoid an attack. If you need help identifying your triggers and treating some of your triggers let Custom Care Rehab help you in finding relief today! 

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