Migraines are a common problem and you shouldn’t have to put up with them.
The NHS estimates that around 6 million people regularly suffer from debilitating headaches every year. As it’s Migraine Awareness Week 2023, we’re going to explore why they happen and give you some easy, actionable tips to start your road to recovery.
What exactly is a migraine?
It varies from person to person, but a migraine is generally classified as a very painful headache accompanied by dots or flashes of light in your vision, or even a temporary loss of sight in one or both eyes. It can also make you feel sick and make you feel more sensitive to smell and taste. Most people suffer from a migraine once or twice in their life and, although they can be alarming, they very rarely indicate a deeper problem.
What triggers a migraine?
The most common triggers for migraines include stress, lack of sleep, hormonal changes in the menstrual cycle, new medication and changes in weather. Women are three times as likely to be affected than men. They are also most common in people aged between 10 and 40. Migraines can also be made worse by tension or pain in the neck, which in turn can lead to lack of sleep and stress, creating a vicious cycle.
What should you do in the short term?
The best way to relieve a migraine immediately is to lie in a quiet, dark room with your eyes closed and wait for it to pass. It’s also important to keep hydrated, as this will keep your muscles from seizing up and making the pain worse. It can be helpful to take an NSAID (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug) like ibuprofen to help ease your discomfort. However, if you’re suffering from regular migraines, it’s worth trying long term solutions to find lasting relief.
What should you do in the long term?
People who suffer from regular migraines often have chronic tension in their neck and shoulder muscles. Misalignment of the spine can also irritate the nerves in the head, neck and face, making migraines more likely. Chiropractic treatment can prevent recurrence through spinal manipulation, massage and acupressure. A chiropractor can also recommend exercises and lifestyle changes that will reduce your chances of getting migraines in the future.
If you’d like to ward off migraines for good, book in with us now. We’re always happy to help you.