Migraines are the third most common disease in the world, with an estimated global prevalence of one in seven people. Even though migraines are recognised as one of the most disabling lifetime conditions, awareness and understanding remain low.
This week from 1-7 September 2019 is Migraine Awareness Week, which aims to raise awareness of the condition and highlight its impact on lives and to support the millions of people affected daily. This is why we have provided all the information you need below to identify a migraine, and how you can find long term, effective pain relief.
For those that suffer from migraines who know the severity of the condition, know the impact it can have on life. A typical migraine attack can last from 3-72 hours with many people experiencing sensory disturbances called aura’s. These disturbances can include flashes of light, blind spots, vision distortion and sensitivity to light and sound.
The overall underlying cause for migraines is unknown, however, we understand that headache symptoms will affect a large majority of people at some point in their lives, In particular, women, who are three times as likely as men to experience migraines, this can be due to a variety of causes, such as an increase in hormone fluctuations.
Although many people who suffer can clearly identify triggers and patterns in symptoms that will cause an attack. The most common causes occur in physical and emotional manifestations:
Physical causes:
Physical causes for an attack can include tiredness and insufficient sleep, shoulder or neck tension, poor posture, and overexertion.
Emotional causes:
Stress, depression, anxiety, excitement, and shock can all trigger a migraine.
There are many other varieties of headaches that can equally have a lasting impact on people’s lives. The three most common recurring headaches are tension, cervicogenic and cluster headaches. Pain can range from moderate too severe and can last for different amounts of time; in rare cases, a headache can have serious underlying issues and must receive medical attention.
How we can provide relief:
Unfortunately, there is no known cure for migraines or headaches. Many people take over the counter medicines to subside the pain and for quick relief, however, many sufferers of migraines should seek long term and effective pain management.
Effective pain relief and treatments can vary, your local chiropractor or physiotherapist should be able to help you manage pain associated with migraines and headaches by teaching you or performing specialised exercises:
Neuromuscular massage:
Massage with a focus on trigger points within the back, shoulder, neck, and head may provide relief for migraines and tension.
Multidisciplinary care:
This approach combines physical therapy exercises, relaxation techniques, stress management, and dietary consulting, all of which has been found to be effective in reducing migraine pain, frequency, and duration.
Here at the Central Chiropractic Clinic, we provide our patients in Coventry and Warwickshire with professional and effective treatments for migraines, headaches, and tension headaches quickly and with lasting results.
For a consultation, or more information on migraines and how we can provide effective pain relief contact us today.