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.
Those who suffer from migraines know the severity of the condition and 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 auras. 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, particularly 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:
What is a migraine?
A migraine is a neurological condition characterised by recurring attacks of moderate to severe headache, usually affecting one side of the head, although it can occur on both sides. The pain is often described as throbbing or pulsating and may last anywhere from 4 to 72 hours if left untreated. Many people experience additional symptoms before, during, or after the headache itself, making migraines very different from tension headaches or other common forms of head pain.
What causes migraines?
Physical causes for an attack can include tiredness and insufficient sleep, shoulder or neck tension, poor posture, and overexertion, although there’s no solid reason found in research for why migraines occur. For now, we can speculate on the causes of migraines, and they can include:
Genetics
Migraines often run in families. If one or both of your parents experience migraines, you’re more likely to develop them yourself. Researchers have identified several genes that may increase susceptibility, particularly in people who experience migraines with aura.
Changes in brain chemistry
Fluctuations in neurotransmitters -particularly serotonin – appear to play an important role in migraine attacks. Changes in serotonin levels can affect how the brain processes pain and influence the dilation and constriction of blood vessels. Other chemicals, such as calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP), are also involved in the development of migraine pain and are now targets for newer migraine medications.
Hormonal changes
Many women notice migraines become more frequent around hormonal changes. Common hormonal triggers include:
- Menstruation
- Pregnancy
- Menopause
- Hormonal contraception
- Hormone replacement therapy (HRT)
This helps explain why migraines are more common in women than men.
Stress
Emotional stress is one of the most commonly reported migraine triggers. Work pressure, anxiety, family responsibilities, and major life events can all contribute to migraine attacks. Interestingly, some people experience migraines not during stressful periods but when stress begins to subside – sometimes referred to as a “weekend migraine.”
Sleep problems
Both too little and too much sleep can trigger migraines. Common sleep-related factors include:
- Poor sleep quality
- Shift work
- Jet lag
- Irregular sleep schedules
- Insomnia
Maintaining a regular sleep routine may help reduce the frequency of attacks for some people.
Diet & dehydration
Skipping meals or becoming dehydrated is a well-recognised migraine trigger. Certain foods and drinks may also trigger migraines in some individuals, although these vary from person to person. Potential dietary triggers include:
- Alcohol (particularly red wine)
- Excess caffeine
- Caffeine withdrawal
- Aged cheeses
- Processed meats
- Chocolate (for some people)
- Foods containing monosodium glutamate (MSG)
- Artificial sweeteners
Not everyone with migraines is affected by food triggers, so it’s important not to eliminate foods unnecessarily without evidence that they trigger your symptoms.
Environmental factors
Changes in your surroundings can sometimes trigger migraines. These may include:
- Bright lights
- Flashing lights
- Strong smells
- Loud noises
- Hot weather
- Sudden weather changes
- High humidity
Some people are particularly sensitive to sensory stimulation during the early stages of a migraine.
Physical factors
Certain physical activities or health conditions may contribute to migraines, including:
- Poor posture
- Neck tension
- Intense exercise (for some people)
- Fatigue
- Muscle tension
While these factors may contribute to symptoms in some people, migraines are a neurological condition rather than simply a result of muscle tightness or poor posture.
What are the common migraine triggers?
Every person with migraines is different, but some of the most commonly reported triggers include:
- Stress
- Lack of sleep
- Hormonal changes
- Skipping meals
- Dehydration
- Alcohol
- Bright lights
- Strong smells
- Weather changes
- Certain foods
- Illness
- Excessive screen time
- Physical exhaustion
Keeping a migraine diary can help identify patterns and personal triggers over time.
What are the symptoms of a migraine?
Migraines involve more than head pain. Common symptoms include:
- Moderate to severe headache
- Throbbing or pulsating pain
- Pain on one or both sides of the head
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Sensitivity to light
- Sensitivity to sound
- Sensitivity to smells
- Difficulty concentrating
- Fatigue
Physical activity often makes migraine pain worse, leading many people to seek a quiet, dark room until symptoms improve.
How are migraines treated?
Here's how Central Chiropractic Clinic can help
Unfortunately, there is no known cure for migraines or headaches. Many people take over-the-counter medicines to suppress 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.
