Migraines

Migraines can have a significant impact on daily life, causing debilitating pain and a range of symptoms that can vary from person to person. According to estimates, around 10 million people between the ages of 15 and 69 suffer from migraines, resulting in a total of 43 million lost days from work or education each year. In recognition of National Migraine Awareness Week, this blog will provide more information on migraines and share tips for managing them.

 

Migraines are thought to occur due to overactivity in the brain, which can temporarily impact nerve signals, chemicals, and blood vessels. Triggers for migraines can vary from person to person and include strong smells, changes in weather, hormonal changes, lack of sleep, stress, certain foods, bright lights, lack of exercise, and medication overuse.

 

The symptoms of migraines can also vary from person to person and can include pounding or clamping sensations in the head, face, or neck, sensitivity to light or sound, nausea, and aura symptoms such as changes in vision or sensation. Managing migraines is a personal experience, and there is no one-size-fits-all approach, but there are some things that can help prevent them.

 

Keeping a diary of migraines and their triggers can be helpful in identifying patterns and making proactive changes. Seeking help from a healthcare provider, such as a chiropractor, can also be beneficial. Chiropractic care aims to improve the function of the spine and nervous system, which includes the brain and can have a direct impact on migraines.

 

If you struggle with migraines or know someone who does, it’s important to take them seriously and seek help if they become frequent. Health care providers can guide you and offer natural approaches for managing migraines.

 

*Whilst the majority of headaches are not sinister, there are some that need urgent attention. If you experience a headache which you have not experienced before such as an abrupt, severe headache (the most painful you have ever had), a headache with fever, stiff neck, confusion, seizures, double vision, numbness or weakness to your arm or leg, experience a headache after a head injury, or a chronic headache that is worse after coughing, sudden movement or straining, or you are over 50, then I would recommend that you seek medical attention immediately by calling 999 to rule out any serious conditions.

 

References:

 

1. NHS England. (2020). Improved NHS migraine care to save thousands of hospital stays. Retrieved from NHS England: https://www.england.nhs.uk/2020/01/improved-nhs-migraine-care/

 

2. The Migraine Trust. (2021). Impact of migraine. Retrieved from The Migraine Trust: https://migrainetrust.org/understand-migraine/impact-of-migraine/

 

3. NHS. (2019) Migraine. Retrieved from NHS: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/migraine/causes/

 

4. Migraine.Org. (2022). What is migraine? Retrieved from https://migraine.org.uk/learn/what-is-migraine/

 

 

The content of this blog is for educational purposes and is not intended to offer personal medical advice. You should seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read in this blog.