If you’ve ever experienced a migraine before, you know that its symptoms can be painful to kick. They can wreck your plans and take you out for up to 72 hours, which is never fun and never convenient. But what can you do to prevent and treat them? Let’s take a closer look.
What causes migraines?
There are a number of factors that can make you more susceptible to the onset of migraines. Common risk factors include gender, age, hormonal changes, and family medical history. Other variables can also trigger a migraine such as:
- Diet- If you suffer from migraines, try avoiding aged cheeses, processed foods, and foods that are high in sodium.
- Hormone changes- this is part of what makes women more susceptible to migraines than men. Fluctuations in hormone levels such as those associated with menstrual cycles and menopause can cause flare-ups. Other types of medication that contain hormones such as contraceptives can also contribute to these fluctuations and be a trigger for migraines.
- Sleep Patterns- not getting enough sleep or getting too much sleep can trigger a migraine. Time changes can also be a contributing factor to the upset of sleeping patterns.
- Stress
- Drinks- Drinks that contain caffeine or alcohol can trigger migraines
- Overstimulation- Intense smells, lights, and sounds can trigger migraines
- Weather and barometric pressure changes
- Overexertion- working out too hard and in some cases, sexual activity can cause migraine symptoms
Other factors such as medication overuse (common with over-the-counter painkillers) can also contribute to migraine symptoms.
What can I do to treat my migraines?
We are proud to offer our patients the best in class care and treatment for a variety of conditions. If you believe you are suffering from migraines, we would love to help you find relief. We recognize that each patient is unique, and we will adapt a treatment plan to work best for you. Many of our treatment plans include pain-relieving medications and preventative medications, but we will also counsel you on how to improve your lifestyle to steer clear of migraine triggers. For more information or to schedule a consultation, contact Clarksville Chiropractic Center today.