Migraines can be excruciatingly painful and disruptive, affecting millions of individuals worldwide. Seeking relief and preventing migraines is a quest for many to lead a better quality of life. That is, simply, to be able to do what you need to do and what you want to do! While there’s no guaranteed method to completely prevent migraines, there are strategies and lifestyle changes that can significantly reduce their frequency, duration and intensity.
In this blog, we will explore the possibility of preventing migraines and offer our proven process and give you more strategic tactics to help you manage and prevent migraines. Understanding the various types of migraines is also important to be aware of.
Read about the various conditions we treat.
Understanding Migraines
Before delving into prevention strategies, it’s crucial to understand what migraines are and why they occur. Migraines are a complex neurological condition characterized by recurrent, moderate to severe headaches that can last for hours to days. They often come with other symptoms, such as nausea, dizziness, vomiting, sensitivity to light and sound, and aura (visual disturbances).
A migraine episode will occur when these triggers push brainstem sensitivity above a certain threshold. People can become confused about their triggers because, more often than not, several triggers need to occur together to bring on a migraine episode. These triggers can vary from person to person. Common migraine triggers include stress, hormonal changes, certain foods, environmental factors, to name a few. From research we know that about 80% of headache and migraine sufferers have a neck component to their problem. So, the neck is a major player!! The irony is that you don’t necessarily have to have neck pain for you to have a problem with the upper neck. Our practitioners are trained in Watson Headache® Approach. This Approach is taught internationally and is recognised for its unparalleled diagnostic accuracy, confirming or ruling out relevant neck disorders. It is the only manual cervical approach scientifically validated to diminish the underlying disorder in migraine.
To effectively prevent migraines, it’s important to identify and manage these triggers. And that is what we will help you with and guide you.
Read about Our proven process
Read about Watson Headache® Approach technique
Read about understanding triggers
Preventative Strategies
- The neck – Posture and exercises: The neck can have a major impact on brainstem sensitivity and hence, migraines. This is because the nerves from the upper neck connect directly into that region of your brain. Additionally, stiffness and tightness in the upper neck can cause more frequent migraines. We can reduce the neck’s impact on migraines by maintaining good posture and doing some specific exercises for the area.
- Lifestyle Modifications: Making healthy lifestyle choices is key to preventing migraines. Ensure you maintain a regular sleep schedule, stay hydrated, and eat balanced meals. Avoid excessive caffeine and alcohol, as these can trigger migraines in some people. Read about sleep hygiene Read about pillows
- Stress Management: Stress is a well-known migraine trigger. Engage in relaxation techniques like yoga, meditation, deep breathing, and exercise to help manage stress. Regular physical activity can also release endorphins, which act as natural pain relievers.
- Dietary Changes: Identify and avoid foods that trigger migraines for you. Common dietary triggers include aged cheeses, wine, chocolate, citrus, processed foods, artificial sweeteners, and monosodium glutamate (MSG). Keeping a food diary can be helpful in pinpointing your specific triggers. Read about the role of diet
- Hormonal Management: Hormonal fluctuations, especially in women, can be a significant trigger for migraines. Discuss hormonal management options with your healthcare provider if you suspect this is a contributing factor. Read about menstrual migraine
- Medication: Your healthcare provider may prescribe preventive medications if your migraines are frequent and severe. These medications are taken regularly to reduce the frequency and intensity of migraine attacks. Read about medications
- Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT): CBT can be an effective tool for managing migraines, especially when stress and psychological factors play a significant role in their occurrence
Is Prevention Truly Possible?
While complete prevention of migraines may be elusive for some individuals, the goal, at the very least, should be effective management and reduction of their frequency, duration and intensity. By implementing a combination of the strategies mentioned above and working closely with a healthcare provider, many migraine sufferers can experience a substantial improvement in their quality of life.
It’s important to remember that what works for one person may not work for another, and it may take time to identify the most effective preventive measures for your specific situation. The key is persistence and a proactive approach to managing migraines. With the right strategies, you can regain control over your life and enjoy relief from the burden of recurrent migraines.
Book A Migraine/Headache Assessment
Book online or give us a call on 1300MyHeadache (1300 694 323) to organise an assessment with Sydney Headache & Migraine Centre and learn more about what causes your migraines and how we can help treat them.
