Over 39 million people in the US alone experience migraines. That makes this one of the most common ailments in the world. What if you have recently been diagnosed with migraines? Here are 7 tips to help you cope with migraines in a natural and effective way.
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First of all, any time you receive a medical diagnosis, you should do some research to find out as much as you can on the topic. The Upper Cervical Awareness blog has an entire section with pages of articles on migraines. Knowing your enemy is a big part of the battle. Research can help make the condition less scary and can help you to deal with the stigma that often accompanies migraines.
Stress is one of the primary triggers for migraines. You can’t avoid all stress so having positive coping mechanisms is the key. Avoid negative stress relievers such as smoking or overindulging in alcohol as these can make migraines worse. What are some positive ways to deal with stress?
Getting a good night’s sleep each night is important for migraineurs for a number of reasons. First of all, sleep helps the brain to cope with pain better. Second, lack of sleep can trigger a migraine attack. In order to sleep better, try having a regular schedule where you go to bed and wake up at the same time every day. Also, avoid habits that inhibit sleep such as using mobile devices in bed at night. Updating things like your pillow or mattress can also help you to sleep better if you have been using the same ones for many years and have worn them out.
Missing a meal is another common migraine trigger. As a result, you should be sure to schedule three meals per day, even when you are busy. Don’t skip breakfast to get out the door on time or, if you have to, grab something you can eat at your desk right when you get to work. The same is true for lunch. If you are too busy at work to eat lunch, you may be in too much pain to even go to work tomorrow.
Many people take over-the-counter (OTC) pain medication without really reading the label or learning about how they work. While OTC pain meds (and even some prescription ones) can help relieve a painful headache, you can’t take most of these products on a regular basis. Rebound headaches occur from medication overuse. You may find that the frequency of your headaches decreases dramatically when you stop taking pain relievers for a week or two.
Exercise can benefit a migraineur in a number of ways. First of all, the feel-good hormones that are released when you work out can help your brain to cope with pain levels. Second, regular exercise is a good stress reliever, so it is a positive way to try and reduce how often you get migraines. Always be sure to consult a physician before starting a new exercise routine. If your headaches get worse with exertion, a common migraine headache symptom, be sure not to exercise during a migraine.
If you have never heard of this subspecialty of the chiropractic field, we are pleased to introduce you to this means of finding natural help for migraines and many other ailments that take place in the central nervous system (CNS). How is the upper cervical spine (top two bones in the neck) related to the CNS? Here are three ways.
Upper cervical chiropractic is based on a few principles that can help improve central nervous system function and potentially relieve migraines. First of all, it is focused on just the top bones in the neck. Because of this focus, attention to detail is possible, and precise measurements are taken. The precision, in turn, allows for very gentle adjustments that are both safe and long-lasting, giving the body the time it needs to heal.
If you are suffering from migraines, especially if you are experiencing neck pain either before or during an attack, upper cervical chiropractic care may be just the natural way to get migraine help that you have been searching for. To learn more, contact a practitioner in your area to schedule a no-obligation consultation.
TV show host Montel Williams describes how specific chiropractic care has helped his body.
The content and materials provided in this web site are for informational and educational purposes only and are not intended to supplement or comprise a medical diagnosis or other professional opinion, or to be used in lieu of a consultation with a physician or competent health care professional for medical diagnosis and/or treatment. All content and materials including research papers, case studies and testimonials summarizing patients' responses to care are intended for educational purposes only and do not imply a guarantee of benefit. Individual results may vary, depending upon several factors including age of the patient, severity of the condition, severity of the spinal injury, and duration of time the condition has been present.