A Guide to Effectively Preventing Vacation Migraine

October 17, 2021

Guide to Effectively Preventing Vacation Migraine

When you're on a vacation trip to let go of life stresses, the last thing you would want is a migraine attack. Every upper cervical chiropractor for migraines has probably heard their patients express this fear. It is because plane rides and travel are known migraine triggers. It's not just the motion sickness from boats and planes that can trigger this debilitating pain, but stress from the trip can also bring on the attack. 

What is a Vacation Migraine?

As the name suggests, a vacation migraine is a type of migraine that attacks during a vacation. It is pretty common for migraine sufferers. One of the primary triggers of vacation migraines is the stress ‘let-down’ or the sudden drop in stress levels. 

You can be in a very stress-heavy week, and things can drastically slow down when you get on vacation. As a result, your brain reacts in the least way that you want – it induces a series of debilitating migraine headaches that ruins your supposedly relaxing day. 

Aside from the stress let-down, migraine attacks can also be triggered by increased stress levels in your body. The common stressors during a vacation are:

  • Budgeting
  • Packing of things
  • Finding an excellent place to stay
  • Dealing with delayed flights
  • Losing your passport at the airport

Other Triggers of Migraine Attacks During Vacation

If you think you have a very good ability in managing stress, we are sorry to break this to you: increased stress and decline in stress levels are not the only migraine triggers. Migraineurs open up about their common migraine triggers during consultations, and every chiropractor for migraines recognizes that there’s a lot that can spark an episode!  Let’s discuss them now. 

Dehydration 

Water is vital for our body to prevent pain and other health issues. But when you lose more body fluid than you consume, dehydration occurs. This then can affect your body's ability to carry out its optimal function. 

Air travel can be dehydrating. When you switch from one environment to another, it's so easy to forget the habit of drinking enough water at certain times. Drinking alcohol can also cause dehydration. When you fail to fuel your body with enough water after drinking out with friends on a vacation night, you'll surely wake up the next day with a cruel hangover and an excruciating migraine. 

Irregular sleeping schedule

When you fly from one country to another, you're most likely to experience jet lag. This kind of sleep disturbance is one of the most common causes of migraine attacks on travelers. Both insufficient and excessive sleep patterns can trigger acute to severe migraine episodes. 

Vacation Migraine, chiropractor for migraines

Best Tips to Avoid Vacation Migraines

#1. Ease your mind

It may sound cliché, but taking a nature walk can help free your mind from any disturbing stress. Without the noise of the city and technology, you will feel relaxed and at peace. Being in a calm state can help you think better and make better decisions before, during, and after your trip. 

#2. Plan ahead of time 

Making initial plans before the day of your vacation can surely save you from stress. Make some time in preparing your luggage one or two days ahead, so you can have plenty of time to relax before you get to your destination. Planning for your vacation can also help you save way more money. Many tour companies offer better prices for those who reserve in advance. 

#3. Do not forget to rehydrate

Do not forget to hydrate your body with enough water before and during your vacation–especially during plane rides. This is one thing that you should not cross out from your vacation routine, especially if you are prone to migraine attacks. Dehydration does not only worsen your jet lag but can also make it harder for you to enjoy your trip due to a dreaded migraine. 

#4. Watch your diet

It's so easy to get tempted to eat unhealthy snacks and meals during your trip. Foods that can trigger migraine attacks are hard to resist. Self-control is vital to maintain a healthy diet and healthy eating schedule during your vacation. Also, do not ever skip meals. It would be helpful to bring healthy snacks around to have something to grab whenever you feel hungry.

#5. Be more mindful of your triggers

Minimize or completely avoid exposure to your migraine triggers, especially during a vacation. Some of the most common migraine triggers you can encounter during a vacation include temperature changes, bright lights, strong odors, deafening noises, and strong odors. 

To avoid such triggers, ensure to pack earplugs or headphones, sunglasses, handkerchiefs, and clothes that match different types of weather changes. It is also important to visit places or restaurants where smoking is prohibited or an open restaurant where smoke from cigarettes will be less concentrated. 

#6. Receive upper cervical care

Upper cervical chiropractic technique focuses on getting to the root of the migraine. Therefore, it can help relieve the debilitating effect of migraine attacks. 

Many people who seek the help of an upper cervical chiropractor for migraines are thankful for the care they receive. Upper cervical chiropractors can carefully assess, diagnose, and best manage migraine headaches. They work by gently adjusting the misalignments in the upper neck. This precise adjustment ensures a decrease in the intensity and frequency of migraine attacks. 

Prevent Vacation Migraine by Visiting an Upper Cervical Chiropractor   

It's essential to take your migraines seriously, especially when you are someone who travels a lot. Consulting an upper cervical chiropractor for migraines near you is the first step towards achieving migraine relief. After getting upper cervical chiropractic care, you'd be able to create wonderful and pain-free travel memories. Make your vacation worthwhile again. 

Find An Upper Cervical Doctor in Your Areato schedule a consultation today.

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