You might have heard of migraines and how they can impact a person’s life, but did you know that their overall effects may differ depending on your gender? Although the symptoms in males and females are similar, studies note that a few key distinctions should be considered when addressing and managing migraines in men.
In this post, we'll cover some of those differences to help you better understand how although men may seem bigger and tougher on the surface, they still have the same upper cervical structure that needs just as much attention. We’ll also share the best migraine relief tip so you can help any man in your life manage or avoid debilitating headaches.
While it's more common for women to get migraines, there's no reason to think men can't get them too. As we said above, they still have the same upper cervical structure as their female counterparts. Here are some migraine facts in men that would be handy to know so you can help your male partner or friend cope.
Migraine in men is often associated with high blood pressure and a higher risk of stroke. While both sexes can experience the same symptoms, like an aura or visual changes during a migraine, this symptom is less common among men than in women. However, men tend to experience nausea, vomiting, and sensitivity to light more, which are all symptoms that can be caused by a more serious underlying medical condition rather than just being part of the migraine itself. Other symptoms that may be more prevalent in men are more intense neck, shoulder, and jaw pains.
A considerable percentage of people who experience migraine with aura are men. Migraines with aura are a major risk factor for chronic migraine, which is prevalent both in men and women, mostly because of several risk factors such as hormonal imbalances and physical overexertion. Other males also associate their attacks with pain medication abuse. Approximately one-third of these male patients with chronic migraine report medication overuse headache (MOH) as a symptom. MOH refers to the development of rebound headaches that occur within days or weeks after stopping overused acute medications such as NSAIDs and triptans. The rationale behind this is that men are more likely to choose the “tougher,” “simpler,” and ‘’not much talk” options when it comes to addressing their pain, like the fuzz-free method of just taking medication. Sometimes, affected male migraineurs forget that pain relievers aren’t a long-term solution to their problem.
Men tend to be less likely to complain about pain and therefore are less likely to seek medical help for a “mere” headache.This is because men are generally more stoic than women when it comes to their health. They tend not to want others around them worrying about them, so they will push through the pain quietly and hope it goes away on its own.Of course, this isn't always possible or advisable if you're experiencing a severe migraine attack that requires immediate medical attention. But if your symptoms aren't that bad and you just need relief from the throbbing in your head until they pass away on their own—which can take anywhere between 15 minutes and 3 hours—it may be helpful for you if someone close by knows what's going on.
High-intensity sports (which are more popular with men) can also bring on migraines, especially if for male migraineurs who haven't been active in a long time. The sudden increase in blood pressure and heart rate from physical activity can trigger the onset of a migraine. If you're prone to migraines, talk with your doctor about whether it's safe for you to participate in strenuous activities, such as running or high-impact bodybuilding exercises.
If a migraine does strike while you're exercising or otherwise exerting yourself physically, stop what you're doing to prevent further damage—and pain!—to your head. A warm compress applied directly over the forehead can help relieve some of the symptoms associated with moderate headaches like these, and don’t forget to hydrate!
Considering men’s lifestyles and perspectives on things, it may be advisable for them to take an approach other than medication in managing their migraines. One great way to try is upper cervical chiropractic.Upper cervical chiropractic care is an effective and holistic relief option for migraine in men. It could also be used as a preventative measure against migraines and other types of headaches, as well as any other health conditions that may be caused by subluxations (misalignments) in your spine.Chiropractors can locate, identify and correct these misalignment issues through spinal adjustments, which can help reduce the frequency of migraines you experience. These adjustments are gentle and safe—so they're a great choice if you're unsure what other types of remedies might work best for your condition or if you already have qualms about taking medications.
If you are ready to try this new approach to migraine relief and management, the first step is to get a credible chiropractor to work with you. The best way you can do that is by visiting Upper Cervical Awareness and taking advantage of our Doctors Directory. It is a searchable database of all the accredited doctors of chiropractic in the United States who are committed to helping patients get out of pain and stay healthy. So what else are you waiting for? Find a chiropractor near you now!
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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.
