A Simple Guide to Making a Migraine Journal

August 8, 2021

Migraine Journal, chiropractor for migraines, Upper Cervical Care

Experiencing a migraine attack can be terrible, especially when you’re in the middle of a busy day. So one of the first things we suggest migraine patients do is get an adjustment from a chiropractor for migraines to keep an episode from making them feel grumpy and worn out. Besides Upper Cervical Care, other remedies can also help relieve migraineurs' pains. 

Migraine management techniques like keeping a migraine journal are also effective for people with chronic migraines. If you suffer from migraines and don’t have one yet, you can refer to our quick and easy guide to making a migraine journal below.  

 

What is a Migraine Journal?

A migraine journal is your written (or digitized) record of everything that has to do about your migraine episodes. It should include essential details such as the following:

What symptoms you had during your episode 

Migraine attacks can come with various symptoms aside from headaches. Some common examples of symptoms you might encounter include the following:

  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Vertigo
  • Visual disturbances (aura)
  • Sinus symptoms (watery eyes or stuffy nose)
  • Neck pain

When the symptoms started

Migraine episodes typically last for a couple of hours. However, some patients note experiencing pain and other symptoms for several days. You might also notice a hangover phase, which can sometimes occur right after the headache phase. By noting when you start experiencing symptoms, it should be easier to establish a trend and manage your subsequent attacks. 

How often you get migraines

Migraines, especially the chronic type, can occur more than 15 days per month. Make sure to write down the frequency of your attacks so your neurologist, doctor, or chiropractor for migraines can better grasp your situation and help you get relief.

How long a migraine attack lasted

It’s equally important to observe how long an episode lasts. Does it take up to two hours? Do you experience symptoms for several days? Again, this will help you devise better migraine management techniques by looking at episode patterns. 

Besides the essential details mentioned, we also recommend taking note of other information about your episodes like:

  • The characteristic of your headache 
  • Medications you use to cope with the pain
  • Other medications or food supplements you currently take 
  • Quality of sleep 
  • Physical activities 
  • Your migraine triggers (food, stress, lights, sounds, etc)
  • Changes in weather condition when you experienced an attack

If you’re a woman, you might also notice an increased frequency of your attacks during your menstruation. In such cases, it might help if you also add details related to your menstrual cycle.

chiropractor for migraines, Upper Cervical Care

What Are Some Examples of Migraine Triggers?

Every chiropractor for migraines encounters patients with varying migraine triggers. That’s because no two people are the same. For example, flashing lights may trigger your attacks, while others may note sensitivities to food like processed or cured meats from their favorite deli. 

Besides a quick overview of your migraine episode, your migraine diary should include your usual episode triggers. To give you an idea, we’ve compiled some examples below.

  • Emotional stress (anxiety, stress at work, arguments in the house, death of a loved one)
  • Sudden weather changes (temperature, humidity, heat, cold) 
  • Excessive noise in your neighborhood 
  • Exposure to allergens (pet dander, pollen grains, dust)
  • Air pressure changes 
  • Air pollution 
  • The strong scent of products (hair care products, cleaners, garden maintenance products)
  • Previous injuries to the head or neck 
  • Monthly menstrual cycle
  • Pregnancy 
  • Other illnesses (traumatic brain injury, brain tumor, meningitis)
  • Diet changes (starvation, switching to new food products, eating food triggers)
  • Abnormal intake of caffeine 

 

How Often Should You Update a Migraine Journal?

Journaling styles and techniques vary from one person to another. That’s why we recommend finding a setup that works best for you. Ideally, you should keep a monthly record of your attacks, as it would provide you with a better understanding of your condition.

However, if you lack time to update the entries, you can create your schedule. Just make sure to add all the essential information we listed above. 

 

Seeking Relief for Your Migraine Attacks

Migraine attacks can easily take control of your life if you allow them. Thankfully, nowadays, you have plenty of options to cope with your pain and possibly lessen your episodes' frequency and severity. A fine example of a technique that can help curb migraine attacks is Upper Cervical Care

It is a gentle procedure that aims to correct the alignment of your upper neck bones. Studies show that seemingly harmless neck bone misalignments, in fact, trigger or contribute to the onset of health problems like migraine attacks. Until you get your normal upper cervical alignment restored, your migraine episodes may continue to recur and cause more disruptions in your routine.

 

Contact a Chiropractor for Migraines Near You

If you previously got injured, have a bad posture, or want to try a new approach to managing migraines, a chiropractor for migraines can help you. Upper Cervical Care shows promising potential in assisting migraineurs to lead a pain-free life. An upper cervical chiropractor checks your neck alignment through digital imaging techniques and may conduct additional physical examinations to tailor the adjustments to your needs. 

Find and get in touch with a board-certified Upper Cervical Care doctor near you by checking out our directory. Learn more about upper cervical adjustments and how they can benefit you in so many ways.

 

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

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