Why do we need to take a closer look at the top migraine triggers? Migraine is one of the most common heath conditions in the world. About 12% of adults suffer from them according to many estimates. That also makes this the most common neurological problem. However, not all migraines are alike. Some patients experience aura, while others do not. There are variations in a number of symptoms. Triggers are no different.
If you are trying to avoid your triggers in order to keep your migraines from occurring as frequently, it is essential to know what your triggers are. That’s why we are presenting to you some of the top migraine triggers along with some of the ways to avoid them or cope with them. Hopefully, this can help you to manage your migraines.
Stress
This is probably the number one migraine trigger for just about anyone you ask. According to the American Migraine Foundation, about 70% of migraineurs experience this particular trigger. Of course, you can’t eliminate all stress from your life, so how can you deal with this trigger and reduce the frequency of your attacks?
While one good tip is to examine the stress in your life and get rid of negative stress that you don’t need, you also want positive coping mechanisms for dealing with the stress you do have. These positive coping mechanisms can include everything from rest and relaxation to exercise and therapeutic hobbies. The fact is that what works best for you may be different than what helps someone else relax. Just be sure to avoid bad habits like smoking or overindulging in alcohol, which may make your migraines even worse.
Sleep Disturbances
Another one of the top migraine triggers is sleep disturbance or changes in sleeping schedule. Whether you stay up too late, wake up throughout the night, or just have something that throws your schedule off, the result can be a migraine. How can you keep your sleep schedule constant?
One way is to have a set time to go to bed and wake up every day. Stick to the schedule on workdays, weekends, holidays, even when you are on vacation. This will train your body to sleep during specific hours. You should have less trouble falling asleep and staying asleep. Additionally, you want to create the right environment for sleep. That includes the comfort of your bed, the temperature on the room, and controlling stimuli in the room (such as lights and sounds).
Weather Changes
One of the toughest migraine triggers to control is the weather. Even moving to a better climate for your migraines is not a sure thing with how much the weather of many cities has changed in just the past few years. The best thing you can do is to learn what specific weather patterns affect your migraines. Try not to schedule important events during seasons when the weather is most likely to work against you. When you see the forecast, try to shift your schedule for the week around the days you are most likely to feel good or bad.
Lack of Proper Hydration
Dehydration is one of the most common triggers for a migraine and one of the easiest to control. You need to be drinking at least eight glasses of water per day. Some people need twelve. If you get migraines, it makes sense to track your water intake for a few days (there are plenty of free apps for that). If you realize that you are not getting enough water, drink more. Remember that coffee, tea, colas, and other caffeinated beverages may dehydrate you. Alcoholic beverages also have this effect. So if you drink a lot of those types of drinks, you need even more water.
Sensory Triggers
Many migraine attacks are triggered by bright lights, glare, strong smells, loud sounds, and the like. If sensory overload triggers your attacks, you need to plan ahead. Sunglasses are a must, even if the day starts out cloudy. You never know when the sun may break through those clouds. If you work in front of screens all day, you may want to get a coating on your glasses to block the glare.
If your troubles spring from strong smells, your family may need to stop using cologne or perfume around you. It could also call for changing some of your cleaning products. Avoid areas where you may be subject to cigarette smoke. Sounds are a little more challenging to avoid, but if you know you are going to be around loud sounds for a while (like on a long flight) try using earplugs.
Avoid the Top Migraine Triggers and Find Some Natural Help
Avoiding the triggers can help reduce the number of migraines you experience. There may also be other ways to combat attacks naturally. Some patients have found that upper cervical chiropractic care is of benefit. This process involves precise measurements of the C1 and C2 vertebrae, followed by gentle adjustments. If you are experiencing an upper cervical misalignment, correcting it may be able to help your body in several ways.
For example, the cervical spine is responsible for facilitating blood flow to the brain. Also, the C1 surrounds and protects the brainstem, a vital component of the central nervous system. So it makes sense for migraineurs to give upper cervical chiropractic care a try. Contact a practice in your area to learn more.
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