Weather is a big part of everyone's lives. It constantly changes, affects your schedule, and increases the likelihood of experiencing painful health problems like migraine attacks. Notably, several people who experience frequent migraines tend to have worse symptoms because of weather fluctuations. That's why countless people seeking a doctor or upper cervical chiropractor ask about the connection between the two.

Weather-related Migraines: How They Work

Researchers have yet to unravel how migraine attacks really work. So far, case studies have found solid evidence of the connection between migraines and genetic risk factors. Several research papers present proof of the possible link between migraine and weather changes.

In fact, some believe that headaches may be the body's way of signaling a person to move away from a hazardous environment like places that are too hot or cold or areas where the barometric (air) pressure fluctuates.

According to studies, several migraineurs report various weather and environmental triggers. Some of these include the following:

•     Barometric pressure fluctuations
•     Bright lights
•     Extreme cold or heat
•     Altitude changes
•     Strong winds or storms

It's unclear how these factors trigger the onset of migraines, partly because weather changes can have varying effects on a body. Furthermore, some people are more sensitive to these changes while others don't get affected that much.

After exposure to these triggers, patients experience a plethora of migraine symptoms, including:

•     Intense pain on one side or both sides of your head
•     Nausea and vomiting
•     Fatigue
•     Odd food cravings
•     Excessive yawning
•     Diarrhea or constipation
•     Visual aura (blurry vision, tunnel vision, bright lights, etc.)
•     Photophobia (light sensitivity)
•     Phonophobia (sound sensitivity)
•     Dizziness and vertigo

Other Migraine Triggers You Must Look Out For

Besides weather and environmental risk factors, migraineurs also need to look out for other triggers. Notably, some triggers can lead to worse attacks. Some examples of these issues include the following:

•     Stress (mental, physical, emotional, and psychological)
•     Hunger and dehydration
•     Sudden rising or falling of blood sugar levels
•     Jet lag
•     Lack of quality sleep
•     Medication abuse
•     Exposure to certain odors (strong scents like car fumes)
•     Consumption of certain foods and drinks (chocolate, alcohol, caffeinated beverages, deli meat, cold cuts, processed food, and food products that trigger allergic reactions)
•     Hormonal fluctuation, especially in women or those who take hormone therapy drugs

Simple and Sure-fire Ways to Manage Weather-induced Migraine

Because it's virtually impossible to avoid migraine-triggering weather phenomena, it would be wise to make necessary on-the-spot adjustments. We suggest trying the following:

•     Use an air humidifier to increase the moisture level in the room
•     Check the thermostat and adjust the setting to a more suitable temperature
•     Avoid going out during sweltering summer days
•     Wear protective eyewear to avoid exposure to the glaring light of the sun
•     Use a cool compress on your forehead, temples, or neck to relax your muscles
•     Take a cold shower to help relieve pain
•     Carry your go-to headache medication with you, especially when going on a vacation trip
•     Apply a cold compress on the back of your neck for 15 minutes at least once daily until you start feeling better (this method is particularly effective for individuals who experience migraine aura)
•     Make sure you get ample shut-eye at night
•     Turn off lights and electronic equipment for several hours before bedtime
•     Use blinds, curtains or other materials to reduce the amount of sunlight that passes through your windows, especially in the bedroom or the rooms where you often stay in
•     Visit an upper cervical chiropractor near you to eliminate signal interferences that prevent your brain and brainstem from functioning correctly

How Can an Upper Cervical Chiropractor Help with Migraine

Migraines are not just regular headaches. They can be debilitating and cause many people to miss work or even go without sleep. Suppose you wake up with migraines after a day of changing temperatures and weather conditions, and you have tried most traditional relief methods. In that case, we recommend considering upper cervical chiropractic for relief.

An upper cervical chiropractor uses a gentle and effective way to help patients cope with migraines. Through careful assessment and adjustment of the C1 and C2 bones, your upper cervical doctor can help the brain manage the impacts of the vertebral bone misalignments on your body systems.

Upper cervical chiropractic is among the most popular sources of relief for people who frequently experience migraine episodes and have a history of neck injuries. It’s a scientific and precise technique that works wonders in restoring balance in several affected body systems and addressing migraine risk factors such as:

•     Increased intracranial pressure and poor fluid drainage in the head
•     Hypersensitivity to pain due to the rapid misfiring of pain stimuli from the compressed or irritated brainstem to the brain
•     Increased tension on the neck muscles connected to the base of the head

If you constantly suffer from migraine headaches, it is time to find an upper cervical chiropractor near you. Upper cervical chiropractors help patients achieve long-term relief. It has worked for many people who used to experience frequent attacks, so it would be an excellent remedy to consider if you have experienced less than ideal results from other relief options.  

The best way to find an upper cervical chiropractor in your area is through the Upper Cervical Awareness Doctors Directory. Make sure to check it out today.

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