What Lifestyle Changes Can I Make to Manage Migraines?

August 23, 2020

what-lifestyle-changes-can-i-make-to-manage-migraines

Migraines can be a common occurrence nowadays. At least 39 million Americans and a billion people around the words deal with migraine headaches. They are notorious for causing pounding and throbbing head pain generally accompanied by the following symptoms:

  • Vertigo or dizziness
  • Nausea and also vomiting
  • Sensitivity to certain smells, sound, and light
  • Pain on one side of the head
  • Episodes that last anywhere between  4 to 72 hours

Anyone who suffers from migraine pain is likely to be anxious and always looking for ways to find the fastest pain relief. If you happen to be one, you may search the Internet, looking for the latest and most effective migraine pain relief.

Modifying Your Lifestyle to Keep Migraines at Bay

Instead of taking unnecessary and expensive tests not ordered by your doctor, it would be better to have a proactive stance on your health. Make the necessary lifestyle changes that can help prevent your migraine attacks. There are many things you can implement in your daily routine. Here are several simple suggestions you can try right away:

  • Take Note Of Your Migraine Triggers

Having a migraine diary can be very helpful. It allows you to keep track of what you did a day or so before your migraine attacks happen. Take note of the following details:

  • What are the foods you ate?
  • How was the weather?
  • What are the exercises or activities you did?
  • How was your stress level?

These are all good things to record so you can find the patterns. Also, you can review your notes to find out what migraine triggers you have. Finally, avoid those specific migraine triggers. 

  • Manage Your Stress

Stress is the primary trigger for migraine attacks. Do your best to avoid stressful situations and toxic people. Try doing meditation, yoga, or swimming. These will go a long way in relieving and even preventing migraine attacks. 

  • Lose Excess Weight

Losing extra weight can be achieved through exercise and a healthy diet plan. There is a link shown in clinical studies about the close connection between migraines and obesity. Losing excess weight means you will also start losing migraine severity and frequency. 

  • Eat Fresh, Healthy Food

It is an excellent idea to cook your meals using fresh fruits and vegetables. These will give you a considerable advantage in getting the proper nutrients. Frozen vegetables are good enough, as they contain almost the same nutrients as fresh produce. Make sure to wash them thoroughly to rinse off any possibly harmful chemicals before you cook them. 

  • Keep Your Blood Sugar Stable

Low blood sugar or fluctuating blood sugar level can be a common migraine trigger. Therefore, to stop this from happening, remember to keep away from processed food. Also, avoid those with artificial sugar or flavoring. Instead, choose food with natural sugar and dietary fiber.

  • Always Avoid The Fake Substances

Avoid fake or artificial substances such as:

  • Artificial sweeteners
  • Food coloring
  • Other synthetic ingredients 

These artificial food additives can trigger food allergies or cause migraines and headaches in most people.  

  • Act Quickly And Accordingly

Do not just sit back and wait for a migraine attack to happen. Instead, as soon as you feel the warning signs, you can respond as quickly as possible. You can start to relax to minimize your stress level, or you can try to sleep the migraine off. 

  • Eat On A Regular Schedule

Migraines will not work according to your schedule. In other words, migraines often trigger because of changing patterns in your eating schedule. Therefore, we recommend that you keep a regular eating pattern throughout the day. You can eat small meals, every few hours, whatever works for you best. Just make it consistent and on schedule. 

  • Sleep Well Consistently

When changes in your sleep patterns happen, it can likely trigger migraine attacks. Taking a nap during the day or sleeping in during your day off may result in head pain or migraines. Try to keep a very consistent sleep schedule. You can do this by waking up at the same time every day. Also, keep a specific bedtime every night.

  • Stay in Good Shape

Regular exercise can keep your mood well regulated. Also, it can improve your cardiovascular health. Therefore, when your blood flows smoothly and your heart pumping actively, you are closer to preventing chronic illness. A healthy body and mind are well-equipped to combat depression.

  • Spend Some Quality Time For Yourself

Doing something you love like a hobby, taking a vacation, or spending time with people who matter can help immensely improve your health. These choices can improve your mood and also help you become more positive and engaged. Therefore, it can reduce your stress and migraines. 

  • Try Going Dairy-Free

Some people are lactose intolerant, and they are not even aware of this fact, sometimes. If this is the case for you, then try on cutting dairy off your diet. Observe if it reduces the number of migraine attacks you are getting. 

Upper Cervical Chiropractors for Migraines

There is one possible reason for migraines to occur. Most migraines cases are due to a misalignment of the atlas or axis vertebra of the upper cervical spine. The atlas (C1) and axis (C2) vertebrae can get misaligned because of a minor head or neck trauma or accidents. 

The C1 and C2 bones are in the same region as the brainstem. They function as the brainstem’s protector and shield. However, when they move out of alignment, they can adversely impact the brainstem prompting it to malfunction and send improper signals to the brain. As a result, this can be a reason for migraines to occur.

Upper cervical chiropractors use a procedure to correct upper cervical misalignments. This technique is gentle and very precise. Once adjusted, the body starts to heal itself and properly restore blood flow to the brain. Numerous patients experience major improvements in their migraines. 

Find an excellent upper cervical chiropractor in your area and start experiencing a break from migraine attacks.

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

Search

Featured Articles

Videos

Montel Williams
Montel Williams

TV show host Montel Williams describes how specific chiropractic care has helped his body.

NBC's The Doctors

The TV show "The Doctors" showcased Upper Cervical Care.

CBS News/Migraine Relief

CBS News highlighted the alleviation of Migraines and Headaches.

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.

©2015–2023 ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.