Saturday 12th October
Migraines, often misunderstood as mere headaches, are complex neurological conditions that affect millions of individuals worldwide. Characterized by severe throbbing pain, sensitivity to light and sound, and other debilitating symptoms, migraines can significantly disrupt daily life. Let’s explore the various types of migraines, their typical presentation, potential causes, and natural remedies that may offer relief.
Different Types of Migraines:
Migraine without Aura: This is the most common type, characterized by moderate to severe pulsating pain on one side of the head, accompanied by nausea, vomiting, and sensitivity to light and sound.
Migraine with Aura: Some individuals experience sensory disturbances known as auras before the onset of a migraine. Auras can manifest as visual disturbances like flashes of light, blind spots, or tingling sensations in the face or limbs.
Chronic Migraines: When migraines occur on 15 or more days per month for more than three months, they are classified as chronic migraines. These can significantly impact daily life and require specialized management.
Typical Presentation of Migraines:
The onset of migraines can vary among individuals, but they often follow a pattern. Before the headache phase, some people experience prodromal symptoms like mood changes, food cravings, or heightened sensitivity to light and sound. The headache phase involves intense, throbbing pain, typically on one side of the head, lasting for hours to days. This phase might be accompanied by nausea, vomiting, and sensitivity to light and sound. Finally, the postdrome phase, often referred to as the migraine “hangover,” can leave individuals feeling fatigued or mentally foggy for hours or even days after the headache subsides.
Causes of Migraines:
The exact cause of migraines remains elusive, but various factors can trigger an attack. Genetics play a role, as migraines tend to run in families. Hormonal fluctuations, particularly in women during menstruation or menopause, can trigger migraines. Environmental factors such as certain foods (like aged cheese, processed meats), alcohol, stress, irregular sleep patterns, and sensory stimuli (bright lights, strong odors) can also act as triggers for some individuals.
A lesser looked to cause lays in the neck! Movement in the upper neck can muscular and fascial tension in the neck and skull. It may also affect blood flow to the brain and the flow of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) to the brain. CSF clears the brain of its waste products when we sleep through glymphatic drainage. This is where the glial cells in our brains die, the lymph drainage carries it out, through the CSF.
What can you do?
Lifestyle Modifications: Maintaining a consistent sleep schedule, managing stress through relaxation techniques like yoga or meditation, and staying hydrated can help in migraine prevention.
Herbal Remedies: Some herbal supplements, such as feverfew and butterbur, have shown promise in reducing the frequency and severity of migraines in some individuals. However, it’s essential to consult a healthcare professional before using herbal remedies, as they might interact with other medications.
Chiropractic care: This is a safe and natural way to improve migraines. It increases neck motion, decreases stress though the musculature, ligaments and tendons of the neck and cranium. It can also help with CSF flow (which can be seen in live MRI studies post treatment) and help promote relaxation.
Migraines can significantly impact the quality of life for those affected, but understanding the different types, triggers, and natural remedies can empower individuals in managing their condition. While natural remedies might offer relief for some, it’s crucial to consult healthcare professionals for proper diagnosis and personalized treatment plans to effectively manage migraines and improve overall well-being.
