One of the most physically painful occurrences for many Americans are migraines and severe headaches. The Migraine Institute reports that 35 million Americans will experience at least one migraine in their lifetime, with women reporting more migraines than men. In fact, they are the third most common illness in the world.
Researchers believe that migraines may be due to neurological abnormalities caused by genetic mutations at work in the brain, according to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke.
These severe headaches can impact our ability to live our lives, to work, and to relax. But there are important ways that you can help prevent migraines in your life. It may take some experimenting to find what treatment works for you.
The National Institutes of Health conducted a clinical trial to see whether a special diet could help people who suffered from migraines. The study found that some people who consumed more omega-3 fatty acids, which are the oils found in fish, and consumed less omega-6 fatty acids, such as vegetable oils, had fewer and less severe migraines. These are important findings for people who are looking to treat their chronic pain with dietary changes.
Whenever you get a migraine or severe headache, track in a journal what you’ve done that day. List things you’ve eaten, activities you’ve done, emotions you’ve felt, or how much sleep you got. This can help you observe patterns. Perhaps the days where you have more caffeine or alcohol or had less water were the ones where you are more likely to have a headache. Or perhaps you were more stressed out on the days where you experienced migraines. Women may also be more likely to experience migraines around their menstrual cycle, due to fluctuations in hormones. Share your journal with your doctor to get their insights, too.
Seeking treatments like massage, acupuncture, or chiropractic care may help in reducing tension headaches or migraines. Practicing yoga or meditation may also help reduce stress, which could be a contributing factor to migraines.
Certain medicines can help end a migraine if you take them immediately at the onset, while other medications can help if you take them regularly. Talk with your primary care doctor about the best path for you to help rid you of migraines.
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