Migraine Headache: Do I Have Them? What to Do?

Isn’t it just a headache?

Most headaches can be tied to a specific cause but migraines are poorly understood. A migraine is headache-like pain on one side of the head or face. They often throb, are worse with light and will usually subside within a day, and 1 in 5 people experience a visual change called an “aura”. The prevailing theory for what causes them is circulation changes in the brain. There are also nervous system theories which are supported by brain structural changes that take place with chronic migraines (white matter loss).

Home Treatment

Avoid triggers. Look through the following list for triggers you might not be aware of: light, sleep (too much or too little), dehydration, alcohol, caffeine, niacin (vitamin B3), MSG or other food preservatives, smells, environmental chemicals, time of day/month (blood sugar or hormone related migraine), stress.
 

Self massage can be very helpful for treatment of migraines. The self massage listed listed in our previous article is very helpful. Some points that are more specific to migraines include your temples (the soft space just outside and behind both eyes, acupuncture points GB 4, 5, 6) and the webbed space of the thumb (pinch the soft space between your thumb and pointer finger, acupuncture points LI 4).  More Migraine specific areas to massage

Cold or heat packs on the neck have also been shown to help. It may take some experimenting to figure out which one to use, or alternating both. Make sure to cover ice with a towel so it doesn't directly contact your skin.

Professional Treatment

Your chiropractor will rule out serious causes of migraines and combine adjustments, massage, and lifestyle changes. Adjustments are thought to help with headaches via a direct connection between the upper neck muscles (rectus capitis posterior minor) and the protective covering of the brain (dura mater). Many find significant or complete relief of their migraines with chiropractic, especially when they can get an adjustment before their migraine fully sets in. Some people only need an adjustment when they feel the migraine about to come on and others do best with regular visits to prevent their migraines.
 

If conservative/natural therapies don’t work you will be referred to a neurologist that will usually prescribe medication and experiment with you until they find one that works for you. Other providers that may be helpful include functional medicine doctors, acupuncturists, and mindfulness specialists. 
 

Learn more about migraines here


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