Migraines are one of the most common types of headaches that occur in adults. About 1 in 10 people are affected by migraines and they tend to occur more in females between the ages of 20 and 50 years.
When people report having had a migraine, it can fall into one of two categories: Classic migraine or Common migraine. Classic migraines are those where the person experiences an ‘aura’ prior to the onset of the headache. This could mean a sensitivity to light or sound, altered vision or dizziness. Vomiting and nausea usually occur following the headache. Common migraines are those that occur without an aura, however the nausea and vomiting are still often present.
Migraines occur due to swelling of the blood vessels around the brain, which results in more blood pumping through the vessels, causing the head to throb. Think of the sensation you get when you cut your finger, the blood pumps to the area and pulsates.
My tips for managing your headache
- Try identifying what triggered your headache. Certain people will trigger their migraine from foods such as oranges, tomatoes, chocolate or red wine. Others will trigger a migraine from stress, fatigue, hunger or even changes in weather
- Avoid any triggers you identify – this might involve removing items from your diet, adopting a healthier lifestyle or finding ways to cope with stress
- Posture is important. Bad posture can lead to tight muscles in the shoulder and neck which can then lead to the onset of a headache. Maintaining good posture at work and taking regular breaks from sitting at your workstation can reduce your chances of suffering from headaches.
- Seek treatment from your Osteopath or other Allied Health professional. Manual therapy has been shown to be an effective modality in the management of migraines.
- Medication – sometimes medication is necessary to help manage your pain. See your GP for advice about what management options best suit you.
Finally, gentle stretching and the use of cold packs on the neck can help reduce the severity of migraine attacks. Find a dark room to lay down in for a few hours that is nice and quiet and avoid distractions such as TV or use of your mobile phone.
