What Causes Migraines?
A migraine is a severe headache often associated with nausea, vision impairment, and sensitivity to light and sound. The associated symptoms that often accompany the head pain are called the ‘aura’. Migraines are not fully understood by the medical communities; however, some genetic and environmental factors appear to play a key role.
RISK FACTORS
There are some risk factors that can increase the chances of being prone to migraines.
If you have a family history of migraines, you are at a higher risk of developing them as well. Migraines typically start appearing during childhood; however, they tend to peak in frequency and severity during your 30s and gradually reduce after this time period. Studies have shown that women are three times as likely to develop migraines.
MIGRAINE TRIGGERS
There are quite a few known migraine triggers, including:
Sensory Overload – bright flashing lights, loud sounds, and strong smells
Stress – mental stress at work or at home
Sleep Changes – too little or too much sleep
Physical Factors – intense physical exertion
Medications – oral contraceptives and vasodilators
Foods – aged cheeses, salty processed foods, and skipping meals
Drinks – alcohol and caffeinated drinks
Hormonal Changes In Women – estrogen fluctuations related to menstruation, pregnancy, and menopause
Weather – barometric pressure changes
MIGRAINE MANAGEMENT
For many, migraine management looks like over-the-counter or prescription NSAIDs; however, overuse of these types of medications may actually induce migraines and start a horrible cycle. Some physicians have resorted to narcotics to control headache pain; however, most literature does not support this practice. There are a variety of medications and procedures being studied for the treatment of these headaches. Still, it is best to try to control the foundation problems thought to lead to the head pains and then, hopefully, prescription treatments will be less necessary.
Knowing your personal trigger is key. Avoidance of that trigger is then a possibility. Improving sleep quality and duration will help dramatically. Maintaining a healthy diet cannot be emphasized enough. Exercise is also effective at prevention – if done correctly and without dehydration.
For migraine management, Dr. Meredith Warner recommends her Joint Health Multi with turmeric, ginger, and PEA which is highly antioxidative and anti-inflammatory and may help reduce the severity and frequency of migraine.
She also recommends her CoQ10 Plus Gummies with CoQ10, tart cherry extract, and chaga mushroom. Studies have shown that CoQ10 supplementation may help lower the duration of a migraine attack.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Dr. Meredith Warner is the creator of Well Theory and The Healing Sole. She is a board-certified Orthopedic Surgeon and Air Force Veteran.
She is on a mission to disrupt traditional medicine practices and promote betterment physically, spiritually and mentally to many more people. She advocates for wellness and functional health over big pharma so more people can age vibrantly with more function and less pain.
At Well Theory, Our surgeon-designed products are FDA Registered and formulated to help people:
- Manage the symptoms of musculoskeletal pain
- Recover vibrantly from orthopedic related surgeries
- Fill the gaps in our daily diets
- Manage pain associated with inflammation