HORRIBLE HEADACHES
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A migraine headache has to be one of the worst types of headache. In addition to throbbing pain and distorted vision, nausea, sensitivity to light and sound may be experienced. With Christmas fast approaching those of us susceptible to migraines may be dreading the inevitable migraine that seems to accompany the excesses of the festive season. Just about anything can trigger a migraine however there are some things that seem to frequently be the culprit. Hormonal changes like those experienced during menstruation, ovulation and hormone supplements can trigger migraines, as can lack of sleep, skipping meals and physical exertion. Weather changes, air pollution and smoke as well as bright or flickering light can also be the culprit. |
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Poor posture is a major cause of migraine. If poor posture is present the curve in the cervical spine of the neck is lessened. Your shoulders tend to be rolled forward and your head juts out. Poor neck posture can be caused
by sitting at a computer for extended periods of time, slouching
in a chair or on a couch, sleeping in the fetal position and reading
with your head bent down. Your muscles become trained to adapt to
this abnormal positioning causing tightness, this is a sign that
these muscles are under tremendous stress. The continual strain on your neck, shoulder and upper back muscles causes these muscles to tear (on a microscopic level). Your body tries to prevent this tearing by forcing these muscles to knot up. This results in muscle spasms. Over time these tears heal. And when they do, microscopic scar tissue is left behind.
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These scar tissue fibers effectively lock your spasms into place. The tightness in your neck, shoulders and upper back and the spasms associated with this tightness restrict blood flow to the back of your head (it's like stepping on a turned-on garden hose). This tightness and spasming also irritates various nerve endings in the back of your neck and head causing chronic migraine and tension headaches. Dietary factors also appear to be important migraine triggers in susceptible people. For some, tyramine-containing foods such as certain wines and aged cheeses are the main offenders. For others, allergic reactions to common foods such as wheat, oranges, egg, coffee, tea, and beef seem to be the main triggers. Sensitivity to bananas, chocolate, monosodium glutamate and nuts has been blamed for triggering migraines as has excessive salt intake. Food sensitivities are often
the cause of migraine; the most common are sensitivity to cheese,
alcohol, monosodium glutamate (a food additive), nuts, beans,
caffeine, bananas and chocolate. Excessive salt has also been
blamed for migraines. If the migraine is caused by muscular tension relaxing the muscles in the neck may help. Massage, osteopathic or chiropractic treatments, aromatherapy, reflexology and acupuncture are often effective. Many people find that yoga helps to reduce tension in the neck.
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The following DIY technique may also provide relief; First of all, have a bath. The hot water helps to release contracted muscles, and generally lets the whole body relax. Next find the quietest, darkest spot in your home and lay down there. The area or should also be relatively warm to allow you to relax faster. Your eyes should remain covered but open. Keep your eyes open as much as possible because experience has shown that shutting your eyes to try and cope with the pain uses extra facial and jaw muscles that can just increase the problem, not cure it. A migraine attack generally brings on a sort of anxiety attack in the sufferer. Knowing how much it is going to hurt increases your heart rate. This increases blood flow and makes the problem worse. Relaxing the breathing will reduce the pain. Take a long slow deep breath and exhale equally slowly. Concentrate on the sensation of the air leaving your lungs and escaping through your mouth. Breathe out completely. Repeat this process, feeling the air filling your lungs, 4-5 times. Lavender oil is renowned for
its medicinal properties and this is doubly so for migraine headaches.
Lavender oil is cheap and completely safe to use. Only use pure
Lavender oil for treating migraines - lavender scented fragrances
or scented oils are useless. An effective way of discovering
what it is that triggers your migraine is to keep a migraine diary.
Use your diary to include when the pain starts, how long it lasts,
what it makes you feel like and what you did to alleviate it. Note
where the pain occurs, and if you suffer any other symptoms with
it like nausea. You should also note your overall health at the
time. If you are a woman you should jot down whether you had your
period or not. For anyone, a flu or cold should also be noted. These
things can influence headaches. You should also note the weather
as certain weather conditions are known to be headache causing.
Knowing what triggers your migraine will help you avoid some of your migraine headache triggers and allows you to be better prepared should an attack begin. If you suffer from severe headaches or migraines it is essential that you seek medical advice. |
For more information or to book an appointment please call Sarah at ATRIUM on 957 534 019
Sarah Morning; Complementary Therapist and Masseuse, ATRIUM, Calle Real 12, Iznajar.