With over 12% of the World’s population and around 10 million people aged 15-69 in the UK suffering, migraines are incredibly common – yet they can still be dismissed as ‘just’ headaches.
Anyone who suffers with them knows this not to be the case. Migraines are more than just headaches; they’re intricate neurological events often characterised by intense throbbing pain, sensitivity to light and sound, and, in some cases, visual disturbances known as auras. Unlike other types of body aches and pains we routinely deal with on the go, migraines can be debilitating, and can leave a person with little to almost no productivity.
Numerous factors such as genetics, environmental factors, hormonal changes, and certain foods or beverages can trigger these episodes, and understanding and managing triggers become pivotal in managing the condition.
Four Stages of Migraine
Migraines can progress through four stages: prodrome, aura, attack, and post-drome. However, it is important to note that not everyone who has migraines goes through all the stages and they can vary in duration and severity.
Prodrome
The premonitory phase, usually one or two days before a migraine, can manifest as subtle changes including the following:
- Constipation
- Mood changes, from depression to euphoria
- Food cravings
- Neck stiffness
- Increased urination
- Fluid retention
- Frequent yawning
Aura
For some people, an aura might occur before or during migraines. They’re usually visual but can also include other sensory disturbances. Each symptom usually begins gradually, builds up over several minutes and can last up to 60 minutes.
Examples of migraine auras include:
- Visual phenomena, such as seeing various shapes, bright spots, or flashes of light
- Vision loss
- Pins and needles sensations in an arm or leg
- Weakness or numbness in the face or one side of the body
- Difficulty speaking
Attack
The headache phase or ‘attack’ is the most debilitating; it can disrupt work, social engagements, and overall quality of life. Frequency varies from person to person – occurring rarely or striking several times a month, and the intense pain can last for hours or even days, and can be accompanied by:
- Pain usually on one side of your head, but often on both sides
- Pain that throbs or pulses
- Sensitivity to light, sound, and sometimes smell and touch
- Nausea and vomiting
Post-drome
It is common to feel drained, confused and washed out for up to a day after a migraine attack, and conversely some people report feeling elated. It is worth noting that sudden head movement might briefly reignite the pain.
Migraine Treatment
Living with migraines can be a delicate balancing act, with the emotional toll often going unmentioned. Lifestyle adjustments, such as creating a calm environment during attacks, staying hydrated and maintaining a healthy diet are essential. A regular sleep schedule, managing stress through relaxation techniques, and identifying and avoiding triggers also form integral parts of managing migraines.
Treatment approaches include medications to alleviate symptoms and prevent future attacks; pain relievers, triptans, anti-nausea drugs, and preventive medications all aim to manage migraines. Seeking professional help is also widely recommended, so if you regularly have signs and symptoms of migraine, keep a record of your attacks and how you treated them then discuss them with your health care provider.
Chiropractic care can alleviate migraines by addressing spinal misalignments that may contribute to nerve irritation. Through adjustments and manipulation, they aim to reduce tension, improve spinal function, and alleviate stress on the nervous system, potentially decreasing migraine frequency and severity.
Prolotherapy, one of the therapies we use here in our Leigh on Sea (Essex) clinic, has also been used for the treatment of migraine and other headache related problems and is becoming more popular. The
Prolotherapy is used to subside the pain, inflammation and swelling at the headache site via injection.
While there’s no outright cure, advancements in research continually offer hope for better management and understanding of migraines, paving the way for improved treatments and a better quality of life for those affected.