If you’ve got a migraine, congrats on being able to read this right now!
Migraines can be painful and debilitating. Whatever people say, they’re more than a headache. If you have a migraine, you may feel stinging behind your eyes, a pulsating sensation in your temples, blurred vision and a vicelike sensation around your skull. Sometimes migraines can even cause nausea and vomiting. In rare cases, migraines can cause transient blindness (this is more common in adolescents).
Interestingly, people who menstruate make up about 75 percent of regular migraine sufferers. This is thought to be due to fluctuations in estrogen that cause increased sensitivity to pain. Considering the number of fluctuations a person who menstruates will experience during a lifetime, from their cycle, to pregnancy, perimenopause and menopause, it’s not surprising we’re repping that whopping 75 percent.
If you’re feeling resentful, just remember that boys experience migraines more during childhood – so they’ve probably clocked in some migraine hours already.
Now we’ve established why we’re suffering, let’s look into the expected, and unexpected, ways you can get rid of your migraine, stat.
Flee For a Dark, Quiet Room
It’s stop, drop and roll, but for headaches. As soon you feel a migraine coming on, rest in a dark, quiet room. Migraines can be triggered and made worse by bright lights and loud noises. Excuse yourself, pull the blinds, mute your phone and rest.
Frozen Peas are Your Friend
Grab a bag of frozen peas or a cold towel and place it on your forehead or the back of your neck. This tightens blood vessels and soothes the inflammation associated with migraine.
Grab a Gatorade
Dehydration is a common trigger for migraines, it is essential that you drink plenty of water while you have a migraine. If you want to make the experience of a migraine slightly more fun, grab a Gatorade or a Hydralyte icy pole.
Take Over-the-Counter Pain Relief:
Less surprising. Medications like ibuprofen or aspirin can help to reduce the pain and discomfort associated with migraines. Just be sure you don’t succumb to panic and follow the recommended dosages. Consult with your doctor if you have any concerns.
Get a Physiotherapist Involved
Do you remember American rapper Khia’s 2002 banger “My Neck, My Back”? Of course you do. Take Khia’s tips and get a physio to look into non-noggin related causes of your migraines.
It’s natural to think a migraine starts in your head, but it often starts in your neck, shoulders, or even lower back. There are a multitude of physical factors that can be associated with migraines. You may have postural issues or work in a job where certain body parts experience repeated strain. For example, hairdressers and makeup artists often experience neck and back pain, while office workers may cramp their shoulders and lean forward at their computers. Because our bodies are connected, these musculoskeletal dysfunctions can increase our likelihood of getting migraines. A physio will be able to check out your habits, and start you on a rehabilitation program. They may also have some simple tips for posture that will help you keep migraines at bay.
Consider prescription medication: If you’re getting severe or frequent migraines (think loss of vision, nausea and disorientation) you may want to talk to your GP about prescription medication. There are a variety of medications available, so if you’re finding your migraines debilitating, speak to a healthcare practitioner.
Save Yourself a (Literal) World of Pain
Prevention is better than cure! While you can keep your freezer stocked with peas, your gatorade in the fridge, and your physio on speed dial, you can save yourself a lot of time by stopping a migraine before it starts. The symptoms you experience before a migraine are referred to as “prodome symptoms.” You may find yourself yawning more, feeling irritable, trouble concentrating, neck pain and sensitivity to light and sound. If you’re experiencing these symptoms, you can take some pain relief and a quick break.
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