For those who have never suffered a migraine, they’re viewed as a kind of headache. But migraines tend to be a lot worse than headaches because of their ability to disable the person suffering from them. According to the Migraine Research Foundation, around 2 percent of people in the US suffer from chronic, recurrent migraines that can leave them out of action for days or weeks at a time.
Chronic migraines are officially defined as headaches that occur on more than fifteen days every month. Migraines aren’t the result of psychological problems, but physiological issues in the body itself. The causes of migraines are still a little unclear, but they appear to be both genetic and environmental. Migraine sufferers often have parents who suffered from the same conditions, and there is a genetic predisposition in the family. Other causes of migraines including excessive caffeine consumption, a lack of magnesium in the diet, strange sleep patterns and stress.
If you suffer from regular migraines or headaches, it can ruin your life. The good news is that there are ways that you can fight back against migraines and improve your outlook. Here’s what to do.
Try Relaxation Exercises
Studies have suggested that a primary cause of migraines is stress. This is why so many experts recommend that people engage in some form of relaxation exercise. Relaxation exercises can take many forms, including yoga, meditation, and progressive relaxation. Many people also try biofeedback – a type of computerized relaxation therapy. The evidence suggests that all forms of relaxation training are equally helpful in reducing the incidence of migraines.
Apply For Social Security Disability
According to mydisabilityattorney.com, people who suffer from chronic migraines can apply for social security disability benefits, since migraines are considered a disability. This shouldn’t come as any surprise since migraines prevent people from doing work and being productive. Benefits law is complicated, but if you’re struggling to make an income because of migraines, you may be entitled to financial support.
Avoid Your Food Triggers
If you suffer from migraines but know the foods that cause them, consider yourself lucky: you’re quickly able to identify and then avoid foods that cause you pain. For instance, if you notice you get migraines soon after drinking a glass of wine, then you know that wine is one of your triggers and that you should avoid it if you can.
Other common food triggers include monosodium glutamate (MSG for short) – a type of salt included in many savory and umami foods – as well as chocolate, thanks to the stimulants it contains.
Try Supplementing
Migraines could also be caused by a deficiency of certain vitamins and minerals. Many people report an easing of symptoms after taking fish oil, vitamin B12, riboflavin, and CoQ10.
Stick To A Sleep Schedule
Disruptions to your sleep schedule can also have adverse effects on your brain which can then lead to migraines. Healthguides.com recommends that people go to bed and wake up at the same time, including at weekends.
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