How do you know if you get migraines?
Migraines are more than just severe headaches; they are complex neurological conditions that can significantly impact your daily life. If you have ever had a migraine you will not need me to tell you that they cause an awful throbbing or pulsating pain, often on one side of the head. This pain can be accompanied by other symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and sensitivity to light and sound. Some people will also experience visual disturbances known as "aura," which can include flashing lights or blind spots.
Migraines can vary in intensity and duration, lasting anywhere from a few hours to several days. The exact cause of migraines remains unclear, but they are believed to result from something happening in your brain activity which affects nerve signals, chemicals, and blood vessels in the brain.
When migraines become more frequent, you may enter into chronic or persistent migraine territory, which is something we want to avoid. This is similar to other chronic conditions, such as chronic back pain, which is defined as lasting longer than six weeks or occurring for two weeks out of every month. When symptoms become more frequent like this, they start to change the brain.
These are just some factors that can trigger or make migraines worse:
Hormonal Changes: Fluctuations in oestrogen levels, particularly in women, can trigger migraines. This is why migraines can become worse or brought on by your menstrual cycle, pregnancy, or menopause.
Diet and Food Sensitivities: Certain foods and drinks, such as aged cheeses, processed meats, caffeine, and alcohol, can trigger migraines.
Environmental Factors: Sensitivity to light, strong smells, or loud noises can provoke migraines. Stress and lack of sleep are also common triggers.
Weather Changes: Barometric pressure changes can affect some people, leading to migraines.
Specialised massage techniques can be a valuable tool in both relief and prevention.
These techniques work by applying a counter stimulus to decrease pain, focusing on specific areas of the body that are commonly associated with migraine discomfort.
Jaw (Temporomandibular Joint - TMJ): Tension in the jaw can contribute to migraines, especially if you clench or grind your teeth. Specialised TMJ massage can help alleviate this tension, promoting relaxation and reducing headache frequency.
Eyes and Sinuses: Massaging the muscles around the eyes and sinuses can relieve pressure and improve circulation. Techniques such as gentle tapping or circular motions can help reduce congestion and alleviate sinus-related headache pain.
Facial Skin: A light massage on the skin of the face can stimulate the facial nerves, helping to reduce pain perception. Techniques like myofascial release can improve circulation and blood flow.
Sternocleidomastoid Muscle (SCM): The SCM muscle, located on the sides of the neck, can become tight and contribute to headaches. trigger point release of the SCM can help release tension, improve range of motion, and reduce headache severity.
Self-Care and Maintenance
In addition to professional massage therapy, you can incorporate self-care practices to help manage migraines. This includes good sleep practices, staying hydrated, managing stress through techniques like meditation or yoga, and avoiding known triggers.
Don’t Forget...
Consistency in self-management and seeking professional guidance are key to managing migraines effectively.
You can book an appointment with a TMJ specialist today.
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