MIGRAINE & HEADACHE TREATMENT

Things that trigger migraines/headaches:

• Anything that boosts your stress level can allow you to experience tension headaches or migraines. The exact mechanism for these headaches is unclear and may involve different factors. A heightened sensitivity of nerve pathways in the brain that relay pain may play a role. Changes within the brain itself may also be involved in migraine headaches
• Strenuous exercise can sometimes lead to headaches. Examples include jogger’s headache and sex headache. These types of headaches display most commonly in people more susceptible to migraines
• Bad posture builds up pressure and muscle tension in the head and neck. Common forms of poor posture include hunching your shoulders, using a chair with no lower-back support, staring at a monitor that is too low or too high, and cradling a phone between your ear and shoulder
• When the temperature changes, so does the likelihood of developing a migraine. Whether it’s a heatwave or a cold snap, the change can trigger a headache. Sunny, hot days represent another common culprit. Rain or changes in barometric pressure also may lead to headaches. While you can’t change the weather, you can wear sunglasses on a bright day, minimize dehydration, and avoid midday sun
• A hunger headache is not always obvious. If you skip a meal, your head could start to ache before you realize you’re hungry. The trouble is a dip in blood sugar levels. However, don’t try to cure a hunger headache with a candy bar. Complex carbohydrates cause blood sugar to spike and then your glucose levels could drop even lower
• Strong smells trigger migraines in many people. The odors may stimulate the nervous system. The most common culprits are paint, perfume, and certain types of flowers

Additional Triggers

• For the headache-prone, in moderation, caffeine intake is often beneficial — in fact, it’s found in many headache medications. But chain-chugging coffee can be a cause of headaches. And, if you’re hooked on caffeine, cutting back abruptly may only make things worse. Caffeine withdrawal is another headache trigger
• How you wear your hair can take a toll on your head. A tight ponytail may strain the connective tissue in the scalp, leading to a hairdo headache. Headbands, braids, and tight-fitting hats can create the same effect. If this is the cause of your headache, letting your hair down usually brings fast relief