Lifestyle Choices to Prevent Migraines

The only thing you can think about during a migraine attack is getting some relief. Taking medicine for migraines can help alleviate discomfort for some people, but it is not enough for others.

Migraine Headache Symptoms

Although migraines frequently run in families, this does not indicate that every member will experience a migraine. Migraine headache symptoms vary from person to person, and a variety of factors might bring on an attack. Common symptoms can include:

• Throbbing headaches that usually start on one side of the head and span from four hours to several days
• Sensitivity to sound, light and odor
• Tenderness of the scalp
• Loss of appetite, nausea and vomiting
• Fatigue and dizziness
• Chills or sweating
• Faded vision

Tips to Prevent Migraines

Whether you have cluster headaches, tension headaches or migraines, the frequency and severity of these pains are greatly influenced by your lifestyle. Here are some tips for preventing migraines and headaches, or at the very least, reducing their frequency:

• Stay away from certain foods. Some foods, such as chocolate, aged cheeses and alcohol, can cause a tension headache or migraine. However, if you recognize that another particular food is causing you problems, you should limit your consumption of it.
• Eat consistent, well-balanced meals. You can reduce your risk of migraines and headaches by eating a diet rich in vegetables, fruits, lean protein, whole grains and healthy fats. Do not skip meals, either. Skipping meals causes hunger, which might result in a migraine.
• Avoid smoking. Smoking damages your lungs and can exacerbate headaches and other symptoms.
• Stay hydrated. Headaches can be triggered by dehydration. Therefore, some attacks could be avoided by staying hydrated.
• Organize your sleeping hours. Sleep supports a healthy immune system, prevents depression and encourages deep relaxation. Maintain a consistent sleep routine: Sleep and wake up at the same time every day. A migraine can be triggered by poor sleeping habits, insufficient sleep or too much sleep.
• Exercise regularly. Exercise helps reduce migraine and headache symptoms. Include aerobic, strength and flexibility workouts in your fitness plan.
• Maintain proper posture. Poor posture can strain the muscles in your neck, head and shoulders, causing migraine or headaches. Pay attention to your posture during the day. For example, are you hunching your shoulders? Is your spine upright? Adjusting your posture can help reduce the frequency of migraines.
• Reduce stress levels. Since stress is a common trigger for migraines and headaches, knowing how to manage and prevent stress can dramatically reduce the severity and frequency of your migraines.

We Can Help Relieve Your Migraine Pain

If these suggestions do not work for you, our pain specialists can help ease your migraines and determine the best treatment strategy for your unique condition.

At Caliber Pain™, we can develop a specialized treatment plan utilizing interventional medicine to manage and control migraines. In addition, we provide acupuncture, Botox® injections and other migraine headache treatment options.

If you experience migraines or chronic pain and want to learn more about cutting-edge treatment alternatives, visit Caliber Pain in Midtown Manhattan today.