Feeling a migraine coming on can be an overwhelming feeling. From crippling pain to sensitivity to light and smells, you may wonder what caused the problem, and how to avoid similar instances in the future. Here are three common causes of migraines and how to prevent them. 

Issues That Can Cause Migraines

1. Stress

When you are stressed, it can increase stress hormones throughout your body and trigger chronic pain. Stress can also cause people to subconsciously hold their bodies in different ways, straining muscles in the back and neck that cause migraines. 

To prevent stress and subsequent migraines, focus on eliminating as much stress from your life as possible. Organize your schedule, say no to things you don’t feel you have time for, and take the time to relax, exercise, spend time with friends, and unwind. 

2. Irregular Sleep

Sleep is when your body focuses on restoring itself, which is why changes to sleep can cause migraine attacks. To prevent migraines, try to get at least 7-8 hours of sleep a night, and if you aren’t sleeping well, talk with your doctor. Sleep disorders like obstructive sleep apnea can interfere with your sleep and contribute to migraines.  

3. Physical Strain or Trauma 

Anytime your body is strained through vigorous exercise, heavy lifting, or physical trauma, it could pull muscles or slightly dislocate the proper placement of one or more of your spinal vertebrae, causing pinched muscles that can cause headaches and migraines.

Anytime you are involved in an accident that leaves you with lingering side effects like migraine, talk with your doctor and chiropractor. Chiropractors can apply gentle pressure to the areas around your spine to realign it, increasing your range of motion and alleviating discomfort. 

Acupuncture is another strategy for reducing or eliminating migraines. There are specific treatment protocols for migraines that have proven highly effective. Many migraine patients are able to stop taking medications and have minimal symptoms that interfere with their work, family, or other daily activities.

For many migraine patients, their debilitating symptoms begin in adolescence and take them away from their schoolwork for entire days. Chiropractic and acupuncture are safe and effective for teenagers, and they often see their symptoms subside more quickly than adults who have had their problem for decades. Most chiropractic clinics will offer a free, no-obligation consultation to determine whether your child’s issues can be resolved using natural, drug-free treatment methods.

Whether you have been struggling on and off with migraines for years or you are new to headaches, turn to Red Wing Chiropractic Clinic PA for help. In addition to offering treatments for whiplash, physical trauma, and ongoing issues like migraines, Doctors Jay M. Greenberg, D.C. and Barbara Kaiser, D.C. are committed to creating comprehensive treatment plans for patients to tackle symptoms like fatigue, back pain, and discomfort stemming from sports injuries. The clinic offers chiropractic, acupuncture, laser light therapy, and spinal decompression therapy. To learn more about how they can help you, visit their website or give their office a call at (651) 388-8294.