Migraine Treatment Dos And Don'ts

By Author: Monica Quinn
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A migraine is more than just a headache. It is a complex neurological condition that can leave you incapacitated for hours or even days. Throbbing pain, nausea, and sensitivity to light and noise are symptoms that many people who suffer from migraine attacks know. But how do you deal with this condition? Let's find out which treatments really work and which can make the situation worse.

Do: Proper drug treatment
Modern medications can effectively relieve migraine attacks or prevent them from occurring. Triptans, for example, help narrow the blood vessels in the brain and thus relieve pain, and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) reduce inflammation and relieve discomfort. If migraines occur frequently, your migraine doctor can prescribe preventive medications such as beta-blockers, antidepressants, or antiepileptics. The most important thing is not to self-medicate but to choose a therapy together with a neurologist.

Don't: Excessive use of painkillers
Although painkillers can provide temporary pain relief, their excessive use ...
... can lead to so-called medication overuse headaches. Taking pain medications too often (more than 10–15 times a month) can lead to more frequent and intense attacks. That is why it is important to comply with the dosage and not to "suppress" every migraine with pills without medical supervision.

Do: Regular sleep rhythm
Sleep plays a key role in regulating the brain and nervous system. Lack of sleep or excessive sleep can trigger a migraine attack. It is optimal to go to bed and get up at the same time, even on weekends. To create comfortable sleeping conditions, darken the room, remove devices an hour before bedtime, and choose a comfortable mattress and pillow.

Don't: Long sleep or night shifts
Sudden changes in sleep routine can also trigger migraines. If you sleep too long or, conversely, often stay up late, this can lead to an attack. It is especially dangerous to "sleep in" on the weekend after a busy week at work - such an imbalance disrupts the biorhythm and can increase the frequency of migraines.

Do: Trigger-free diet
Some foods can trigger attacks: chocolate, red wine, blue cheese, coffee, and smoked foods. Keep a food diary to track which foods trigger your pain and, if possible, eliminate them from your diet. It is also important not to skip meals because hunger can be a strong trigger of migraines.

Don't: Excessive consumption of caffeine and alcohol
While a small amount of coffee can sometimes relieve headaches, too much caffeine (especially in the afternoon) can disrupt sleep and worsen migraines. Alcohol, especially red wine and spirits, dilates blood vessels and often triggers an attack, so it is better to minimize alcohol consumption and monitor the amount of coffee you drink.

Do: Relaxation techniques and stress management
Stress is one of the most common migraine triggers. Yoga, meditation, breathing exercises, and progressive muscle relaxation can help relieve tension, improve emotional well-being, and reduce the frequency of attacks. Even a simple walk in the fresh air can be a wonderful way to relax.

Don't: Ignoring your psycho-emotional condition
Constant suppression of emotions, chronic stress, and tension can make migraines worse. If you notice that anxiety or depression become constant companions, you should see a psychologist or psychotherapist. Migraines are closely linked to mental health, so paying attention to your mental health is an important part of treatment.

Do: Regular physical activity
Moderate physical activity - such as swimming, walking, or Pilates - promotes blood circulation, reduces tension in the neck and back area, and releases endorphins, which naturally relieve pain. The main thing is not to overdo it: intense training with sudden movements can, on the contrary, provoke an attack.

Don't: Physical exertion
Intense cardio training, heavy lifting, or sudden changes in activity can aggravate headaches. If a migraine has already begun, physical exertion will only make the symptoms worse. Therefore, it is better to choose gentle exercises and listen carefully to your body.

Greetings, my name is Monica. I graduated from New York Medical College and work as a nurse in Queens Hospital at the moment. The thing I love the most is morning jogging, because it is a wonderful way to keep myself in tonus. I like to communicate with people who care about their health. I became a vegetarian five years ago. Now my daily menu consists mainly of vegetables, fruits and different cheeses. I am a member of water polo team and I love gardening. I like to see how huge flowers grow out of the tiny petal, it dazzles me because I love spending my time outdoors. My goal is to visit all the USA parks, and then all over the world)