Migraines are most commonly known for throbbing or pounding head pain that is severe. It is often accompanied by nausea, vomiting, and sensitivity to light and sound and some smells. They usually last anywhere from 4 to 72 hours. In some cases, an aura is present before a migraine hits. An aura is a neurological phenomenon that can include flashing light, sparkles, or other indicators that a migraine is about to come on.
Most people begin getting migraines between the ages of 10 and 40. Women get them 3 times more often than men. However, some women notice a big difference in their migraines, which may even disappear after age 50.
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Triggers for Migraines
Migraines are often triggered by the following things:
- Low blood sugar due to not eating regularly
- Foods and drink: aged cheeses, alcohol, meat with nitrates or nitrites (pepperoni, salami, sausages, hot dogs, lunch meat), food with MSG (often in prepared mixes and processed foods)
- Stress
- Not getting enough rest
- Certain medications, such as birth control pills or estrogen replacement therapy
- Weather changes
Weather Changes and Migraines
If you suffer from migraines, you know when you see dark clouds coming, a migraine is probably soon to follow. According to a study done in 2013 at the University of Cincinnati, there was a 31 percent increased risk for headaches and a 28 percent increased risk for migraines on days that lighting was seen within 25 miles of the homes of those included in the study. Another study conducted by Japanese researchers discovered that 64 percent of their participants had migraines in relation to times when the barometric pressure dropped.
To learn more about the connection between head and neck injuries and migraines, download our complimentary e-book by clicking the image below.
The International Headache Society identifies seven triggers for weather-related migraines:
- Changes in temperature
- Storms
- Very dry conditions
- Barometric and pressure changes
- Bright lights and glare from the sun
- Increased humidity
In some cases, brain chemicals change when the weather shifts. This includes serotonin, known to cause migraines. But why does weather cause migraines?
Why Weather Triggers Migraines
So, we know it is proven that weather triggers migraines, but why?
- High humidity and dry conditions: These conditions make dehydration much worse. It is one of the most common and easily preventable migraine triggers.
- Photophobia: Bright lights and the glare from the sun activate photophobia, leading to migraines.
- Lightning and barometric pressure: It is not really known why this causes migraines. It is theorized that barometric pressure changes may affect the pressure in the brain or how the brain blocks pain signals. This is only a theory and has not been proven.
- Lightning: It is possible migraines that come about because of lightning can be due to electromagnetic waves emitted from the lightning. Another theory is that it is related to the release of fungal spores, causing migraines.
Tips to Reduce the Chance of Migraines During Storms
- Drink, drink, drink! Because of the dehydration associated with dry weather and increased humidity, drinking lots of water can help you avoid migraines.
- Buy new glasses. Even indoor lighting (fluorescent lights and other bright lights) can be migraine triggers, not to mention the bright sunlight. To combat this, there are such things as migraine glasses that use a tint referred to as FL-41.
- Remain inside. This won’t work for avoiding barometric pressure changes and electromagnetic waves, but it will help with bright sunlight, high humidity, and excessive heat.
- Get educated about weather fronts. Such things as the Accuweather.com Migraine Forecast and Weather.com’s Aches and Pains forecast can help you to predict when migraines might occur and be prepared.
- Monitor for pressure. There are apps available that help you check for barometer pressure where you are at the moment.
- Buy a barometer. Having a barometer at home or at your place of work can help you keep track of what is happening in the weather world.
- Limit other migraine triggers. Once you realize a storm or weather change is heading your way, try your best to not take chances on the triggers mentioned above. Be sure to get some mild exercise, as this has been seen to be a migraine deterrent.
- Consider moving. This may seem pretty extreme, but certain areas may be at a higher risk for producing migraine triggers than others. We highly recommend doing some research on the best and worst places to live for migraine sufferers before making such a drastic change. Interestingly, the city with the most migraines is rainy London.
An Alternative to Care for Migraines
While the above ideas can help you to avoid having as many migraines, wouldn’t it be better if you could find a way to address the root cause to alleviate them altogether? A study looked at 101 migraine patients. Each of them was discovered to have a misalignment in the bones of their upper cervical spine, specifically the C1 or C2 vertebra. Out of the 101, 87 recalled having some sort of trauma to the head or neck before the onset of their migraines. They were given specific adjustments by an upper cervical chiropractor. All but 4 of them reported seeing an improvement in their migraine symptoms, while 85 saw their migraines go away completely.
Here at Hejny Chiropractic in Spring Lake Park, Minnesota, we use a gentle method to help these bones move back into place naturally, rather than forcing them through popping or cracking. This relieves any pressure the misalignment was putting on the brainstem and allows blood flow to properly reach the brain. This is often all that is needed to see an improvement in or end to migraines — no matter what the weather might be like.
To schedule a complimentary consultation with Dr. Hejny, call our Spring Lake Park office at 763-230-0116. You can also click the button below.
If you are outside of the local area, you can find an Upper Cervical Doctor near you at www.uppercervicalawareness.com.