Are migraines and weather changes really connected? This is a question a MN atlas chiropractor can provide answers to. And I can tell you that on some level, there is an association between the two.
Once a migraine hits, the person affected can be debilitated until the migraine passes. They can experience pain that is so bad that they’re forced to lie down in a cool, dark room until it completely subsides.
If you suffer from migraines, one of the worst parts is that you don’t know when an attack will happen next. You are then unable to make plans, which ultimately affects your quality of life.
But as far as the migraines and weather changes, the real issue lies in barometric pressure, or the amount of force applied to your body by the air around you. The sinuses are sensitive to air pressure changes, and this sensitivity can result in headaches and migraines.
This article discusses migraines and weather changes and how to deal with them. After reading this, hopefully, you’ll have a better understanding of this situation.
Table of Contents
The Symptoms of Weather Migraines
Weather migraines have the same symptoms as regular migraines. But some other indicators include pain in one or both temples, numbness in the face and neck, and increased sensitivity to light. Some people also experience nausea and vomiting.
Barometric migraines occur mainly when it is either rainy or humid out. You’ll experience this the most when the weather shifts from one to the other.
To learn more about the connection between head and neck injuries and migraines, download our complimentary e-book by clicking the image below.
The cCnnection Between Migraines and Weather Changes
Barometric migraines happen when there is a difference between the air pressure in the sinuses versus the air pressure from outside. It’s very similar to what happens during a plane ride. As the altitude changes upon takeoff, air pressure changes at the same time. This is why we also experience our ears pop when the plane ascends to or descends from cruising altitude.
One study in Japan observed the sale of Loxoprofen, a popular headache remedy medication. The study noticed a connection between the sales amounts and the changes in weather. When barometric pressure changed, there was a boost in sales.
Another study followed 28 people with a history of migraines as they kept a headache journal for an entire year. The journal showed migraine attacks happening more when the barometric pressure dropped by five hectopascals (hPa) the day prior.
A 2015 research study also showed how barometric pressure affected people suffering from chronic migraines. Just the slightest decrease in pressure became enough to induce attacks.
Preventing Barometric Migraines
Being aware of headache patterns should help you understand your condition better. In some cases, you may notice a migraine attack before it even begins. You’ll experience ringing in the ears, visual disturbances, or even nausea.
But there are ways to prevent migraines by attending to all of the various factors that can trigger a migraine episode. Because it’s impossible to have control over the weather, make adjustments to the things you can control.
One way is to eat healthy meals at regular intervals. This keeps prevents you from having low blood sugar, which can trigger a migraine. Drinking eight glasses of water each day is also helpful since dehydration is a migraine trigger.
When it comes to stress management, exercises, breathing techniques, and other relaxation methods are useful for preventing spikes or dips in stress-related hormones. Sleep is also important, and ideally, you should get seven to eight hours a night.
Keeping a Migraine Diary
I mentioned the importance of keeping track of your migraine episodes. Doing this helps you understand what your individual triggers are.
One item to keep track of is the food you ate before the onset of your migraine. This enables you to see if there are any connections to your diet. Notice if you’ve ever skipped meals during the day or two leading up to a migraine.
Think about what you were doing before the migraine happened. It could be a stressful activity that is an apparent trigger. There are also environmental factors and certain weather conditions to look at.
By keeping a list of these possible triggers, may also notice patterns of factors that led to a migrain for you. This can help you try to avoid those patterns or triggers in the future.
The Natural Relief Option for Migraines
Whether it’s about dietary issues, lifestyle changes, or mother nature, your migraines could be relieved with the help of upper cervical chiropractic care. Multiple studies have shown a link between migraines and a misalignment in either the C1 or C2 vertebra.
Once a misalignment occurs, there is a hindrance to the blood flow to and from the brain. In turn, the brainstem also endures unnecessary stress, causing it to send improper signals. These instances can easily lead to migraine attacks.
As a MN atlas chiropractor, I’m able to find even the tiniest misalignments that may be causing your discomfort. I make use of gentle methods to put these bones back in their correct alignment. Often, this form of care is the most helpful when it comes to dealing with migraines that developed after the patient experienced head or neck trauma.
Don’t let migraines control your life. If you suffer from migraines, my clinic at Hejny Chiropractic in Spring Lake Park, Minnesota is here at your service. Our patients have some great testimonials to share about how upper cervical chiropractic care has helped them.
If you’re interested in finding out more about what we have to offer, contact me through our website’s contact form and schedule a complimentary consultation. This could be the best health decision you’ll ever make.
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.