Factors That Can Raise Risk For Migraines
If you have ever had a migraine headache, then you are familiar with its symptoms. They include excruciating throbbing pain that typically affects one side of the head but can occur bilaterally. Other migraine symptoms may include light sensitivity, nausea, sweating, sound sensitivity, and dizziness. While family history and a genetic predisposition can raise your risk for migraines, there are other factors that may heighten your risk. Here are some factors that may raise your risk for a migraine headache.
Hormone Fluctuations
Hormonal fluctuations such as estrogen spikes and dips can trigger a migraine. Hormones are more likely to rise and fall before and during the menstrual cycle, during pregnancy, and in the years leading up to menopause.
Also known as perimenopause, the years that lead up to menopause is the time in a woman's life where her hormones can fluctuate wildly, and in addition to migraines, women in perimenopause can develop irregular periods, bleeding between periods, and infertility. If you believe that your migraines are hormonal, speak to your physician about hormone regulation treatments.
In the meantime, explore alternative therapies such as chiropractic care to learn more about spinal adjustments and massage, as both of these complementary treatment options can help minimize the effects of migraine headaches.
Caffeine Withdrawal
If you consume large amounts of caffeine on a daily basis, you may be at risk for migraines if you abruptly stop consuming it. Caffeine constricts your blood vessels, and when you stop drinking caffeinated beverages or eating foods high in caffeine, your blood vessels will begin to dilate.
When this happens, your blood vessels may dilate enough to put pressure on the nerves and muscles of your head. Migraines related to caffeine withdrawal usually last only a few days and can be managed by taking over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medications such as ibuprofen.
If you experience severe caffeine withdrawal symptoms such as anxiety, shaking, severe neck pain, or vomiting, see your doctor. If, however, you develop shortness of breath, extreme lightheadedness, chest pain, or a fast heart rate, seek emergency medical attention. Abrupt withdrawal from long-term caffeine use may trigger a cardiac arrhythmia or cause abnormalities of your blood pressure.
If you are seeking alternative treatment options to manage your migraine headaches, make an appointment with your chiropractor. In addition to spinal manipulation and therapeutic massage, he or she can recommend nutritional interventions that may help reduce the frequency and severity of your migraines.
