Roughly one out of six Americans suffer from migraine attacks. If you are one of them, you know how distressing and debilitating symptoms like nausea, dizziness, and vomiting can be.
It makes sense you’d want to know what you can do to prevent migraine attacks. The first step is to figure out what triggers them for you so you can avoid those triggers.
Here are some tips on the prevention of migraines before it even begins:
Tip 1: Avoid Extreme Noise and Bright Lights
Extreme noises and bright lights are common triggers for people with migraines. When your senses are overstimulated, it can easily lead to a headache or migraine.
The sensory disturbances preceding a migraine are sometimes called an aura – and can help alert you that a migraine attack is imminent. These disturbances may include flashes of light, blind spots, and tingling in your face or hands.
Overstimulation of the senses can happen when you are:
- Driving
- At a club, party, or any crowded event
- In front of a screen
- In a place with direct sunlight
Tip 2: Watch Your Food and Drink Consumption
Nutritional experts consider certain foods and drinks to be associated with the onslaught of migraines. Some of these edible triggers include:
- Processed and MSG-rich foods
- Chocolate
- Anything high in caffeine
- Dairy products
- Alcoholic beverages
- Artificial sweeteners
- Citrus fruits
There are so many foods and beverages that can trigger migraines, so it may help to keep a headache diary to discover what you may be sensitive to. It’s a simple task: Whenever you have a migraine attack, write down what you consumed just beforehand. Keep doing this, and you will see a pattern emerge. You should end up with a list of foods or drinks that trigger your migraines, helping you know exactly what to avoid in the future.
Tip 3: Get Enough Proper Sleep
Most adults require a good 7-8 hours of undisturbed sleep each night. Getting less or more than this amount may lead to debilitating headaches. This is because the brain recuperates during sleep. When you disturb your rest, you cannot expect your mind to function at its best.
Sleep also has a reciprocal relationship with pain. Your body’s natural pain-inhibition abilities don’t function as well as they should when you don’t get enough quality sleep.
Moreover, research reveals an association between migraines and sleep disorders. For example, patients who suffer from migraines and those with insomnia both appear to have low melatonin concentrations within the body.
Tip 4: Avoid and Manage Stress
Stressful events are also common triggers for migraines. You cannot always control whether stress occurs, but you can manage your response to stressful situations. Doing so is an excellent way to prevent migraine attacks.
Of course, you may take active measures to avoid stressful situations. One of the ways you can do this is by taking regular breaks from the things that keep you busy.
You can also:
- Engage in regular exercise to relax your body and your mind.
- Be aware of some meditation strategies.
- Get a good massage to relieve pain and stiffness, leaving you feeling refreshed.
Remember that preventing migraines means taking care of your body as well as your emotional and mental wellness.
Tip 5: Seek Pain Management Counseling
It is always a good thing to ask for help when you are suffering from migraines. There are many ways to try to prevent and manage migraines on your own. But taking the extra step to receive pain management counseling can go a long way.
Some people may be unaware that there are different types of migraines. Instead of trying to guess which one you have, seek the advice of a professional pain management specialist. Their years of training and experience will save you from any critical errors.
Your pain management counselor can also help you create a detailed plan to prevent and manage possible future migraine attacks.
Migraine Treatment Near You in Wilmington, DE
Treat your migraines and prevent their occurrence in the future with the help of Delaware Back Pain & Sports Rehabilitation Centers. We have a great team of highly skilled and compassionate physical medicine doctors and pain management experts who can offer you various innovative treatment options. You do not have to continue to tolerate migraines and other painful conditions all the time.
Schedule an appointment with us through our online request form or reach out to us by calling (302) 529-8783. We look forward to helping you start your journey to a pain-free life!
