The answer to finding what triggers a migraine very likely lies in keeping a migraine diary. Migraines leave their sufferers exhausted and frustrated, not knowing when the next one will occur. Much research has gone into finding a reason that migraines happen and how to help those who have them. While this is still under much debate, one thing experts agree on is the fact that a migraine diary can help a person identify triggers and avoid them.
When it comes to starting a migraine diary some are not sure where to begin. There are some places online that one can download a diary to use. Some suggestions of what to include in the diary are:
- Weather conditions before the onset of a migraine
- Medication, vitamins, and supplements that were taken
- What foods were consumed before a migraine attack
- Was any exercise done?
- How long and how intense was the pain?
- What type of pain – throbbing, stabbing, pounding?
- Where was the pain located?
- Additional symptoms such as nausea, vision changes, auras, etc.
Keeping track of these things and then looking back over them in a couple of weeks can help one to see if a pattern has developed. This allows the person to avoid certain situations or foods that may trigger migraine events. However, this will not entirely eliminate migraines from one’s life. In order to attempt to do that, the underlying cause needs to be addressed.
Finding the Root Cause of Migraines
A connection has repeatedly been seen between a misalignment of the upper neck and migraines. The top two bones of the neck – the C1 and C2 vertebrae – protect the brainstem. However, if they have become misaligned due to an injury – even if it happened years ago – they might be the cause of migraine pain. A misalignment in this part of the spine may put pressure on the brainstem, causing interference with the central nervous system. Communication and blood flow can become hindered between the brain and the body.
Once the misalignment is corrected using a very gentle technique, many patients report seeing a decrease if not a total elimination of their migraines.
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Dr. Andrea Pritchett of Vital Life Wellness Center in Dublin, California is an Dublin Chiropractor and Upper Cervical Specialist trained by the National Upper Cervical Chiropractic Association (NUCCA). Her upper cervical clinic also serves Pleasanton, Livermore, San Ramon and Danville. She is uniquely trained to correct problems in the upper cervical spine (upper neck). This vital area is intimately connected to the central nervous system and problems in this area have been shown to be an underlying cause of a variety of different health problems, including children’s conditions such as ear infections, colic and scoliosis and problems that adults face including migraines and other headaches, fibromyalgia, sciatica, neck and back pain, and more. More information can be found on our website at http://www.vlifewellness.com/
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