Chronic migraine headaches are debilitating. People who suffer from this condition miss out on work, family time, and the enjoyment of a pain-free life. What causes migraines? Why do some people suffer dramatically? Allow me to highlight common causes of migraine headaches and where to go from here.
Chronic Migraine Headaches 101
If you have never been formally diagnosed with migraines, it’s important to itemize symptoms you’re experiencing so you and your doctor are on the same page. Some chronic conditions can mimic each other or masquerade as one condition when it’s more than one. Not every sufferer experiences the same causes, symptoms, or side effects, but the following are likely to occur:
- Significant pain, usually on one side of the head
- Sensitivity to light
- Nausea and vomiting
- Blurred vision
- Tingling extremities
- Pain lasting for hours and even days
In general, migraine headaches begin when there is a change in the neck blood vessels and how they deliver blood supply to the brain. If the vessels dilate and there are abnormal contractions, blood is forced into the head more quickly than it can drain. This dysfunction results in increased pressure in the head and severe pain that is diagnosed as migraine.
Causes of Chronic Migraine Headaches
There are some people who experience chronic migraines and others who only get them periodically. Here are possible reasons why:
- Gender: Hormone fluctuations can predispose a woman to migraines during menstrual periods, pregnancy, and perimenopause.
- Lifestyle: Alcohol consumption, particularly certain types of alcohol, can trigger much more than a hangover headache and result in a migraine.
- Health conditions: Existing health problems like digestive disorders and autoimmune disease are often associated with severe headaches.
- Teeth grinding: Stress can come out in a person’s mouth through excessive teeth grinding and clenching, a problem for teeth but also a potential cause of ongoing headaches.
- Mechanical problems: Tension in the muscles and face overstimulate neck joints and the nervous system and contribute to a headache.
- Circulation: Restriction of the blood and lymph and poor circulation of oxygen to the brain can lead to the pain and discomfort of a migraine.
- Posture: Poor posture, increased muscle tension, and reduced mobility in the spine are common causes of migraines.
The only way to determine whether you are experiencing migraine headaches and to identify the root cause is by visiting your doctor and undergoing an examination, bloodwork, and thorough consultation.
Osteopathic Treatment of Chronic Migraine Headaches
When you have a migraine, you want it to stop immediately. Our medical team at Swetech Medical Center understands this and I will lead the charge to diagnose your condition, identify and eliminate triggers, and provide treatment for fast relief while we work together to develop a sustainable, long-term solution. A customized nutrition plan, regular exercise, and quality sleep are a powerful start, along with osteopathic therapies that help you decompress and minimize pain.
Migraines are treatable, but patience is necessary after the initial relief is provided. Schedule an appointment with me, Dr. Maria Swetech, to get help for your pain.
