Migraines are more than just headaches. They are complex neurological events that can cause a wide range of symptoms, including throbbing pain, nausea, and sensitivity to light and sound. Migraines can be caused by a number of things including hormones, food sensitivities, stress, genetics, and even seasonal allergies— which can be hard when you live in a place like Riverton, UT where seasonal allergies are prevalent.
For many, migraines are a chronic issue that significantly impacts their quality of life.
While medications can be effective, they often come with side effects, and in some cases, may not be suitable for long-term use. This is why many sufferers are turning to natural remedies to manage and reduce their symptoms.
Here’s an exploration of several natural approaches to migraine relief, including a neurologically-based method that might surprise you: neurologically-based chiropractic care.
One of the simplest ways to reduce the frequency of migraines is to stay hydrated. Dehydration can trigger migraines or make them worse. It’s important to drink plenty of water throughout the day, especially if you live in a hot climate or lead an active lifestyle.
While water is the best hydrator, other fluids can also contribute to your daily fluid intake, just try to avoid drinks like sodas. Keeping a water bottle with you and sipping throughout the day is a good strategy.
Certain foods can trigger migraines in some people. Common culprits include aged cheeses, alcohol, caffeine, chocolate, and processed foods containing preservatives like nitrates and monosodium glutamate (MSG).
On the flip side, incorporating foods rich in magnesium, such as almonds, spinach, and black beans, might help prevent migraines. Keeping a food diary can help you identify and avoid your personal triggers.
If you feel that your migraines might be tied to specific foods, visit with your primary care doctor about your concerns.
Exercise can act as a preventive treatment for migraines. Activities like yoga, swimming, or light cycling can help reduce the frequency and intensity of migraines by improving blood flow, reducing stress, and enhancing overall health. It’s important to choose an activity that you enjoy, which does not exacerbate your symptoms, especially if bright lights or vigorous movements are triggers for you.
Poor sleep patterns can trigger migraines in many individuals. Establishing a routine that promotes good sleep can help prevent the onset of migraines.
Aim for 7-9 hours of quality sleep per night, maintain a regular sleep schedule, and create a bedtime routine that signals to your body that it's time to wind down, such as reading or meditating.
If you have trouble falling or staying asleep, give Magnesium supplements a try.
Since stress is a significant trigger for many migraine sufferers, finding effective ways to manage stress can be a game-changer. Techniques like meditation, deep-breathing exercises, and progressive muscle relaxation can reduce stress and the frequency of migraine attacks.
Regular practice can help you manage stress more effectively and may reduce the overall impact of migraines.
Aromatherapy using essential oils can provide relief for some migraine sufferers. Peppermint oil, for example, has a cooling effect that might soothe migraine pain.
Lavender oil is another popular choice due to its relaxing and pain-relieving properties. These oils can be inhaled directly, added to a bath, or diluted with a carrier oil and massaged into the temples and neck.
Neurologically-based chiropractic care goes beyond simple spine adjustments. It focuses on subtle manipulations of the spine and neck designed to relieve pressure on the nervous system, which can influence neurological conditions, including migraines.
Neurologically-based chiropractic care can help align your spine, reduce nerve irritation, and improve vascular flow. This, in turn, might decrease the frequency and intensity of migraine attacks.
Chiropractors who are neurologically trained use specific, gentle techniques that are different from traditional chiropractic adjustments. At Keystone Chiropractic in Riverton, Utah, we use torque release technique. This gentle approach is tailored to migraine sufferers, emphasizing the neurological connections and pathways involved in migraine attacks.
Patients often report not only a reduction in migraine frequency but also an improvement in overall well-being.
Certain herbs have been used for centuries to treat headaches and migraines. For example, feverfew and butterbur are two herbs with evidence supporting their use in reducing migraine frequency and severity.
However, it's important to consult with a healthcare provider before starting any herbal regimen, as some supplements can interact with medications or have side effects.
Living with migraines can be challenging, but integrating natural remedies into your lifestyle may help manage and reduce your symptoms. From staying hydrated and adjusting your diet to exploring neurologically-based chiropractic care, these strategies can provide a complementary approach to your existing treatment plan.
As always, it's essential to consult with healthcare professionals before making any significant changes to your health regimen, especially when it involves natural supplements.
Whether you choose one method or a combination, taking a proactive approach to migraine management can lead to significant improvements in your health and quality of life.
If you’re ready to address your migraines with neurologically-based chiropractic care, schedule an appointment with Dr. Jared here.
Find us at 12447 S Crossing Drive, Suite 109, Riverton, UT 84096, where Keystone Chiropractic provides top-quality, neurologically-based care for families and individuals. Our Riverton location makes it easy for residents in surrounding areas to access customized treatments for chronic pain, injury recovery, and overall wellness. Stop by our office and experience compassionate, expert care focused on restoring your health and vitality.
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