Migraines and headaches can be extremely debilitating, affecting our ability to carry out daily activities. The pain and discomfort that come with these conditions can be overwhelming, leading us to seek relief as soon as possible. But what causes migraines and headaches in the first place? In this blog post, we will explore some of the most common triggers of migraines and headaches, with insights from physiotherapists and chiropractors.
Stress – It’s no secret that stress is a common trigger for migraines and headaches. According to physiotherapists, stress-induced tension in the neck, shoulders, and jaw muscles can lead to painful headaches. Chiropractors also agree that chronic stress can cause spinal restrictions that contribute to migraines. To combat stress-related migraines or headaches, physiotherapists suggest relaxation techniques such as deep breathing exercises or meditation.
Diet – Certain foods have been known to aggravate migraines and headaches in some individuals. For example, aged cheese, chocolate, processed meats, and caffeine-containing beverages like coffee or energy drinks are all known culprits so its best to avoid these to ensure you don’t get a migraine/headache. A chiropractor may recommend dietary changes such as eliminating trigger foods from your diet or incorporating more fruits and vegetables into your meals.
Environmental factors – Environmental factors such as bright lights or loud noises are known triggers for many people who suffer from these and make migraine or headache pain worse. Physiotherapists suggest using earplugs or sunglasses in situations where you know these triggers are present.
Poor posture – Poor posture is a common issue among people who work at desks for long hours each day. This poor posture can cause tension in the neck muscles leading to painful tension-type headaches. A chiropractor may suggest ergonomically designed office furniture or gentle stretches for neck muscles.
Lack of sleep – Sleep deprivation is another trigger for migraines and headaches. Both physiotherapists and chiropractors recommend aiming for at least seven hours of sleep each night to prevent headache-inducing fatigue.
Migraines and headaches can be triggered by a variety of factors, from environmental factors to poor posture and diet. However, with the help of a physiotherapist or chiropractor, you can identify your specific triggers and develop a plan to manage them. By taking steps such as managing stress levels, improving diet quality, correcting poor posture, avoiding environmental triggers, and getting enough sleep, it is possible to reduce the frequency and severity of migraines or headaches. Remember that prevention is always better than cure.
If you have any questions or would like to explore further, please book a free, no-charge online appointment with either myself, Dr. Tyler Baron, BASc, DC or another Kitchener chiropractor at CARESPACE. We are happy to listen and are here to help!
