Migraines are severe headaches that cause disabling pain. About 12% of Americans get migraines regularly. In some cases, migraine pain is so severe you’re prevented from completing day-to-day activities. Signs and symptoms of migraines include:

• Throbbing head pain
• A pulsing sensation in the head
• Pain on one side of the head
• Nausea and vomiting
• Sensitivity to light and sound

If you regularly suffer from migraines, you may receive warning signs before they occur, such as:

• Seeing auras (flashes of light or wavy vision)
• Blind spots or vision loss
• Tingling on one side of the face
• Tingling in your arm or leg

The causes of migraines aren’t entirely understood, but certain factors increase your risk, including:

• Being a female
• Stress or anxiety
• Lack of sleep or changes in sleep patterns
• Lack of food or water
• Genetics or family history
• Eating certain foods or food additives
• Hormonal changes in women
• Intense exercise
• Drinking alcohol
• Taking certain medications

Believe it or not, women are three times more likely than men to suffer from migraines. Why is this the case? It may be due to fluctuating hormones, especially changes in estrogen levels.

You can’t always prevent migraines. Knowing what triggers migraines — such as your monthly cycle, eating certain foods, a lack of sleep, or drinking alcohol — can help lower your risk of a migraine attack.

Dr. Ash is likely to suggest trying one or more of these migraine-prevention strategies:

• Receive regular chiropractic care
• Take preventative migraine medications
• Eat a nutritious diet
• Exercise regularly
• Stay hydrated
• Get enough sleep
• Keep stress levels low
• Reduce muscle tension
• Avoid or limit alcohol

Various treatment options help control migraines, so you can live a pain-free life:

• Pain relief medications
• Migraine prevention medications
• Antidepressant medications
• Muscle relaxation exercises (yoga or meditation)
• Ice packs
• Regular exercise
• Ultrasound therapy (sound waves that reduce pain and inflammation)
• Cold laser therapy (low-level light energy that reduces pain)
• Hormone treatments

You and Dr. Ash collaboratively devise a customized treatment plan to help alleviate your headaches or migraines. Call his office to learn more or schedule an appointment online.