The Truth About Migraines

Just imagine you are sitting at your desk or driving in your car and suddenly your vision becomes blurred. You see an aura around all images you try to focus on. You feel disoriented and dizzy. Then severe pain sweeps over one side of your face to the point where you cannot bear to hear loud sounds and see lights because the pain is so excruciating. Sounds awful, but this is what millions of people across the world are experiencing every day. Sadly most of them deal with it on a reoccurring basis! What we are talking about here is the pain of a migraine.

Not Your Normal Headache

Migraines are not like regular headaches. They often affect one side of the face, almost like a stroke victim, there can be temporary facial paralysis involved with a migraine. Unlike a headache, migraines can last up to 72 hours, knocking their victims completely out of their routine. They come in cycles and totally interrupt life as you know it. People who suffer from migraines also deal with nausea and vomiting because the pain is so severe. This can affect all aspects of a person’s life. The busy mom cannot take care of her little ones. The man working on the construction site cannot handle loud sounds and can’t work. A husband comes home to find his wife locked in a pitch black room because she can’t handle the light of day and on and on it goes. No, this is not your normal headache.

Who Is Affected

Statistics state that almost 40 million Americans suffer from migraines. That means that nearly 1 in every 6 people is suffering from some form of migraine pain. Migraines do not only affect adults they affect children as well. Children as young as 7 years old have been diagnosed as having reoccurring migraines. Before puberty migraines are more dominant in boys until age 11 when the number of female sufferers increases. Researchers believe this is due to the rise in estrogen levels in young females. Estrogen is also believed to play a large part in why the vast majority of migraine victims are women. Women make up 75 percent of all migraine sufferers. The age group most affected is 20-45 years old.  Men do get migraines, but are far less likely than women.

Risks Of Untreated Migraines

There are several risks to consider for those who suffer quietly without medical treatment. Migraines are a serious condition and need to be monitored closely with a physician so that you can not only find relief, but also protect yourself from further damage. Male migraine sufferers are at 25 percent higher risk of developing cardiovascular disease. Women are also at higher risk of developing cardiovascular disease, as well as stroke and cancer. Those who do not seek treatment for their migraines often develop depression as they feel there is no hope to getting better. Their positive outlook on life diminishes. Left untreated migraines can infiltrate all parts of your life. Marital issues can arise. It can threaten your job and in turn threaten your finances. They should not be left untreated.

Seeking Relief

It is very important to seek medical attention for reoccurring migraines. Working closely with a physician will help figure out what is triggering the migraines and narrow down which type of migraine it is. Knowing the classification of migraine will help in developing a plan of action on getting better. Keeping a journal of the frequencies, intensities, and all activities or foods that you took part in leading up to the migraine will be very useful in finding the personal triggers.

Pain Management And Prevention

There are several prescription medications available to help ease the pain but be aware of the lengthy list of side effects and decide if this is the route you wish to take. Some over the counter or OTC drugs can be effective but you cannot take them over extended periods of time as they can create stomach bleedings and other internal problems. There are plenty of natural options available to lessen the pain and also help prevent the occurrence of migraines all together. Taking herbal supplements is a healthy alternative with little to no side effects. For pain management and prevention look for supplements such as:

• Magnesium Citrate
• Feverfew-best if used fresh
• Rosemary tea- you can make your own with fresh or dry
• Jamaican dogwood-also can be used in a tea
• Valerian-very helpful with calming the nerves

If you wish to go the natural alternative route it may be helpful to consult an acupuncturist or an herbalist. The important thing to know is you can move on from migraines. They don’t have to be a part of your life forever. There is treatment available.

Tags: Acupuncture, Biofeedback, chiropractic care, herbal supplements, Massage Therapy, migraine treatment, natural treatment