Migraines are headaches, sure, but they are also so much more. They are part of a debilitating disease that can have a serious impact on quality of life. Brain activity in patients with migraines is actually noticeably different on medical scans compared to those of non-migraine sufferers. However, there is still a lot that doctors need to learn before people can live free from this sometimes debilitating pain.
1. Maintain a Headache Diary
The events and activities that tend to increase migraine episodes are called triggers. Avoiding them can help you manage migraines. Many patients find that keeping a headache diary is a good way to identify and track triggers. This is simply a place where you can record your activities and symptoms every day. This gives you a good starting point to identify things that might be associated with your symptoms. a few items you might want to record in your diary include:
- Daily activities, including intensity level
- Foods you eat
- Stressors that pop up throughout the day
- Details about symptoms (time of onset or stopping, intensity, location, etc.)
2. Embrace a Healthy Lifestyle
An overall healthy lifestyle will help you manage migraine pain. Start with a healthy, well-balanced diet that focuses on whole foods like fruits and vegetables. Drink plenty of water to ensure proper hydration levels. Drinks loaded with sweeteners and caffeine may aggravate migraines, so try to avoid them. Work to maintain a regular exercise schedule. It doesn’t have to be an intense activity, just something that keeps you moving and can boost overall cardiovascular fitness.
3. Work With Professionals
While there is no cure for migraines, there are many preventative measures that can be taken to limit their impact on your life. Several types of medications and injectables have shown effective in preventing or limiting the onset of active migraines. Doctors who specialize in pain management Jacksonville FL can help you navigate the available treatment options and find one that works for you.
4. Remain Positive
In addition to pain, hypersensitivity and nausea, migraines can also cause withdrawal from society. Unfortunately, this can quickly compound the condition. It is vital to remain engaged and upbeat throughout your diagnosis. A positive attitude can help you reduce the frequency and severity of symptoms. A secondary benefit of the breathing exercises associated with relaxation and mindfulness practices is that they are also closely linked to pain management techniques.
Learning how to manage your symptoms can help you resume activities you through were off-limits and return to normal life. Proper self-care, tracking symptoms and daily activities, a positive attitude and working with a headache specialist are helpful tools to get you started.