Tips To Treat And Prevent Migraines

There is headache, and there is migraine. The word migraine is derived from the Greek hemicrania, which, loosely translated, means "half a head". It alludes to the fact that a migraine typically affects only one side of the face, usually around the eye. The pain is often described as throbbing or pulsating and may be accompanied by nausea, vomiting, and extreme sensitivity to light and sound. Sometimes a migraine is preceded by an aura, visual distortions such as blurred vision and zigzagging lights. It foretells incapacitating pain that can last anywhere from a few hours to several days.

Here are some tips that you can consider to adopt to manage your migraine effectively and to minimize pain.

1. Try Biofeedback

Biofeedback is a form of conditioning in which you learn how to automatically warm your hands and relax the muscles around your neck and head. This helps to reduce the frequency and severity of migraine attacks. Biofeedback machines, which monitor various vital signs, are available for home use. However, it is recommended to consult a professional for training in the proper use of these devices.

2. Stick To A Schedule

Get up at the same time every day of the week, including Saturdays and Sundays. When you sleep in, you are messing with your body's internal clock. Your body revs up certain metabolic processes later than it should, and that can set the stage for a migraine, just in time to ruin your weekend.

3. Touch Your Temples

If you have throbbing pain in your temples, applying pressure can help relieve it. It is recommended to either wrap a bandanna around your head and tying it tight or massaging the area with your fingertips. Just be extremely careful. Your temples are probably very tender.

4. Lie Low

Migraine pain is very easily aggravated by physical activity, even something as mild as walking or bending over. When migraines strike, most people want to crawl into a dark corner and be left alone. The truth is that this may not be a bad idea.

5. Mind Your Magnesium Level

People are more prone to migraine attacks when they are marginally deficient in magnesium. It is recommended taking 200 milligrams of the mineral every day for two months to see if it has any impact on the number of migraines you experience. Bear in mind that people who have heart or kidney problems should not take supplemental magnesium.

6. Prepare For Travel

A migraine is sometimes associated with a change in altitude. Therefore, if you are planning to fly somewhere or do anything at high elevations, such as skiing, it is recommended taking Diamox a couple of days beforehand. It will reduce the severity of a headache. Diamox is a little different chemically from other diuretics.

7. Stay Calm

Uncontrolled stress and anxiety can also invite a migraine attack. Make sure that you allow some time every day to do whatever relaxes you, even if it is only for ½ hour in the evening. Do not just go to work and go to bed.

About The Author:
Raymond Lee Geok Seng is one of the foremost experts in the health and fitness industry and is a writer specializing in body health, muscle development and dieting. Visit http://www.bodyfixes.com for more information.