Do you find yourself taking Ibuprofen or aspirin too often? If you get migraine headaches, you are not alone. More than 38 million Americans suffer from migraines. Identifying triggers is one way to reduce migraines.There are several different types of migraine headaches. Migraine with aura and migraine without aura are the most common. An aura is a neurological symptom such as vision changes, numbness, tingling, or even difficulty speaking which precedes the onset of the headache.

Migraines differ from other headaches because they usually have a throbbing quality, rather than steady pain. Monitoring the duration of your headache can provide important information that can help diagnosis the type of headache you are experiencing. Migraine headaches may last a few hours to three days, while tension headaches may last only 30 minutes or linger for up to a week. Migraines may also cause nausea or vomiting, sensitivity to light, sound, or smells and worsening of the headache with slight physical exertion

Common migraine triggers are foods like red wine, chocolate, peanut butter, dairy products, and citrus fruits They are also associated with hormonal swings, weather changes, certain smells, and lack of sleep.  If you experience migraines, pinpointing the triggers may help. See you doctor to discuss treatment options. If you are not sure what type of headache you have, take this short headache quiz.  Check out five ways to decrease your risk of headaches...

 

 

  • 1

    De-Stress

    Whether it is a tough day at work/school, a disagreement or trouble paying the bills, we all have stressful situations. Learning how to manage the stress can help reduce your risk of headaches. Some options to manage stress are talking to a therapist, listening to calming music, or watching something that might make you laugh.

     

     

  • 2

    Pay Close Attention to Your Diet

    There are many "trigger foods" that can lead to migraines and headaches.  It all depends on the individual. Alcohol, caffeine, and processed meats are just some of the popular foods that can provoke a headache.

  • 3

    Take an Electronic Break

    Too much time in front of the TV or scrolling through social media can put a strain on your eyes, which in turn can cause a headache.  To avoid a migraine while on your phone, lower the screen brightness. We also need to pay attention to our posture while on the phone. Looking down at the phone will only make things worse.

  • 4

    Regulate Your Sleep Schedule

    It is always tough to make enough time to get work done, take care of your home responsibilities, maintain a social life, and more.  However, if you regularly struggle with migraines, keeping a consistent sleep schedule, yes even on weekends, will improve your life greatly.  Budget your time accordingly so that you get it all done.

  • 5

    Avoid Strong Scents

    Perfume, cologne, lotion, and smoke can all carry a strong odor leading to a headache.  Many people have noticed their migraines started when walking through the fragrance section of a department store. Opt for not-scented personal hygiene products when possible.

     

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