Migraine Got You Down?

Migraines can completely turn your day around. Once the signs begin to show you know you are in for it, it is like the calm before the storm. There are some things you can do to try to prevent them or lessen the intensity of one to make it easier to cope with.

1. Stay hydrated. It seems simple enough but staying well hydrated can help to prevent migraines. Try to keep water with you so you can drink easily throughout the day.

2. When a migraine is on the way try soaking your feet in hot water. If possible, soak your hands as well or use a heating pad on them. The heat dilates your blood vessels drawing blood away from your head to reduces the pounding pain. You can follow up with an ice pack on your neck and/or forehead.

3. Massage the back of your neck up to the base of the skull. The area where the neck meets the skull is often very tight and restricted and can trigger a migraine.

4. Trigger Point Therapy. Again, referring to the space where the neck meets the back of the skull, you can de-activate trigger points in that area. You can press up and into that soft area with your fingers or thumbs and hold for 10 seconds. Repeat multiple times or until you feel improvement. Another method is to place two racquetballs in a sock and lie on the floor with the balls positioned at the base of the skull. Lie there for a minute or two or until you feel improvement.

There are many factors that can trigger a migraine but hopefully these methods will help to bring about improvement by reducing both the frequency and intensity of these debilitating headaches.