Migraines are a complex type of headache disorder that affects millions of people every year. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), of the three-quarters of adults between the ages of 18 to 65 who experience headaches, at least 30% have migraines.
Like many health conditions, the best thing you can do to protect yourself from migraine headaches is to know what triggers them and find ways to avoid your triggers. If you experience chronic migraine headaches, our pain management specialists can help you find the right treatment and lifestyle practices to manage and reduce your risk of another episode.
Republic Spine and Pain offers pain management treatment and services from three convenient locations in Austin, Leander, and Georgetown, Texas.
Several factors can trigger migraines. While millions of people deal with average to higher than normal stress levels on an ongoing basis with little to no effect on their health and quality of life, for others, stress can trigger migraines.
Along with stress, other factors that can trigger migraines include:
If you have a family history of migraines, you may also have a higher risk of developing them. Women tend to be as much as three times more likely to experience migraine headaches than men, and they tend to be more frequent in adolescents. They often peak in the 30s and become less frequent with age (however, people can have migraines at any age).
Migraines can range from mild to severe and can last anywhere from a few hours to several days. People often experience several episodes throughout the year.
Lifestyle modifications and changes are one of the staples of migraine prevention and treatment. Finding healthy outlets to manage your stress is one factor. Weight issues can be a factor in chronic migraines and many other health problems that can also lead to other forms of pain, so our team may recommend a healthy diet and exercise plan to help you maintain a healthy weight.
Along with lifestyle modifications, like relaxation and healthy diet and exercise, migraines can also be managed with medication to treat pain, as well as treatments like Botox® and acupuncture.
For more information about migraine triggers and how to find relief, contact Republic Spine and Pain today to schedule an appointment with a pain specialist at one of our three convenient locations in Austin, Leander, and Georgetown, Texas.
