5 Easy Steps to Natural Migraine Relief | Kansas City

July 10, 2015

Headache Treatment, Health Tips, Kansas City Headache Treatment

If you suffer from migraines, you can feel one coming on. Speaking from experience, in that moment, you just might give anything to stop that migraine dead in its tracks.

Proven Techniques for Natural Migraine Relief | Kansas City

But none of us want to take pain pills every day. The long-term side effects of that can cause stomach ulcers, kidney problems and other digestive issues.

Instead, we need to uncover the possible causes of your migraines and then take tangible steps toward natural migraine relief.

According to the Headache Center of Atlanta, adult migraines are triggered by:

stress (80%)
hormones (65%)
odors (44%)
lights (38%)
smoke (36%)
heat (30%)
food (27%)

Step 1 to Natural Migraine Relief: Avoid YOUR Migraine Triggers

Keep a journal or a piece of paper with you at all times. At the first sign of a migraine, check for one of these triggers: alcohol, artificial sweeteners, caffeine, chocolate, processed lunch meat (with nitrates), dehydration, missed meals, strained eyes, exhaustion, flickering lights, loud noises, and smells.

After a few weeks, check for patterns. This can help you to identify a few of you migraine triggers so that you can avoid them.

Step 2 to Natural Migraine Relief: Exercise Regularly

Exercises is one of the top, proven techniques to natural migraine relief

Exercising regularly is one of the most effective ways to prevent and treat migraines, naturally.

Now, if you’re thinking,”The last thing I want to do in the middle of a migraine headache is to go for a run,” then look at this: many people find that if they feel a migraine coming on, they can go for a walk or jog and avoid it completely!

Here’s a great list of some of the best places to walk (and even hike) in the Kansas City area! Find one close to your house or work place and get out there.

Step 3 to Natural Migraine Relief: Chiropractic Treatment

For many migraine sufferers, the neck is a significant, contributing factor. Chiropractic treatment involves specific, non-invasive, chiropractic adjustments that realign your bones and joints. This allows them to bend and move as you bend and move. When joints are locked up, they often irritate you nerves. The nerves in your neck, at the base of your skull can often cause headaches and migraines if they are irritated.

Kansas City chiropractors use specific, focused adjustments to your joints to restore normal motion.

In a recent study at at Macquarie University, Dr Peter Tuchin studied the results of chiropractic treatment for chronic migraine sufferers. The average length of time these study participants had been suffering from migraines was 18 years.) He found that 50% of them had noticable improvement with chiropractic care.

Step 4 to Natural Migraine Relief: Diet Changes

Add Omega 3s

A good dose of these healthy fats fights inflammation. Inflammation is often one of the root causes of migraines. Adding in ground flax seeds to your morning smoothie, scheduling a few more meals with fish on your menu and even taking fish oil supplements can keep inflammation (and migraines) at bay.

Add Ginger

Add a little fresh ginger to your diet. Ginger helps with upset stomachs, but it can also help with migraine-related nausea. Its anti-inflammatory properties can also ease pain.

Just make sure you get the real stuff – not ginger ale.

Step 5 to Natural Migraine Relief: Drink More Water

Many headaches and migraines are caused by dehydration. If you feel a migraine coming on, drink a few glasses of water. It might actually stop your migraine, cold.

The key is prevention. If you can identify your triggers, take steps to avoid them and incorporate a few easy steps into your daily and monthly routine, you can keep your migraines at bay.

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