Could You Be Doing One of These Things to Cause Your Migraines?

If you’re prone to migraines, you aren’t alone. Nearly 39 million Americans experience these painful types of headaches. For some, the pain is so debilitating, they can barely meet their most basic responsibilities.

At New Tampa Interventional Pain & Sports Medicine, our pain management specialist Jose De La Torre, MD, offers complete migraine care. Dr. De La Torre takes a whole-body approach to managing and preventing migraines. He can treat your pain and help you identify the triggers of these painful headaches.

An overview of migraine

A migraine is a neurological condition that causes a severe, throbbing pain on one side of your head. The pain can make you more sensitive to light and sound, interfere with your vision, and can even make you sick to your stomach.

Some people with migraines also experience visual disturbances, like seeing spots, flashing lights, or halos. 

These symptoms can last for hours or days at a time, and many people can only cope by lying in a dark, quiet room to reduce stimulation. There are also over-the-counter migraine medicines that can help ease the throbbing pain, but they don’t work for everyone.

Those who are prone to severe migraines may need medical intervention to better manage their pain. They should also explore what’s actually causing them, so they can take steps to avoid their triggers.

Things you may be doing that can cause migraines

Some people are at a higher risk for migraines because of their family history or their gender. Studies show that women have a higher risk for migraines than men, possibly because of hormone fluctuations that occur in pregnancy, during menstruation, and in menopause.

These factors aren’t something you can’t change. The migraine factors you can do something about include:

Diet and nutrition

Several foods can trigger migraines, including chocolate, cheese, and cured meats. Additionally, additives in foods like aspartame and monosodium glutamate (MSG) can also contribute to migraine pain.

By incorporating more fresh foods into your daily diet and avoiding processed foods, you can lessen your exposure to migraine triggers.

Exercise routine

Not getting enough daily exercise or exercising too intensely can both contribute to migraines.

If you’re prone to painful headaches, pay attention to your exercise routine, and note when physical activity is too much. Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate exercise a day, and don’t overdo it.

Stress management

If you’re under constant stress at home or work, you may not only be contributing to your migraines, but you may also be lowering your quality of life and risking your long-term health.

Uncontrolled stress can take a toll on your cardiovascular health and your mental health in addition to triggering migraines. You can battle back against stress by learning breathing techniques, practicing meditation, and being honest about what’s stressing you out.

Sleep schedules

If you don’t get enough sleep every night, your risk for migraines can increase. Ironically, sleeping too much can have the same effect.

Try to follow the same sleep schedule every night, getting 8-9 hours of good quality sleep – even on the weekends. Unplug from electronics at least an hour before bedtime and keep your room cool and dark.

Treatment options for chronic migraine pain

If you make these lifestyle changes to avoid your migraine triggers but are still struggling to manage chronic migraine pain, you can find help at New Tampa Interventional Pain & Sports Medicine.

Dr. De La Torre offers customized treatment plans using medications and Botox® injection therapy.

You don’t have to deal with chronic migraine pain on your own. Call our office in Wesley Chapel, Florida, today to schedule a migraine evaluation, or book an appointment online.