ALL ABOUT MIGRAINES

What are Migraines?

Headache Australia defines a migraine as a neurological disorder that can be very distressing and disabling. Migraines may be classified into two categories: Migraines with aura, and Migraines without aura. 

Migraines with aura:

A migraine that strikes after or at the same time as sensory disturbances called ‘aura’. These disturbances can include:

• Flashes of light
• Blind spots
• Blurred vision
• ‘Halos’ in your eye sight
• Tingling in your hand or face 

Migraines without aura:

This is the most common type of migraine (accounting for 75% of all migraines). These migraines do not have the sensory disturbances, or aura, that some people have before the onset of a migraine. 

How common are Migraines?

Migraines are a common complaint, affecting approximately 1 in 5 women (71% of migraine sufferers) and around 1 in 15 men. Additionally, approximately 4.9 million people in Australia suffer from migraine. 

What are the symptoms?

The International Headache Society classifies a headache as a migraine when:

1. The pain can be classified by at least two of the following:
   1. One sided
   2. Moderate to severe
   3. Throbbing
   4. Aggravated by movement
2. There is at least one of the following associated symptoms:
   1. Nausea
   2. Vomiting
   3. Photophobia (sensitivity to light)
   4. Phonophobia (sensitivity to noise)
3. The headache lasts for between 4 and 72 hours. 

Other symptoms of Migraine may include:

• Aura (discussed above)
• Difficulty concentrating, confusion
• Problems with articulation or co-ordination
• Speech disturbances
• Tingling, pins and needles or numbness or even one-sided limb weakness
• A feeling of being generally extremely unwell

What causes Migraines?

Although the causes of Migraines aren’t fully understood, genetics and environmental factors appear to play a role. Researchers have been able to narrow down potential migraine triggers:

• Hormonal changes in women
• Drinks such as alcohol or too much caffeine
• Stress
• Sensory stimuli such as bright lights and sun glare or strong smells like perfume or second hand smoke
• Sleep changes including missing sleep, too much sleep or jet lag
• Physical factors including intense physical exertion
• Weather changes. A change in weather or barometric pressure can prompt a migraine
• Medications including oral contraceptives and vasodilators
• Foods such as aged cheeses and salty and processed foods

How can Osteopathy help me?

Although there is little research on the effectiveness of complementary medicine for migraines, osteopathic treatment may help relieve various neck conditions and headaches which may be associated with neck problems or stress.  

Your Osteopath will take a thorough medical and case history with you to get a better understanding of any underlying or contributing factors to your migraine. From here, we will usually perform multiple soft tissue, mobilisation, manipulation, counterstrain and muscle-energy techniques to help release the tension in the tight muscles.

This treatment may help relieve the tension felt within your neck and shoulders, placing less pressure on the nerves and blood vessels which travel up to the brain. Your practitioner may also provide some individualised treatment plan to help manage the pain and tension from home. These will include triggers to avoid, and exercises to help strengthen and relieve tension which may be causing your migraine. 

Have a more specific question? Call Infinity Health and Osteo today to see how we may help you. 

For more info on other conditions and injuries: https://infinityhealthandosteo.com.au/conditions/

Migraines in depth: https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/conditionsandtreatments/headache-migraine