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Managing Migraines: A Guide Heading Off The Pain

Modified on September 21, 2020 at 10:38 PM

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Migraines can be hell. Most of us that suffer from them look for any form of relief that we can. Below is a guide to some of the common triggers so that you can prevent a migraine, as well as tips on beating a migraine once they’ve started.

What is a migraine?

Migraines are severe headaches that in some cases can also result in nausea, vomiting and extreme sensitivity to light and sound. They affect about 1 in 5 women and 1 in 15 men (they’re very common!).

Migraines are different from tension headaches and other types of headache in that they tend to only affect one side of the head. They often develop gradually, starting off as a mild headache and then getting severe (an extreme headache with no build-up is probably worth seeing a doctor for as it could be a sign of something more worrying). Regular migraines often don’t require medical attention, although some people have such severe pain that they resort to calling an ambulance.

What causes migraines?

The exact cause of migraines is still a mystery. It’s believed that they are the result of temporal changes in the nerves and blood vessels around the brain. More often than not, migraines are genetic.

In the case of regular migraines, there are usually specific triggers. Because of this they can be treated much like an allergy – by avoiding certain triggers, you can prevent migraines from occurring.

Common triggers of migraines

Migraine triggers come in all forms. Some of the most common triggers include:

·         Stress

·         Food triggers (common specific foods include chocolate, processed meats, breads, matured cheeses, ice cream and foods with MSG in)

·         Drink triggers (common specific drinks include caffeinated drinks and alcoholic drinks)

·         Changes in sleep schedule (some people experience the ‘weekend migraine’ after lying in on a Saturday)

·         Certain medication (ibuprofen, aspirin and sleeping pills can trigger migraines for some people)

·         Changes in weather

·         Sex (some unlucky people experience a migraine after having an orgasm)

To identify triggers, it’s worth keeping a migraine diary – every time you have a migraine, write down everything you consumed or did before the headache set in. By spotting trends, you can then start to work out what your triggers are so that you can avoid them.

It may not always be possible to avoid all triggers. Changes in weather for instance are completely out of our control and as a result are one of the more frustrating trigger types.

How To Beat A Migraine

Once a migraine sets in, there’s often no choice but to ride it out. That said, some people do find odd ‘miracle’ cures that work for them. There are also ways to reduce the pain and make it more manageable. Below are just some of the best methods for dealing with a migraine.

Take some painkillers

Over-the-counter painkillers may be able to offer some pain relief. They’re most effective when taken at the beginning of a migraine, often preventing a migraine from reaching its full force.  

It’s important to exercise caution when taking painkillers. Never take more than the recommended dose (no matter how bad the headache may feel) as an overdose could be deadly. You should also be careful of taking certain painkillers together – while you can take ibuprofen and paracetamol together to double the effectiveness, there are certain combinations like aspirin and ibuprofen that are dangerous. You can find information on which painkillers can be mixed online.

Try other pain relief supplements

There may be other supplements that you can take to try and ease the pain. You may be able to take these with over-the-counter painkillers or you could take them as an alternative if you don’t like popping pills.

CBD is one supplement that has become particularly popular as a form of pain relief. This ingredient is extracted from the cannabis plant – offering the pain-relieving effects of the plant, but without the high of the drug. CBD can be taken in many forms from pills to gummies as you can see with this list of vetted products. You can even apply topical creams and gels.

Lavender oil is also popularly used to fight pain and can be particularly effective against migraines. This oil can be applied directly to the temples in a diluted form or it can simply be inhaled by using an oil diffuser. Some people find that peppermint oil has a similar effect.

Ginger could also be worth trying if you tend to find that migraines make you nauseous. This common household herb has long been used to fight pain and cure nausea and has numerous studies to show its effectiveness. In fact, one study found that ginger was just as effective at fighting migraines as the over-the-counter painkiller sumatriptan.  

Relieve tension around the head

If you’ve got your hair up, consider letting it down. If you’ve a hat or a headband on, take them off. Anything that is causing tension on the head could be making the pain worse, so try to keep the head free of any restraints. Some people find that cushioning the back of their head with a pillow helps, while others may find that even this adds pressure to the head and makes the migraine worse.

Escape to a dark, quiet room

Many migraine sufferers experience extreme sensitivity to light and sound. Exposure to this can make the headache worse. If you’re at home and you feel a migraine coming on, it could be worth heading straight into the bedroom, shutting the door and closing the curtains. Lie on the bed and close your eyes – it should help the migraine to ease off. If you catch it early enough, you may even stop it from developing into a severe migraine.

Some people go as far as wearing earplugs and an eyemask, however for others having this extra stuff on one’s head makes the migraine worse.

Drink lots of water

Migraine sufferers have been found to be more sensitive to dehydration and in some cases it can be a migraine trigger. By drinking enough water throughout the day, you may be able to prevent a migraine. Meanwhile, drinking lots of water after a migraine has already set in could also help to ease the pain. It’s especially important if a migraine has caused you to throw up, as vomiting will make you more dehydrated.

As soon as a migraine sets in, pour yourself a couple glasses of water. If you decide to lie down in your bedroom to ease the pain, consider taking these glasses with and regularly sipping on them.

Try a cup of coffee

Surprisingly, some people find that drinking a couple sips of coffee can ward off a migraine. This is believed to be the effect of the caffeine on the nerves and blood vessels in the brain. Most people find that this works only in the early stages of a migraine.

Caffeinated drinks can of course be a trigger for some people – if coffee causes you migraines, then this is definitely not the pain relief strategy for you.

Try taking a hot bath

Hot baths are often recommended by doctors as a form of DIY pain relief. They help to relax muscles and relieve inflammation in the body, which commonly contributes to pain. If you feel a migraine coming on, consider running yourself a bath.

Alternatively, you could try placing a hot wet flannel over your head to directly target the area. A warm compress will also help to reduce inflammation and relieve pain.

Try a cold compress

It’s not just the heat but also the cold that can help ease a migraine. Compressing an ice pack or a frozen bag of vegetables onto the head can offer some direct relief. This is because the coldness has a numbing effect, which can dull the sensation to pain.

For maximum impact, apply the ice pack for 15 to 20 minutes at a time to the base of the skull. There are ice neck wraps that you can buy that can help to offer a cold compress. These could be worth buying and trying if you regularly get migraines.  

Get a massage

Some people find that a head massage can clear up a migraine. By stimulating nerve endings around the head, it can reduce the pain.

You could get someone else to give you a massage or you could try to give yourself a massage. There are guides and videos online that can teach you how to perform such a massage.

If you need to throw up, do it

For some people, being sick has the effect of almost instantly curing a migraine. Many people experience nausea when having a severe migraine – if you get the urge to be sick, it could be worth giving in to that urge. Some people even go as far as inducing vomiting just to beat a migraine. There are a number of hypotheses as to why vomiting may stop a migraine, however researchers are still unsure as to the exact link. 

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Posted By The Fashionable Housewife
on September 21, 2020 at 10:37 PM
Filed Under: Health & Fitness
Tagged With: CBD, headache, migraines, pain, painkiller, painkillers

About The Fashionable Housewife

Sarah-Jean Ballard is the Editor in Chief of The Fashionable Housewife blog and Founder of Fashionable Media. Married to a sexy Molecular Biologist, housewife, mom to 5, homeschooler, Certified Personal Nutritionist and entrepreneur who's mission is to help moms just like you look and feel GREAT! Other interests include dancing, yoga, positive intactivism, natural birth and breastfeeding support, babywearing, paleo & gluten-free cooking, and promoting an overall healthy lifestyle to all.

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Sarah-Jean Ballard

Hi! I’m Sarah-Jean. I’m a Christian, the wife of a handsome Molecular Biologist, and the homeschooling mother of 5 beautiful kids!

I enjoy homesteading, reading, writing, cooking, baking, crafting, home decorating, Xtend Barre, and of course, fashion!

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You do not find a happy life. You make it. 

That’s the biggest lesson that grief has taught me. If I just wait around to be happy again, I’ll die sad. 

You don’t get through grief and come out the other side. That’s not how it works. You learn how to grow around it like a tree grows around a rock that’s in the way. You don’t wait for the rock to move. Cause it’s not gonna. 

Choose happy. And then make it happen. 

#choosehappy #joyinthejourney #griefjourney #healingfromtrauma
8 billion smiles in the world, but his is my favor 8 billion smiles in the world, but his is my favorite. 

Happy Valentine’s Day, @daeinexplains 🥰

The last 20 years with you have been my favorite years on this earth. ❤️ 

If I did anything right in my life, it was when I decided to give my heart to you.  You are my best friend, my soul mate, my better half, my rock, my everything. 

I love you.

#couplegoals #marriedlife #motherhoodthroughinstagram #weddingday #marriagegoals #yourestilltheone
Kids love helping if you just let them!💁🏼‍ Kids love helping if you just let them!💁🏼‍♀️

This little guy always asks to help when he sees me cleaning the house, washing the floors, doing laundry, or emptying the dishwasher. That’s what I love about Montessori parenting - it allows kids to do  big jobs and in turn makes them eager to help! 

He was over the moon when we gave him the @lovevery floor mop that actually works! He uses it daily now. The mopping pad is machine washable and you can refill the fluid container on it. I usually just do water and a drop of essential oils because he loves it when everything smells clean! 😜 

Definitely recommend! If you want to grab this mop for your little helper, it’s in the Storyteller Play Kit from Lovevery for 3 year olds. 

LlNK is in my bio to get FREE shipping! 💃🏼

#lovevery #loveverytoddler #loveverypartner #montessoriathome #montessoriplayroom #montessoritoddler
Stop trying to fit your square self in a round hol Stop trying to fit your square self in a round hole. 

Sometimes we outgrown relationships. Sometimes we realize someone else isn’t a good influence on our lives. Sometimes we realize we aren’t a good influence for someone else. Sometimes we need to let things go that aren’t good for us in order to grow. And that’s ok. 

Stop trying to sit at a table you are no longer welcome at. Just be yourself, focus on God, love your family and friends, and the right people will gravitate to you. ✌🏻 

#raisingsaints #momlife #motherhoodunplugged #selflovejourney #growingpains #selfcaresunday
When your toaster breaks from a power surge you ta When your toaster breaks from a power surge you take that as a sign that it’s time to upgrade! 🤪

It wasn’t hard to pick a new 4 slice toaster. As soon as I saw this one from @haden_usa I added it to my cart. I bought it from @lordandtaylor because it had the fastest shipping and I didn’t want to wait! 

No fancy electronics, screens, or extra features we don’t need. Just simple, straight forward functions and perfect results everytime. Plus it matches all my @cafeappliances too! 😂👍🏻

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I’m obsessed with these leather booties from @en I’m obsessed with these leather booties from @enjoiya! 💃🏼 

The “Steffi” in green are the perfect boots for ushering in spring weather with their delicious vintage leather and worn-in look right out of the box. I love the chunky lug soles and inside zippers to get them on and off easily. 

These are the boots you’ll want to wear again and again. And again. 

Use my coupon code BALLARD20 to get 20% off your order! Find them on www.enjoiya.com

#leatherbooties #enjoiya #italianshoes #realmomstyle #momstyle #momstyletips
All the poop shoveling doesn’t seem so bad with All the poop shoveling doesn’t seem so bad with the prices of eggs right now! 🤪 🐔 🥚 

Guess it’s ok to be a crazy chicken lady and have a homestead now! 🤣

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Today was my due date for Dylan. Considering he w Today was my due date for Dylan.

Considering he was my 6th child, it's possible he would have been here by now. It’s been extra hard for me this week. 

Despite my best efforts to be strong and stay positive, I am completely brokenhearted. I’m just being honest. I could pretend I’m fine, but that doesn't do me or anyone else any good to be dishonest about the pain of miscarriage or the grief that comes with losing a child. 

My heart is completely shattered from having an empty womb and an empty nursery. An empty bassinet in the corner and unused tiny newborn outfits, all washed, folded, and ready… for nothing. 

It makes me physically sick to my stomach when I think about it all and I can't even fathom how I got here. How did I get here? 

This isn't how it's supposed to be! I should be holding a newborn right now! It’s so unfair. 

In an instant, my baby was gone and there was nothing I could do to change that. 

It doesn't matter how much time passes or what else happens in life, I will always miss him. My heart with always long for my baby. 

Those who haven't experienced loss tell you that "Don’t worry! Things will get better, just focus on the positive!" but people who actually know this grief and what it actually feels like to lose a baby, won’t tell you that. They know this hard road. They understand that unfortunately you don't just “get over it.” 

The grief doesn't just go away, even if you try to ignore it, it's still there. Like the sun. You don’t have to look at it to know it’s there. You can turn your back on it but it will still warm your skin. 

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And it completely shatters you when you don’t expect it. 

You don’t get over it. You don’t forget. You simply learn to live with it. And I’m learning to live with it every day. 

It’s been 137 days I’ve had to live without my baby. 

Lord Jesus, please… hold me extra tight tonight. 

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You do not find a happy life. You make it. 

That’s the biggest lesson that grief has taught me. If I just wait around to be happy again, I’ll die sad. 

You don’t get through grief and come out the other side. That’s not how it works. You learn how to grow around it like a tree grows around a rock that’s in the way. You don’t wait for the rock to move. Cause it’s not gonna. 

Choose happy. And then make it happen. 

#choosehappy #joyinthejourney #griefjourney #healingfromtrauma
8 billion smiles in the world, but his is my favor 8 billion smiles in the world, but his is my favorite. 

Happy Valentine’s Day, @daeinexplains 🥰

The last 20 years with you have been my favorite years on this earth. ❤️ 

If I did anything right in my life, it was when I decided to give my heart to you.  You are my best friend, my soul mate, my better half, my rock, my everything. 

I love you.

#couplegoals #marriedlife #motherhoodthroughinstagram #weddingday #marriagegoals #yourestilltheone
Kids love helping if you just let them!💁🏼‍ Kids love helping if you just let them!💁🏼‍♀️

This little guy always asks to help when he sees me cleaning the house, washing the floors, doing laundry, or emptying the dishwasher. That’s what I love about Montessori parenting - it allows kids to do  big jobs and in turn makes them eager to help! 

He was over the moon when we gave him the @lovevery floor mop that actually works! He uses it daily now. The mopping pad is machine washable and you can refill the fluid container on it. I usually just do water and a drop of essential oils because he loves it when everything smells clean! 😜 

Definitely recommend! If you want to grab this mop for your little helper, it’s in the Storyteller Play Kit from Lovevery for 3 year olds. 

LlNK is in my bio to get FREE shipping! 💃🏼

#lovevery #loveverytoddler #loveverypartner #montessoriathome #montessoriplayroom #montessoritoddler
Stop trying to fit your square self in a round hol Stop trying to fit your square self in a round hole. 

Sometimes we outgrown relationships. Sometimes we realize someone else isn’t a good influence on our lives. Sometimes we realize we aren’t a good influence for someone else. Sometimes we need to let things go that aren’t good for us in order to grow. And that’s ok. 

Stop trying to sit at a table you are no longer welcome at. Just be yourself, focus on God, love your family and friends, and the right people will gravitate to you. ✌🏻 

#raisingsaints #momlife #motherhoodunplugged #selflovejourney #growingpains #selfcaresunday
When your toaster breaks from a power surge you ta When your toaster breaks from a power surge you take that as a sign that it’s time to upgrade! 🤪

It wasn’t hard to pick a new 4 slice toaster. As soon as I saw this one from @haden_usa I added it to my cart. I bought it from @lordandtaylor because it had the fastest shipping and I didn’t want to wait! 

No fancy electronics, screens, or extra features we don’t need. Just simple, straight forward functions and perfect results everytime. Plus it matches all my @cafeappliances too! 😂👍🏻

What do you think of this 4 slice toaster?! 

#toasters #kitchenappliances #kitchendesign #kitchendecor #whitekitchen #farmhousekitchen #farmhousestyle #whiteappliances
I’m obsessed with these leather booties from @en I’m obsessed with these leather booties from @enjoiya! 💃🏼 

The “Steffi” in green are the perfect boots for ushering in spring weather with their delicious vintage leather and worn-in look right out of the box. I love the chunky lug soles and inside zippers to get them on and off easily. 

These are the boots you’ll want to wear again and again. And again. 

Use my coupon code BALLARD20 to get 20% off your order! Find them on www.enjoiya.com

#leatherbooties #enjoiya #italianshoes #realmomstyle #momstyle #momstyletips
All the poop shoveling doesn’t seem so bad with All the poop shoveling doesn’t seem so bad with the prices of eggs right now! 🤪 🐔 🥚 

Guess it’s ok to be a crazy chicken lady and have a homestead now! 🤣

#momlife #crazychickenlady #homesteadlife
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