Almost everyone has experienced a headache in their lifetime. If it only happens once then there is usually no need to do anything about as it will be quickly forgotten. What about those that come back regularly, every month, weekly or even daily? There are many kinds of headaches which can be very debilitating, especially migraines.

What is a migraine?
A migraine is a specific type of headache. It is defined as recurring head pain due to changes in the brain and/ or surrounding vasculature. These can come with or without an “aura”. An aura is a  symptom/ feeling/ sound/ vision that comes on before the migraine starts, as a warning sign. 

Migraines are usually related to triggering factors such as:

• Stress 
• Hormonal changes 
• Diet 
• Medication 

Pain can be very intense and is usually described as pulsating or throbbing. More often than not it is located on one side of the forehead and can last several hours to days.

Some common side effects of migraines are: 

• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Sensitivity to light 
• Sensitivity to sound

What can ease the symptoms of migraine?
Migraines can respond well to conservative care including: 

• Chiropractic adjustments
• Mobilisation
• Active Release Technique (ART)
• Dry needling
• Diet 
• Dynamic Neuromuscular Stabilization (DNS)
• Medication (if needed)

Another very important aspect to help with migraines is to find the triggering factor(s) to be able to avoid them if possible or at least manage them when encountered.

If you have recurrent migraines or headaches and are not sure what to do about them, contact us at the Lawlor Clinic in Portlaoise for a consultation to see how we can help.