Chronic headache pain and migraines can be debilitating. However, there are some things you can do to help to control how they affect your life. Knowing what causes these chronic headaches and getting a head start when it comes to controlling them can help you live a more normal and productive life.
Migraine and headache pain treatments come in many forms. In addition to medical interventions, there are things you can do on your own to reduce the severity of the pain and decrease the frequency of their occurrence.
KNOW YOUR TRIGGERS
The best way to control migraines and headaches is to know what triggers them for you. For some people, it can be bright lights or strong odors.
Stress is one of the most common causes of headaches and migraines. Mindful stress reduction/MBSR has been scientifically proven to be an effective way to deal with headaches and migraines.
Avoiding the triggers that cause stress and controlling how stress affects you will help you to alleviate headache pain and many of the symptoms that are associated with it.
CALM THE STRESS
Everyone deals with stress in some form, some of which simply can’t be avoided. Stress that is associated with your job or family must be dealt with accordingly.
Stress is a necessary part of life, in that it causes certain reactions in the body that helps to keep us alert and focused. Too much stress, however, can cause health issues ranging from hypertension to intense migraine pain.
Mindful stress reduction techniques such as those used in yoga and meditation, can calm and quiet the mind, allowing it to regain its bearings and bring the body back into a peaceful balance that is free of pain and discomfort.
BE MINDFUL OF YOUR BREATHING
Your breathing is like a metronome in the body. The faster you breathe, the more excited and stressed you become. Learning to be mindful of your breathing will help you know when your stress levels are out of sync.
Be mindful of your breathing. If you notice that your respirations are fast and shallow, concentrate on taking slower, deeper and longer breaths. As your breathing slows, your body will begin to relax. Tensions and stress slowly will ebb from your body, allowing you to release some of the pain and discomfort associated with your headaches.
MIAMI HEADACHE INSTITUTE
At the Miami Headache Institute in Miami, Florida, we have noted that mindfulness and meditation can help relieve and control the frequency of migraines and chronic headache pain in many sufferers. Mindfulness meditation can relax the mind and bring the body back into a state of balance where stress is minimized and pain is easily managed.
Many of our migraine and headache pain treatment plans use both alternative therapies as well as trusted medications to help patients regain control of their lives and improve their qualify of life. Please contact us for more information.
