Eliminate Triggers And Decrease Migraine Frequency
People suffering from migraine headaches may not know that it is migraines that are giving them painful headaches. Many ignore this condition believing that it is just an “ordinary pain in the head”. I have patients that tell me they get 
headaches the ‘regular amount of time’; as though you are supposed to get headaches on a certain frequency. Nothing can be farther from the truth. We are not ‘supposed’ to get headaches. But no one can blame them because migraine is one of the most misunderstood health problems even among medical experts.
Normally, the throbbing feeling brought about by migraine may linger for hours or even several days. A migraine attack may take place one or two times every year but in some severe cases this might occur almost every day. This type of headache can affect people at any age. Generally, migraine may begin to develop between the ages of 10 and early 40s but may slowly recede after the age of 50.
Previous studies and records revealed that women are more likely to suffer from migraines than men. Around 75 percent of people who have migraines are women. In the United States, it is estimated that 30 million of the population experience migraine headaches.
Throughout the years, doctors and other health specialists cited several factors that could trigger migraine headaches. Although there is a long list of triggers associated with a migraine, still there are prevailing essential elements that are believed to be contributing to migraine attacks.
The most widely accepted cause of migraine headaches is associated with the changes in the level serotonin, a chemical produced in the brain. These changes lead to imbalances in brain chemicals that can greatly affect the blood vessels.
How do changes in serotonin levels cause migraine attacks?
A significant body of research showed that when serotonin levels increase then blood vessels contract or shrink. When this drop in serotonin levels happens, it is likely that your trigeminal system will produce substances called neuropeptides, which go directly to the brain’s outer covering (meninges), causing very painful headache. On the other hand, when serotonin levels suddenly decrease, the blood vessels expand. This enlargement of the blood vessels results in the agonizing pain and other health concerns related to migraine.
If you are wondering what factors have an effect on the changes in serotonin level in your body, there are actually a few things on the list. These changes can be linked to blood sugar, foods you eat, and changes in estrogen level for women.
Another main cause of migraines according to scientists and medical experts has something to do with genetics. Many medical journals describe migraine as a neurological ailment that is hereditary. This means that a person who suffers from a migraine could have inherited genetic abnormalities from his or her parents. It is believed that that migraine runs in families. In short, migraine is considered as a biological disease.
If both of your parents suffered from migraine headaches, it is very likely that you will also experience migraine. In fact, even if only one of your parents has a history of migraine, there is a 50 percent probability that you will inherit it.
There are several other factors that trigger migraines. If you have allergic reactions, especially to foods and odors, these could also cause a migraine. Physical and emotional stress may also lead to severe migraine headaches.
It is very important to consult a doctor who will determine what exactly triggers your migraine. Early symptoms, such as pulsing pain in the head, nausea, and vomiting, of this disease should prompt you to get some expert’s advice. Headache Free, a health supplement to reduce the likelihood of headaches or migraines could also be taken.
Dr Spitz specializes in treating migraine headaches. He’s been the Bristol CT ‘headache doctor‘ since 1983 years. He’s been training Dr. Astrid Baldrich so that she can continue treating migraine and headache patients if he is not available. If you need to be seen by other specialists, Dr Spitz and Dr. Baldrich can refer you.
Call now to make an appointment: 860-583-4346. Or if you prefer, you can fill out the form below.
Dr David M. Spitz is the founder and clinic director of the Chiropractic Health Center of Bristol, located in Bristol, CT. Since 1982, he has treated thousands of patients for various conditions ranging from neck and back pain, to migraine headaches. He specializes in treating patients who have suffered whiplash injuries and/or back injuries in a motor vehicle accident.
Dr Spitz was a volunteer EMT-I and a lieutenant for several years at the Burlington Volunteer Fire Department. He has lectured throughout CT on various topics including, chiropractic, stress management, headaches and preventing back injury in the workplace.
