Management of headaches and migraines

Headache and migraine are no fun.  Here are some tips that can help with management of these two conditions.

Migraines are due to irritation of the trigeminal nerve.  Migraines can be severe in terms of pain, and symptoms of nausea and vomiting occur because this nerve has connections with the Vagus nerve that supplies the digestive organs.  The trigeminal nerve is revved up with stress and tiredness.  Migraines are usually due to multiple factors and management often needs address many different factors.

Headaches caused by dysfunction of the facet joints in the cervical spine or neck are called “cervicogenic” headaches. These headaches can be caused by injury to the neck or postural strain.

The following are some tips for management of headaches and migraines.

• 1   Heat/cool therapy. Ice or a hot pack around the neck muscles can reduce tension.  Ice or cool pack is preferred for migraines and heat for cervicogenic headaches.

• 2   With migraines, reducing stimulation of the trigeminal nerve can be useful.
  • Reduce light input by using screens less or wearing blue light lenses
  • Reduce sound input by turning down music or wearing ear plugs
  • Reduce jaw motion by avoiding chewy and sticky foods

• 3 Treatment to the cervical spine. There is positive evidence of effectiveness for spinal manipulative therapy in the treatment of headaches and migraine.  Practitioners trained to treat the neck with manipulation include osteopaths, chiropractors and physiotherapists with extra training. Mobilization and articulation can also be useful if manipulation is not suitable.

• 4 Other therapies can include stress management strategies, breathing exercises, exercise in general and dietary modification. Assessment of the workplace ergonomically can also be of benefit.