Your head is throbbing. Your eyes are sensitive to light. Your vision is splotchy. And you are beginning to feel nauseous. Likely, you’re not suffering from a common headache. These symptoms sound more like those of a migraine.
According to www.MayoClinic.com, “Migraines are chronic headaches that can cause significant pain for hours or even days.” Teresa VanGerpen, a local mother of two, is far too familiar with migraine pain. For VanGerpen and many other women who suffer from migraines, the pain can be so severe that it affects their daily lives, leaving them unable to function. Three common triggers of migraines in women are hormonal changes, certain foods and excessive stress.
VanGerpen discovered her migraines were triggered by hormonal changes only after keeping a diary for five years, documenting what she ate, her workout schedule—everything. The Mayo Clinic recommends women keep similar journals, documenting symptoms, diet, amount of exercise and exact dates that migraines occur. It is likely that hormonal changes may be triggering your migraines as well.
Alcohol, chocolate, caffeine, processed foods and aged cheeses are some foods that commonly trigger migraines. VanGerpen says she strives to make home cooked dinners every night, avoiding processed foods as much as possible. Her daily diet includes at least four servings of fresh fruits and vegetables, plenty of water and absolutely no caffeine.
Everyday stress also can instigate migraines. In order to keep her body relaxed, VanGerpen makes regular visits to a chiropractor. When you have a migraine, your muscles are constantly tense. Getting adjusted by a chiropractor relaxes your muscles by keeping your body in movement. If you don’t feel comfortable going to a chiropractor, VanGerpen recommends physical therapy or deep tissue massages to relax your muscles and prevent severe migraine pain.
Amanda Blue is an intern for KC Parent Magazine. She is a sophomore at the University of Kansas where she is studying journalism.