How to tell if you are getting migraines?

Have you ever wondered if your headaches are actually migraines? With over 150 different types of headaches, migraines are just one of them, but they’re often misunderstood. In this blog post, I’ll walk you through some of the most common signs and symptoms of migraines, and offer some helpful tips for managing them.

What Makes a Migraine Different?

Migraines are much more than just a bad headache. They come with a range of debilitating symptoms that can significantly impact your quality of life. Here are some of the most common signs that your headache might be a migraine:

- Tension or throbbing pain on one or both sides of the head

- Pulsing pain that often intensifies with physical activity

- Nausea and vomiting

- Sensitivity to light, sound, and sometimes even smells

- Visual disturbances (auras) such as flashing lights, zigzag lines, or temporary vision loss

- Tingling or numbness in the face or hands, and sometimes difficulty speaking

Migraines can be incredibly disruptive. They often force you to cancel plans, miss work, and spend hours (or even days) in a dark, quiet room. The impact of these frequent episodes can also take a toll on your emotional well-being, leading to frustration, isolation, and anxiety.

While over-the-counter medications can provide some temporary relief, they often don’t address the root cause of the problem. Managing migraines effectively often requires a multi-faceted approach.

Chiropractic care has been shown to be a natural and effective way to manage migraines. By addressing misalignments in the spine—particularly in the neck and upper back—chiropractic care can help reduce the frequency, intensity, and duration of migraine attacks. Relieving tension in these areas not only eases the headache but also addresses the underlying issues that contribute to the migraines.

Simple Lifestyle Changes to Support Migraine Relief

In addition to chiropractic care, there are several lifestyle changes that can help you manage your migraine headaches. Consider the following strategies:

- Stay hydrated throughout the day

- Maintain a regular sleep schedule to avoid sleep deprivation, a known migraine trigger

- Manage stress through relaxation techniques like yoga, meditation, or gentle exercise

- Avoid known triggers such as caffeine, alcohol, or certain foods that might be causing your migraines

How Riverside Chiropractic Can Help

If you’re struggling with migraines and looking for a natural, long-term solution, we’re here to help. At Riverside Chiropractic, we’ve been helping people just like you manage their migraines for over 14 years. Chiropractic care can make a real difference in reducing your migraine symptoms and improving your quality of life.

Send us an email or give us a call to schedule an appointment and start your journey towards a migraine-free life. You don’t have to live with migraines—there’s relief available!