Dr. Jennifer Closshey says that exercise, when done properly, can help ease migraine pains.
If you or a loved one suffer from migraines, please know the medical community recognizes the seriousness of this condition. Although there’s no cure, here are some helpful tips about living with migraines.
A migraine headache causes severe throbbing pain or a pulsing feeling, sometimes on only one side of the head.
Migraine events can last from four to 72 hours. The pain is so severe that it is challenging to work or concentrate. A tension headache, meanwhile, is generally mild or moderate. A migraine is usually very intense and can be made worse by walking around, climbing stairs or any movement in general.
Migraines and exercise
Vigorous or strenuous exercise can actually trigger migraines. Exercise-induced headaches are most often associated with weightlifting, rowing, running, tennis, swimming and football. Actions such as quick body turns and head movement seem to be key triggers, though simply bending over is also blamed.
Watch for telling signs before the migraine occurs. Neck pain can be seen as the first symptom of exercise-induced migraines. A feeling of light-headedness or visual disturbances are also indicators. If you experience blind spots, flashes of light or tingling on the face or head, stop activity and movement immediately.
Seek a cool, quiet place to rest, preferably in the shade or low light. Exercise-induced migraines occur most often in hot, humid environments and at high altitudes.
But don’t let the threat of an exercise-induced migraine discourage you from getting in a workout.
Exercise can help
Quiet, mind-settling exercises such as yoga and walking help. Any activity in an air-conditioned facility that does not involve rapid movement of the head or body actually decrease the frequency of migraine occurrences when done on a regular basis.
Exercise in an ideal environment can be a stress reducer. Stress is commonly linked to migraine attacks, according to the Pain Mechanisms Lab at the Wake Forest School of Medicine. Its studies show exercise can prevent migraine headaches and make them less severe.
Jennifer E. Closshey, Ph.D., is a doctor of integrative health and YMCA yoga instructor in Plant City. Contact her at JenniferClosshey@gmail.com.
