The Basics of Migraines

A migraine, despite popular belief, isn't simply a type of headache. Instead, migraines are a disease, with headaches being one of the main symptoms. During a migraine episode, cranial blood vessels both expand and narrow, causing a great deal of pain. The tissue surrounding the brain also becomes inflamed, compounding the pain into something even more severe. While a headache is usually the most noticeable and common indication of a migraine, other symptoms such as nausea, blurred vision, loss of appetite, and fatigue do occur. This plethora of symptoms often sets headaches caused by a migraine apart from headaches caused by something else.

What They Feel Like
A headache caused by a migraine is often among the most severe of headaches. The pain is both extreme and immobilizing. While it often begins with dull aching, it gradually evolves into pounding pain. The pain can feel as though it's only on one side, or it can feel like the entire head is under duress. It can even feel as though it's alternating among several different areas.

The pain tends to peak and then subside, but its point of climax can vary. Some people may have a migraine for four hours, while others may have one for three days. The same can be said for the frequency at which migraines appear. Some people may have only one or two in their entire lifetime, while other people may average three or four a week.

What Causes Them
Migraines are genetic, making it harder to avoid them altogether. However, they are not only genetic; people without a family history of migraines can get them as well. This is because migraines are also related to changes in the brain. People with other medical conditions, such as asthma, certain sleep disorders, high blood pressure, and chronic fatigue syndrome are at a higher risk for migraines.

Many people may be genetically predisposed to migraines and not know it. Because of this, certain triggers are able to cause migraines, placing the blame on both internal and external factors. Some triggers that may cause migraines include certain food preservatives, excessive caffeine consumption, change in the weather, menstrual periods, and skipping meals. Emotional stress is often reported as the most common trigger of migraines. This is because the brain releases certain chemicals in response to stressful situations. When these chemicals are released, vascular changes occur, sometimes causing a migraine. The muscle tension that involves this stress, in addition, can compound the migraine's severity, worsening an already painful situation.

Types of Migraines
The two types of migraines are differentiated by the symptoms that signal their approach. A migraine with aura, also known as a classic migraine, is a migraine that involves a physiological sign that a migraine is imminent. These warning signs usually occur within an hour of the migraine and last for a few minutes up to a full hour. They can include seeing bright flashing light, loss of vision (particularly peripheral vision), blind spots, inability of the eyes to focus, ringing in the ears, a funny taste in the mouth, or just an overall strange feeling.

Migraines without aura, also known as a common migraine, occur more often. While these don't typically possess the warning signs of the classic migraine, most people who get common migraines are given a vague indication that they're coming. A person may feel anxious, depressed, or generally tired for several hours prior to a common migraine.

Treatment of Migraines
Scientists have yet to discover a cure for migraines. But, treatment of them is available. Many people find that over-the-counter pain medication, abortive medications, and preventive medications all help to relieve discomfort. Biofeedback, a form of therapy that helps people deal more adequately with stressful situations, may also be helpful.

People who notice that certain behaviors cause more frequent migraines may benefit from keeping a headache diary, and noting what they eat, drink, and do in the hours directly preceding a migraine. This may help people to become aware of migraine triggers, ultimately giving them the ability to avoid these triggers in the future.

And, just as getting adequate rest, eating well, and getting regular exercise can alleviate many health problems, these three factors can also help migraines occur much less often.

About Us: The Center for Osteopathic Medicine in Boulder, Colorado believes in The Osteopathic Difference. In a medical industry focused on treating symptoms, The Center is more focused on finding the cause of these symptoms. The Osteopathic Difference is the application of Hands on Therapeutics for both the diagnosis and treatment of complaints, disorders, and pain. The Osteopathic Difference will apply the time proven osteopathic fact that function is directly related to structure, and poor structure will lead to poor function.

While The Center tries to focus on health, and above all else, prevention for all those who cross into its threshold, sometimes the best that can be done is to recognize the source of the ?DIS-EASE, and to teach every individual how to manage their symptoms. Believing that it is the most important aspect of any treatment regime, and that it is the primary job of the health care practitioner, The Center works to empower the patient in the maintenance of their own health.

Achieving health is also an elusive place, and The Center will work tirelessly to create a path to health which, when embraced by the patient over time, will allow the patient to enjoy a positive return on their rehabilitation investment. The Center teaches a Mindfulness Yoga Program that aims to educate the patient in the power of the mind to minimize, if not rid the body of, aches and pain. Although the ultimate goal of health is to live without the use of drugs, natural or otherwise, The Center for Osteopathic Medicine recognizes the importance of medicinals and their appropriate use. All styles of Hands on Manipulation are practiced at The Center. By combining these Manipulative techniques with Structural Integration, massage, meditation and Western Medicine, The Center for Osteopathic Medicine helps people to identify disease before it manifests, quiet pains that have been previously diagnosed as Chronic, and embrace a holistic mindset to Live in the Present- and within that presence, live completely well.

The information discussed in this article is for informational and educational purposes only. If you are experiencing symptoms of a health problem, please visit your doctor. The material discussed on this website is not meant to replace the opinion or diagnosis of a medical professional.

Jennifer Jordan is a senior editor for http://www.centerforosteopathicmedicine.com. Specializing in articles related to health and wellness, the material she writes is intended to arm people with the resources they need to live a life of wellness and completeness.