How to Survive Migraines Triggered by Weather Changes

Migraines are known to bring about severe, pounding or throbbing headaches. They may also involve nausea, vomiting, and sensitivity to loud sound, bright light, and strong odors. One migraine trigger is weather changes, and we’ll discuss more about it in this post, including how the nearest chiropractor for migraine relief in Wapakoneta, OH can help you.

What Happens During a Migraine?

Migraine attacks often persist for 4 hours up to 3 days. Sometimes an aura is present in migraine episodes. It is a visual or sensory disturbance that indicates a migraine is about to come on. It may involve flashing light, vision loss, or numbness and tingling.

Triggers of Migraines

The best strategy to prevent migraines is to avoid their triggers. Migraine triggers are unique to every person. Some of the common migraine triggers are as follows:

• Lack of sleep or rest
• Certain medications, including birth control pills or estrogen replacement therapy
• Low blood sugar due to skipping meals
• Certain foods and drinks, such as alcohol, aged cheeses, food with MSG, and meat with nitrates or nitrites
• Stress
• Weather changes

Weather Changes and Migraines

About 53% of people with migraines identified weather changes as the top trigger of their migraine episodes. If you suffer from migraines, you know that when the hot and humid weather starts, a migraine episode will most likely follow.

According to the International Headache Society, there are several triggers for weather-related migraines:

• Changes in temperature
• Arid conditions
• Storms
• Barometric and pressure changes
• Bright lights and glare from the sun
• Increased humidity

The shift in weather may lead to imbalances in brain chemicals. This includes serotonin, known to influence migraines. But why do weather changes lead to migraines?

Reasons Why Weather Changes Trigger Migraines

High humidity and dry conditions

Summer makes dehydration much worse. The Michigan Headache and Neurological Institute explaines that when the body loses a lot of water and sodium due to sweating, migraines can ensue.

Photosensitivity

Sunlight and bright lights activate photosensitivity, the increased sensitivity to lights. This can lead to migraines. It is often experienced by those who suffer from migraines with an aura.

Barometric pressure

A study found that even a small decrease in barometric pressure can trigger a headache, the main symptom of migraines. Fluctuations in barometric pressure may affect the pressure in the brain or how the brain blocks pain signals.

Tips to Prevent Migraines During Weather Changes

Use sunglasses

As we have mentioned, the bright sunlight triggers migraines. Since you have increased sensitivity to light, always wear your sunglasses to protect your eyes and minimize your chance of a migraine attack. Use a tint referred to as FL-41.

Remain inside

Barometric pressure changes are inevitable, but you can always choose to stay indoors to avoid bright sunlight, high humidity, and excessive heat.

Drink plenty of water!

The hot weather and increased humidity increase your risk of dehydration. Drink lots of water to avoid migraines.

Be informed about weather fronts

Visit Weather.com’s Aches and Pains for predictions and Accuweather.com Migraine Forecast regularly to be educated and prepared for when migraines might occur.

Monitor for pressure

You can also check apps that help you examine barometer pressure in your location. We suggest using a weather app or digital barometer that warns you of migraine-unfriendly weather.

Buy a barometer

If you prefer an actual device, have a barometer at home or at your workplace to help you track the latest happenings in the weather world.

Shift you exercise indoors.

Exercising outdoors may not be a good idea considering the glare, heat, humidity, and risk of dehydration during summer. Instead, consider indoor swimming, tai chi, yoga, and other forms of indoor exercises.

Avoid other migraine triggers.

Once you realize a weather change is heading your way, do your best to steer clear of the triggers we mentioned. Doing some mild exercise has been reported to be a migraine deterrent.

How Upper Cervical Chiropractors Can Resolve Migraines

While taking note of and avoiding your triggers can save you from a migraine attack, applying a method to address the root cause of your migraine can give you a lasting solution.

A study observed 101 migraine patients. All of the patients had a misalignment in the bones of their upper cervical spine, particularly in the C1 or C2 vertebra. Out of the 101, 87 patients recounted having trauma to their neck or head before the onset of their migraines. They all received adjustments from an upper cervical chiropractor. About 97 of them saw improvement in their migraine symptoms, while 85 said their migraines disappeared completely.

Here at Tranquility Spinal Care in Wapakoneta, Ohio, we employ a gentle technique to encourage misaligned bones to return into place naturally, rather than using force. This stops any undue pressure given to the brainstem because of the misalignment, allowing blood flow to reach the brain properly. Many times, this simple adjustment is just what is needed to put an end to migraines, regardless of any weather conditions.