What Are The Causes & Triggers of Migraine Headaches?

What Are The Causes & Triggers of Migraine Headaches?

Migraine headaches are complex and their exact causes are not fully understood. However, there are several potential factors that can contribute to the development or triggering of migraines.

These factors can vary from person to person, and it's important to note that not all individuals will experience the same triggers.

Here are some common potential causes and triggers of migraine headaches:

#1. Genetic factors:
Migraines tend to run in families, suggesting a genetic predisposition to the condition. Certain genes have been identified that may increase the susceptibility to migraines.

#2. Hormonal changes:
Fluctuations in hormones, particularly estrogen, can trigger migraines in some individuals. This is why migraines are more common in women and often coincide with menstrual cycles, pregnancy, or menopause.

#3. Environmental factors:
Certain environmental factors can trigger migraines in susceptible individuals. These may include bright lights, loud noises, strong smells (perfumes, chemicals), or exposure to smoke.

#4. Emotional and physical stress:
Stress, both emotional and physical, is a common trigger for migraines. This can include stressful events, anxiety, tension, or physical exhaustion.

#5. Sleep disturbances:
Lack of sleep or irregular sleep patterns can trigger migraines in some people. Both insufficient sleep and excessive sleep can be potential triggers. We help our clients start and maintain a sleep journal as a way to document the times of day that you go to sleep and wake up each morning. The more that you wake up and go to sleep around the same time each day, the more likely that you can minimize sleep disturbances from triggering a migraine headache.

#6. Dietary factors:
Certain foods and beverages have been identified as potential triggers for migraines. These can vary from person to person but commonly include alcohol (especially red wine), aged cheeses, chocolate, caffeine, artificial sweeteners, processed meats, and foods containing monosodium glutamate (MSG).

#7. Weather changes:
Changes in weather patterns, such as barometric pressure fluctuations, high humidity, or extreme temperatures, can trigger migraines in some individuals.

#8. Medications:
Certain medications, including hormonal contraceptives, vasodilators, and some blood pressure medications, have been associated with migraine development or triggering in some individuals.

#9. Physical exertion:
Intense physical exertion or sudden, strenuous exercise can trigger migraines in some people. This is often referred to as exercise-induced migraines. It's important to note that triggers can vary widely among individuals, and what may trigger migraines for one person may not affect another. Identifying and avoiding personal triggers, along with managing stress and maintaining a healthy lifestyle, can help reduce the frequency and severity of migraines. If you experience migraines, keeping a headache diary to track potential triggers and patterns can be helpful in understanding your own personal triggers. Consulting with a healthcare professional can provide further guidance and treatment options for managing migraines.

Did you know that doctors of physical therapy help their patients with decreasing the intensity and frequency of migraine headaches?

And, often times our doctors of physical therapy have helped our clients reduce their migraine headaches by up to 90%.

We offer hands-on manual therapy and vagus nerve stimulation using the StimPod treatment (comfortable pulsed radio frequency stimulation). 

Are you interested in learning more about how we travel to you for private and convenient migraine treatment in the comfort of your home apartment?

Call us 24/7 at (646)-781-8884.