14 Leading Migraine Triggers: Stress, Certain Foods, and More

“My head feels like it’s being crushed and it’s ready to burst.” That’s how one patient described the pain of migraines. Migraines can be debilitating to anyone suffering from them. The intense headache it brings can hamper a person’s daily activities and make someone bedridden until the pain goes away.

But migraines are so much more than a headache. They are a neurological condition that involves other complex symptoms such as the following:

• Vertigo or dizziness
• Nausea and vomiting
• Sensitivity to light, sound, and certain odors
• Extreme fatigue
• Visual disturbances, also called an aura

Dealing with nausea and vomiting during a migraine episode can be miserable. So, why do they come along with migraines? It remains a mystery in the medical community as to why it happens. The cause of migraines is general is also a mystery. Some theories are that they are caused by brain chemicals, genetics, trauma, poor diet, environment, or several other reasons. But no final cause has been agreed upon. Even though the cause of the condition has not been pin-pointed, it has been observed that in people who get migraines, certain things can trigger a migraine episode to begin.

Top 14 Migraine Triggers

Here at Upper Cervical Chiropractic San Diego, in California, we use a gentle technique to realign these bones. Our specialization includes maintaining the alignment of the C1 and C2 vertebrae for as long as possible. Through our painless and non-invasive adjustments, migraine patients can experience positive results as their migraine episodes decrease in severity and frequency. If you are looking for relief from your migraines, call us to schedule a consultation.

To schedule a consultation with Upper Cervical Chiropractic San Diego, call 858-434-5926 or just click the button below.

If you are outside of the local area you can find an Upper Cervical Doctor near you at www.uppercervicalawareness.com.

We may not be sure on the exact cause of migraines, what’s certain is that specific things contribute to an episode. Each person has different migraine triggers. It helps a lot to determine and avoid your personal triggers in order to have fewer and less severe migraine attacks. Some of the possible triggers of migraines are listed below:

1. Stress: Experiencing a significant increase or decrease in stress may result to migraines. Between 50% and 80% of migraine sufferers report this as their top trigger. Some report the onset of a migraine after they have dealt with a stressor, while other experience it in the middle of something stressful.
2. Certain Foods: Specific foods such as alcohol, chocolate, and red wine can also trigger migraines in some people. More foods to stay away from include salami, aged cheeses, processed meats, citrus fruit, artificial sweeteners, and MSG.
3. Inadequate sleep or jet lag: This is a regular factor to blame for migraines. Lack of or insufficient sleep, as well as too much of it can cause migraines. Changes in your work schedule and jet lag can also bring about migraines. Those who suffer from insomnia may be at a higher risk for migraines and other health conditions such as anxiety and depression.
4. Dehydration or hunger: Around 40% of people report experiencing migraines when they have not had enough water to drink. Not drinking enough water, as well as skipping meals, may lead to episodes of migraines.
5. Beverages with too much caffeine: It is best to monitor your caffeine intake from coffee, soft drinks, tea, and energy drinks, as the amount of caffeine in these can give you a migraine. But not having enough caffeine or withdrawing from it can also cause migraines. Moderate consumption is highly advised. Some over-the-counter medications can also contain caffeine.
6. Food additives: Aspartame and other artificial sweeteners are reported to trigger migraines. An interesting study has also claimed they worsen clinical depression. In Asia, widely used MSG, a flavor enhancer for savory foods, is also said to bring on migraines.
7. Hormones: Women are 3 times more at risk for headaches and migraines than men. Hormone fluctuations are to blame for it, as many women get menstrual migraines. Becoming pregnant or using oral contraceptives may also worsen migraine episodes.
8. Alcohol: Alcohol disturbs the equilibrium of the body, causing vertigo. Red wine contributes to the onset of migraine episodes, as reported by many women suffering from migraines. In contrast, red wine doesn’t seem to affect men as much.
9. Medications: Certain medications like opioids and butalbital have migraines as a potential side effect.
10. Medication overuse: Taking too much medication, especially if the dose is high, can cause migraines to come on even worse. Medication overuse headaches are also called rebound headaches. It is a cycle of taking medication to fight migraines to only cause them to occur more severely and more frequently.
11. Strong or odd odors: Things with strong or odd odors such as perfume, cigarette smoke, and foods being cooked can trigger a migraine or make one more severe during an episode. This is also referred to as osmophobia.
12. Bright lights and loud noises: Sunlight and other bright, flickering lights can cause a migraine episode to occur in some people. That’s why some migraine sufferers always wear sunglasses.
13. Weather changes: Several research studies have been conducted that link to such things as days that are sunny and clear, hot, or cold, and changes in weather as being migraine triggers. It appears that lightning can be connected to migraines, but no one is certain why.
14. Physical activity: Intense workouts or exercises may trigger migraines. A recent study showed that it is the case for as many as 38% of people regularly engaged in strenuous physical activities. This caused many to give up their favorite sport or exercise.

Addressing the Root Cause of Migraines Naturally

The root cause of migraines can be related to a misalignment in the bones of the upper neck, particularly the C1 and C2 vertebrae. When any of these bones is off from its correct alignment, it can cause pressure on the brainstem, leading to the sending of improper signals to the brain and disrupted blood flow. Your nerves can also be irritated by this misalignment.

Here at Upper Cervical Chiropractic San Diego, in California, we use a gentle technique to realign these bones. Our specialization includes maintaining the alignment of the C1 and C2 vertebrae for as long as possible. Through our painless and non-invasive adjustments, migraine patients can experience positive results as their migraine episodes decrease in severity and frequency. If you are looking for relief from your migraines, call us to schedule a consultation.

To schedule a consultation with Upper Cervical Chiropractic San Diego, call 858-434-5926 or just click the button below.

If you are outside of the local area you can find an Upper Cervical Doctor near you at www.uppercervicalawareness.com.