Headaches and Migraines: Causes, Treatment and Prevention

Migraines and headaches are common but debilitating ailments; symptoms can include severe or throbbing pain throughout your head, sensitivity to noise and light, nausea, vomiting, and vision changes. There are many things that can trigger headaches, but fortunately there are also many treatments that can help alleviate discomfort and prevent future episodes. 

Below, we’ve outlined some common factors that contribute to frequent migraines and headaches, as well as some practices that can reduce these unfortunate and uncomfortable instances!

What causes headaches or migraines? 

There are many factors that could lead to head pain, so it’s important to track any patterns in your life if you are someone who experiences frequent or prolonged headaches. However, identifying some of the most common contributors could help you better understand your own head pain:

• Dehydration

• Stress 

• Hormonal changes, particularly for people who menstruate

• Food and drink, especially alcohol

• Sleep changes and/or exhaustion 

• Weather changes and allergies

• Medications

• Sensory stimuli, such as loud noises, bright lights, or strong scents

How to treat headaches and migraines

• Over-the-counter painkillers can be helpful in treating head pain. Of course, consult your doctor if you have any concerns about certain medications. 

• Caffeine can help treat mild headaches, as well, provided that the original cause of the pain is not hydration-related since caffeine is a diuretic.

• Reduced stimulation, such as a dark, quiet room can help relieve discomfort.

• Cool temperatures can be soothing for head pain. Consider an ice pack or cool wash cloth.

• Book an ASAP Recovery IV to treat nausea, combat any decreased fluid intake that may come with your migraine spell, and help your body bounce back quicker. Read more about how this treatment can help here.

How to prevent and manage headaches and migraines

• Exercise regularly! Physical activity produces endorphins, and endorphins help our bodies fight pain.

• Prioritize good sleep! Seven to eight hours per night is ideal, and maintaining a consistent bedtime and wake-up time is also helpful. 

• Eat some magnesium-rich food; studies show it can help prevent migraines. You can find magnesium supplements, but nuts, dark green vegetables, and whole grains also have plenty of magnesium too. 

• Related to exercise, maintaining adequate hydration is important. If that’s a challenge for you, consider making regular IV therapy part of your routine!

• Finally, learn your triggers and make a plan for managing them! If you can reduce your interaction with them–for example, certain foods or stimuli, great. If they are unavoidable, such as a menstrual cycle or work-related sleep cycle changes, then make a plan for efficient treatment of your symptoms.