Have you been dealing with constant severe headaches lately? You may be one of the 39 million people in the United States (according to the Migraine Research Foundation) that suffer from migraines. In many cases, the pain can be so bad you might even need to stay home from work. The good news, however, is that migraines can be dealt with. If you can figure out the cause of your headaches, it’ll be much easier to find a way to cope. Read on to learn more about 5 common migraine triggers.
1. Emotions
Different types of stress or particularly intense emotions are sometimes connected to migraines. Take the time to consider how you’re feeling whenever your headaches strike. Do they occur whenever you’re anxious, tense, shocked, or excited? If so, managing your emotions could help you control your migraines. Talk to your primary care provider or a mental health expert for help.
2. Environmental and Dietary Factors
Certain people might experience migraines whenever they eat or drink certain foods and beverages, including chocolate, cheese, and anything containing caffeine or alcohol. In other cases, the trigger might be a strong smell, a loud noise, or specific lighting conditions. Obviously, if you expect that one of these factors is responsible for your migraines, you’ll want to limit your exposure to them. Make whatever alterations are necessary to your diet as well as your daily routine.
3. Hormonal Changes
Women could experience migraines that are linked to their hormones. It’s common to experience headaches during your menstrual period or whenever your estrogen levels have decreased due to a method of contraceptive. And of course, it could be a side effect of hormone replacement therapy. In some cases, your primary care provider may be able to prescribe medication to limit your migraines.
4. A TMJ Disorder
Your TMJ (temporomandibular joint) allows your jaw to function properly, but if it becomes overstressed, it can lead to various kinds of pain, including migraines. You should look for a dentist that has been trained to treat a TMJ disorder; this in turn should help relieve your symptoms.
5. Lack of Sleep
Have you been getting enough sleep lately? People who suffer from a lack of rest will be more likely to suffer from a debilitating headache – especially if the cause is a debilitating disorder such as sleep apnea. Obviously, the best solution is to improve the quality of your sleep, and a sleep dentist can help you do just that.
The next time you experience a migraine, put some thought into what might have contributed to it. Once you’ve identified your unique triggers and have made an appointment with the appropriate experts, you can look forward to escaping the recurring agony of these headaches.
About the Author
Dr. Dean Hutto was born and raised in the Baytown area, and he’s happy to be able to serve his neighbors with his outstanding clinical skill. He’s continued to pursue advanced education since graduating from dental school in 1992. His practice, Sleep Better Baytown, can help patients find relief from migraines related to sleep apnea and snoring. To schedule an appointment, visit his website or call (281) 422-8249.