One of the Biggest Migraine Mistakes

I have suffered from migraines now for over 20 years. I guess I was somewhat lucky in that my Mother is a nurse and "in the industry" so she knew that for migraines you see a specialist, and that specialist is a neurologist. (Ok it probably also helped that she herself suffers from migraines.)

But one of the biggest mistakes I feel that I see these days when I meet people who are suffering from migraines is that they are not going to a specialist for treatment. I understand that it can be scary, and it can be frustrating. I know, I have been there. But after 20 years I feel I have got it under control, and made friends with migraines, and I have found a migraine doctor that I truly LOVE. He even understands and respects my wanting to balance out the complementary treatment aspect - so we don't do heavy medications, we try all-natural and only use the meds when necessary.

A general practitioner, or a gynocologist, or any other doctor who is trying to treat your migraines is not the right fit, seek out a neurologist to treat your migraines. They will be in the know on the latest news and information, studies, medicines, treatments etc. They will know the rights tests to run - MRI's etc. (these can be scary too, but TRUST them, they know what they are doing, they are the EXPERTS!) Migraines are their industry. Its ok to go to several neuro's until you find the right fit, its important because you want the right relationship - its your health! Migraines can be debilitating and you want someone who can help you and understand you.

Some of the natural treatments I use are magneisum for migraines, and avoiding trigger foods (which seems to change for me throughout my life.) Some of my own personal trigger foods are: citrus, red wine, dark chocolate, vinegar, soy (which is in peanut butter FYI, except the NATURAL kind). But everyone's trigger foods can vary. Search the internet, you will find more lists.

Other migraine triggers include the weather - a change in barometric pressure - have you noticed more migraines when it rains? Not much you can do about this, but some people but marine barometers to help track weather so they can predict when to expect a migraine: http://www.relieve-migraine-headache.com/digital-barometer.html

Other triggers may be monthly hormones :/ Which is why many women end up being treated for their migraines by a gynocologist. But the gyno and neuro should work together. There are many complementary treatments.

I also have one triptan med on hand for when I do get a migraine, I can take it and be migraine free within 2 hours. I would love to find something all-natural that can do that for me, but have yet to find, so for now, this med will help me there! And I do take a small dose of a preventative med everynight that has helped keep my migraines at bay.

Its been a process, like I said over 20 years, but I have built a relationship with my neurologist and it works. I hope you can find a good neurologist and relief from your migraines as well.

Please share your experiences.

Migraines and Magnesium

Though it is not highlighted as much as Gastrodin, scroll towards the bottom of the article, the bit about a link between magnesium and migraines. Yet more proof and studies in the efficacy. I take Ultra-Mag and it does help me relax and sleep at night as well as keep my migraines at bay.

Has anyone else found some relief with magnesium for their migraines?

http://www.prohealth.com/library/showArticle.cfm?libid=18650&B1=EG021814

Relax

http://headacheandmigrainenews.com/1-thursday-relax-the-jaw/

This is great. I follow his blog and he just has awesome info all the time, but I really like this simple technique of relaxing the jaw and easing tension. I know I clench my jaw a lot, unfortunately especially when sleeping :/ But this technique helps during the daytime, esp at work :)

I heart my massages!

I get a massage 1-2 times a month, and this has REALLY helped my fibro pains and my overall health. Here are more benefits for getting massages:

http://www.qualityhealth.com/featured-article-segment?fa=104427&rf=45458&mc=&ct=43594

1. Less anxiety and depression
2. Lower levels of pain (!!!!! -- yes! Has helped with my fibro and migraines!)
3. Better immune function
4. Easier cancer treatment
5. Lower blood pressure
6. Deeper sleep
7. Better athletic performancec
8. Higher self-esteem
9. Increased growth for babies

Accepting Imperfection and Letting It Go

This is a good blog post, I think it def applies to fibro and CFS and what we go through:

http://headacheandmigrainenews.com/1-thursday-move-on/

Latest Research Finds link Between IBS and the Brain

Stanford University researchers have argued a case for moving Fibro from the field of rheumatology to neurology since their researchers see Fibro as a neurological problem. Now comes this article (link below) from UCLA that finds the same shrinkage in gray matter in areas of the brain controlling attention and pain for IBS, which many Fibro suffers also experience. 

A link between the brain and chronic pain has been identified in other disorders, such as lower back pain, migraines, fibromyalgia and hip pain. The study on IBS suggests that, like these other conditions, the problem may be due to the brain's inability to inhibit the pain response.

 http://www.latimes.com/news/health/boostershots/la-heb-bowel-20100722,0,2369726.story