An Interesting Look at Migraine Triggers and Prevention

Americans who suffer from migraines number 38 million men, women, and children. Worldwide this number is nearly 1 billion! Almost everyone knows someone who suffers from migraines. For these ones, it is vital to find out what could be triggering these neurological events to happen in order to try to avoid them. Some food-related triggers though to be common are:

• Red wine
• Caffeine
• Cheese
• Chocolate
• Coffee

One way to determine your personal migraine triggers is to keep a daily diary including:

• Stress levels
• Weather condition
• Foods eaten and how often
• Exercise

The National Headache Foundation recently studied 150 migraine patients and found an interesting connection. Not only do the above foods trigger migraines in some people, but they can also actually prevent them in others. In 3 of the participants, caffeine triggered a migraine, while in 32 it prevented one. Oddly enough, onions – not usually thought to be a problem – caused migraines in 14 of the study contributors. 

To learn more about the connection between head and neck injuries and migraines download our complimentary e-book.

It remains a mystery why some foods cause migraines or why the same foods can also prevent them. One theory involves the nervous system and how effectively the nerves relay messages to and from the brain and body. ​

Improving Migraines by Helping Nerve Function

Here at Upper Cervical Health Center Boise, we look for misalignments that may lie in the topmost vertebra of the neck – the atlas. If the atlas is out of place, undue stress may be placed on the spinal cord and brainstem (parts of the central nervous system). This means that signals being sent via the brainstem become distorted and can be the reason that migraines are happening.
We use a gentle, effective method to help the atlas to realign itself naturally. This helps the pressure within the brainstem and spinal cord to dissipate, leading to better function of nerves in this area. Many patients report seeing success in caring for migraines this way. Often migraines improve after just a few visits.

​To schedule an appointment with Dr. Blom to determine if you care a candidate for care please click the button below or call (208) 559-0541.