'Migraine' is derived from words meaning 'half the head', because migraine headaches often affect on only the left or right side of the head. Migraine headache is caused by fluctuations in hormones, which cause blood vessels in the head and neck to contract and then dilate.
In the first phase or contraction phase which may last minutes, hours, or days the symptoms can be spots in front of the eyes, difficulty concentrating and cold fingertips and hands. When the blood vessels dilate, the headache pain starts because the hormones are over-reacting. Instead of just returning from a contracted state back to normal, the blood vessels dilate much wider than normal, causing pain.
There are a number of different mechanisms that can results in the interplay of hormones leading to contraction and over-dilation of blood vessels. It's not always the same hormones that are involved. Hence, different treatments work for different people. Some people may require several treatments at the same time.
What Causes Migraine
As migraines occur as a two-phase process with levels of certain hormones high in one phase and low in the next phase, a lot of treatments can either help or make the headache worse, depending on timing. For the same reason, treatments that relieve one person can make it worse for another person.
Sometimes the bones in the neck are wrongly placed, and the little muscles near the bones are strained. This is called 'subluxation' which results in the nerves that lead out from the spine to be irritated and causes migraines. The bones are very close to being in the right place, so a medical doctor might say they are in the right place.
A chiropractor treats people by gently massaging the bones back into place and was found to be effective in 90% of patients with migraine headache. Some relief can also be obtained by doing slow, gentle stretching exercises of the neck.
Alternate Therapies to Look For In Case Of Migraine
Acupuncture, Aromatherapy, Myotherapy and Biofeedback are also sometimes effectively used to treat migraines. For immediate relief massage your own face, head, neck and shoulders. Press on two pressure points at the back of the neck. These points are about two inches apart, just below the base of the skull. This releases endorphins that help against pain.
Migraine Triggers to Beware Of
Some sensitive foods, like the amines in chocolates and refined sugar which causes rapid changes in sugar levels can trigger migraine, which are to be avoided.
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