Controlling Migraine Headaches

More than 45 million Americans suffer from headaches. More than half the sufferers report that their headaches result in a 50-percent or greater reduction in work and/or school productivity, and 66 percent report a 50-percent or greater reduction in household work productivity.

To empower headache sufferers with the ability to better manage their conditions and their lives, the society recommends following the National Headache Foundation's five steps:

• Recognize that a propensity to get headaches is a condition that can usually be successfully treated.
• Make an appointment to see a physician or other health professional for an accurate diagnosis.
• Become informed about your headache type and treatment options. Depending on the type of headache, treatment could include aspirin, acetaminophen, ibuprofen, naproxen sodium, amitriptyline or some of the other tricyclic antidepressants, biofeedback, relaxation techniques, acupuncture, massage, or simple hot and cold applications.
• Partner with your physician and other health professionals in decision-making regarding your care.
• Adopt healthy lifestyle habits to improve your quality of life.

MAINTAINING A FITNESS PROGRAM

For anyone to maintain a healthy lifestyle, adequate physical activity is required. Until recently, MSSNY recommended that every able adult engage in at least 30 minutes of moderate physical activity daily. New research from the Institute of Medicine indicates that 60 minutes is preferable, however.

Exercise poses a special challenge to headache sufferers, however, because exercise and other forms of physical activity can either provoke a headache or lessen the frequency and severity of headaches. The National Headache Foundation suggests that with appropriate precautions and awareness of the role exercise may play in headache attacks, head pain can be minimized and a fitness program maintained.

Results of an online survey of headache sufferers indicate that 72 percent consider exercise to be part of their treatment program. The majority prefer walking and running but many cite yoga, Pilates or other stretching exercises. Among those who exercise, 43 percent reported that their headaches were less severe, and 41 percent reported that their headaches occurred less frequently as a result of exercise.

The National Headache Foundation also offers the following recommendations to help headache sufferers manage attacks and continue an active lifestyle: • Consult your physician about your exercise program.

• Warm up adequately before exercising.
• Drink enough fluids to stay hydrated during and after exercise.
• Take into account environmental factors that can trigger migraines. These factors include high altitude, humidity and exposure to hot or cold weather.
• Do not skip meals.
• Follow a regular sleep schedule.

Last updated Jan 4/07