What is migraine?
Migraine is a complex neurological disorder characterized by intense and recurrent headaches. The pain usually starts on one side of the head but can spread and affect the entire head. In addition to headaches, migraines can cause other symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, sensitivity to light and sound, and even visual disturbances. Although migraines can significantly impact quality of life, they can be managed through timely recognition and appropriate treatment.
Types of Migraines
Migraine with Aura
This is the most well-known type of migraine. Before the pain becomes intense, many people experience what is called an aura, which includes visual changes like flashing lights or lines, loss of vision, or a tingling sensation in the body. The aura can last from 20 to 30 minutes, followed by an intense headache that can last up to 72 hours.
Migraine without Aura
This type of migraine does not involve an aura, but the pain is equally severe. People suffering from this form of migraine often experience symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and sensitivity to light and sound. Although they don’t have an aura, the headache occurs in cycles, making it chronic.
Tension-Type Migraine Classification
This type of migraine is sometimes confused with regular headaches. The pain is usually less intense than classic migraines but lasts longer and can cause constant tension in the neck and shoulders. This form of migraine is most often associated with stress and everyday tension.
Hemiplegic Migraine
This is a very rare and serious type of migraine that can cause temporary stroke-like symptoms such as weakness or paralysis on one side of the body. This migraine also comes with aura symptoms but can lead to loss of motor function.
Basilar Migraine
This type of migraine affects the basal regions of the brain and can cause severe symptoms such as dizziness, confusion, speech problems, and coordination issues, often linked to warning signs of an impending stroke.
Causes of Migraines
Migraines are a complex disorder, and their causes can be diverse and individual. Although the exact cause of migraines is not fully understood, several factors may contribute to their development.
Genetic Factors
One of the key risk factors for developing migraines is genetic predisposition. If someone in the family suffers from migraines, the likelihood that other family members will develop migraines is higher. Scientific research has shown that genes affecting the nervous system, especially those regulating neurotransmitters like serotonin, may play a crucial role in the onset of migraines. If both parents are prone to migraines, the child has a greater chance of developing this disorder.
Trigger Factors (Food, Stress, Sleep)
Migraines are often triggered by certain “trigger” factors, which can be specific to each individual. The most common triggers include:
Food and Drinks
Some types of food and beverages can provoke migraines. These often include products high in tyramine (such as cheese, red wine, smoked meats), caffeine, alcohol, chocolate, as well as food additives like nitrates and MSG (monosodium glutamate). Skipping meals or fasting can also trigger migraines.Stress
Emotional stress as well as physical exertion are frequent migraine triggers. This includes work-related stress, financial pressure, family issues, and sudden changes in life circumstances. Stress can cause tension in the neck and shoulder muscles, which may lead to tension headaches often associated with migraines.Sleep
Lack of sleep or irregular sleep patterns (too much or too little sleep) can trigger migraines. Oversleeping can be just as much a trigger as sleep deprivation. Additionally, an irregular sleep schedule can disrupt the biological rhythm, contributing to the development of migraines.
Lifestyle and Risk Factors
Several lifestyle habits and risk factors can increase the chances of migraine occurrence:
Uncontrollable Factors
Factors such as age, gender, and hormonal changes (e.g., menstruation, pregnancy, menopause) can affect migraine frequency. Women are, on average, more prone to migraines, especially during their reproductive years.Health Habits
A healthy lifestyle can reduce the frequency and intensity of migraines. Regular exercise, a balanced diet, stress avoidance, and maintaining a stable sleep pattern can help prevent migraines. Conversely, smoking, alcohol consumption, and irregular eating habits can increase the risk of migraines.
Symptoms of Migraines
Migraines are a serious neurological disorder that manifests through various symptoms, with the intensity and type of symptoms varying from person to person. Here’s how the main phases and symptoms of migraines most commonly present:
Headache and Pain
The most recognizable symptom of a migraine is intense, pulsating head pain. This pain usually occurs on one side of the head, although migraines can affect the entire head. The pain can be so severe that it disrupts daily activities such as work, driving, or performing basic tasks. People with migraines often describe the pain as throbbing, sharp, or pulsating, worsening with head movement or physical activity.
Visual Disturbances and Nausea
Migraines often cause visual disturbances, which may include the following symptoms:
Aura
Aura is a warning sensation that occurs before the headache starts and usually lasts between 10 to 30 minutes. It may take the form of flashing lights, blurred vision, “blind spots,” or visual hallucinations. Some people may also experience numbness or tingling in the hands, face, or legs. Aura occurs only in some migraine cases.Nausea and Vomiting
Nausea is a common migraine symptom, and many sufferers feel the urge to vomit. This symptom can be so severe that it prevents normal functioning. Vomiting usually accompanies the headache and may continue even after the pain starts to subside.
Aura and Post-Migraine Phases
Migraines generally occur in three main phases: aura, headache, and post-migraine.
Aura
As mentioned, aura occurs before the headache and includes visual disturbances and other sensory disruptions. It signals the beginning of a migraine and often lasts between 10-30 minutes. Aura does not appear in all migraine cases.Post-Migraine
After the headache ends, many people still experience symptoms lasting from several hours to several days. This phase, known as post-migraine or postdrome, includes fatigue, difficulty concentrating, irritability, sensitivity to light and sound, and even mild intermittent pain. Migraine sufferers can feel exhausted and drained, even after the headache has passed.
Treatment of Migraines at Fizio and Estetik Center In Locco
Migraines are a serious health issue that requires a comprehensive treatment approach. At Fizio and Estetik Center In Locco, our goal is to help patients identify the causes of migraines and apply therapies that reduce pain and improve quality of life. We use various physiotherapy techniques and specialized treatments to provide effective migraine relief and prevention.
Migraines can cause intense pain that disrupts daily life. At Fizio and Estetik Center In Locco, we apply therapies that help reduce pain:
Our therapies include:
Electrotherapy: This treatment uses electrical impulses to stimulate muscles and improve circulation, which can enhance nutrient supply to bones. Electrotherapy can also reduce pain and inflammation often associated with migraines.
Magnetotherapy: Magnets and electromagnetic fields used in this therapy improve microcirculation, stimulate tissue regeneration, and accelerate healing. Additionally, magnetotherapy has a soothing effect on pain and can reduce inflammation.
Therapeutic Ultrasound: Therapeutic ultrasound employs high-frequency sound waves to treat muscle, tendon, and joint pain and injuries. It helps improve circulation, reduce inflammation, and speed up tissue healing.
Shockwave Therapy: This method uses high-intensity acoustic waves to relieve pain and stimulate tissue regeneration. It is commonly used for treating muscle, tendon, and joint injuries.
Laser Therapy: Laser therapy uses low-intensity light to stimulate healing processes, reduce pain, and lower inflammation. This therapy is often used for injury treatment, chronic pain, and accelerating tissue regeneration.
These advanced therapies at In Locco Center aim to provide holistic care and help you manage migraines effectively.
The Role of Manual Therapy and Kinesiotherapy in Migraine Treatment
Kinesiotherapy and manual techniques are key components in migraine treatment, especially when muscle tension in the neck and shoulders—a common migraine trigger—is involved. At the In Locco Physio and Aesthetic Center, our therapists employ the following methods:
Manual Therapy
This therapy focuses on releasing tension and blockages in the neck and back muscles. Hands-on techniques allow the therapist to precisely target areas where tension accumulates.
Kinesiotherapy
Through exercises aimed at strengthening and increasing the flexibility of neck and shoulder muscles, we help patients improve posture and reduce the tension that triggers migraines. These exercises are tailored individually, considering each patient’s specific needs and physical condition.
Preventive Therapies
Preventing migraines is crucial to reducing attack frequency. At In Locco Physio and Aesthetic Center, we create individualized treatment plans that include:
Education on Lifestyle Habits
Understanding migraine triggers such as stress, diet, and poor posture is essential for prevention. Lifestyle education helps patients recognize and avoid migraine triggers.Relaxation and Breathing Exercises
Breathing and relaxation techniques can reduce stress, a common migraine trigger. Through individual sessions, we provide patients with tools to manage stress and tension in everyday life.
How can the In Locco Physio and Aesthetic Center help in migraine treatment?
At the In Locco Physio and Aesthetic Center, we use specialized therapies designed to reduce the frequency and intensity of migraines while improving patients’ quality of life. Our approach to migraine treatment includes:
Specialized therapies
Our therapists employ a combination of physiotherapy techniques such as electrotherapy, manual therapy, kinesitherapy, massages, magnetotherapy, laser therapy, and ultrasound therapy to relieve pain and reduce body tension that triggers migraines.
Individualized approach and treatment plans
Every patient is unique, so our migraine treatment at In Locco Physio and Aesthetic Center is always tailored to the specific needs of each client. Based on an analysis of symptoms and causes, we develop a personalized treatment plan that includes physiotherapy, massages, exercises, and other specialized therapies.
Support in migraine prevention
Our goal is not only to treat migraines but also to prevent them. Through education, lifestyle advice, physical exercises, and relaxation techniques, we help our patients reduce the likelihood of new migraine attacks and improve overall health.
Migraines are a serious issue, but with proper therapy, support, and prevention, it is possible to significantly reduce their impact on daily life. At In Locco Physio and Aesthetic Center, our therapists are here to help you relieve pain and achieve long-term results.