10 Easy and Fast Ways to Reduce Migraines (Plus One Cause of Migraines You Have Never Thought About)

A migraine is not just an ordinary headache. If you’ve ever had one, you know the difference. The pain of a migraine is intense, and is often accompanied by other unpleasant symptoms such as nausea, flashing lights, and numbness in the hands and feet – and the pain can sometimes last for hours, or even days.

Migraines are caused by the enlargement of the temporal artery. The inflammation triggers the release of chemicals that affect various parts of the body. They slow digestion and affect the entire sympathetic nervous system.

18% of all Americans experience migraine headaches (that’s 37 million people)

Facts and Figures about Migraines

• Migraines are most likely to affect people from ages 15 to 55
• 18% of all Americans experience migraine headaches (that’s 37 million people)
• Women are far more likely than men to get migraines
• Some people who get migraines are able to feel when one is coming on because they experience something called an aura – a perceptual disturbance.

While all migraines are caused by blood vessel enlargement, people who experience them report a variety of different triggers, including:

• Physical or emotional stress
• Lack of sleep
• Allergies or allergic reactions
• Tension headaches
• Bright louds
• Loud noises
• Exposure to certain smells, such as perfume or smoke
• Hormonal fluctuations due to menstruation, taking birth control pills, or menopause
• Drinking too much alcohol
• Fasting or skipping meals

People who know what their triggers are can sometimes take action to forestall the migraine when they feel it coming on. While it may not always be possible to prevent a migraine, taking medication or other preventive measures right away can sometimes lessen the severity and duration of the migraine.

10 Fast and Easy Ways to Reduce Migraines

Let’s take a look at some fast and easy ways to reduce migraines.

One Cause of Migraines You Have Never Thought About!

Now for the migraine trigger you may not be aware of. Chances are good that you, like many people, have transitioned from using incandescent bulbs in your home to using energy efficient bulbs. These bulbs are so popular that manufacturers will soon stop making traditional bulbs. While energy efficient bulbs do last longer than the old incandescents, they also include mercury, a neurotoxin that can trigger migraines. They’re so toxic that the box includes detailed instructions in terms of disposing them, and a warning to clear the house for at least fifteen minutes if you break one. If you get migraines, you may want to think about stocking up on incandescent bulbs while you still can.

Migraine headaches can be awful and debilitating, but it is important to remember that there are things you can do to prevent them, and to make the headaches less intense when they do strike. Anything you can do to make yourself healthier in general will also help, so make sure to exercise and get enough sleep.