Do you suffer from migraines?

June is NATIONAL HEADACHE AND MIGRAINE AWARENESS MONTH.

Migraine is a common neurological condition in the general population, affecting on average approximately 12% of the population (studies vary from 2-22%). Age of onset of symptoms can vary, from childhood to much later in life. Family history is a significant risk factor for developing migraine, and women are more likely than men to develop the condition.

Migraine is characterised by severe headache, but symptoms are varied, and can include light/sound sensitivity, nausea/vomiting, dizziness, numbness or tingling, difficulty speaking, and sensory disturbances. Migraine can also be subclassified by the presence or absence of “aura”, which are sensations that occur prior to a migraine attack (typically within half an hour of migraine onset). Auras may include difficulties with thinking, reduced alertness, visual disturbances, tingling or numbness, or disturbances of smell/taste/touch. In some cases people may notice more subtle warning signs in the day or two prior to a migraine attack, including changes in appetite or energy, food cravings, mood changes, or neck stiffness.

Migraine is diagnosed through a combination of symptoms, clinical history and ruling out other possible causes.

How can physiotherapy help with migraine?

Research recommends a “multi-modal” or holistic approach to treatment. Depending on your individual circumstances, this may include lifestyle modifications (including trigger identification, diet changes, exercise, stress management, and optimising sleep), medications (for acute management and/or preventatives), and physiotherapy. 

Physiotherapists who are experienced in migraine will be able to perform an assessment, and treat problems with your neck and shoulder region that might be contributing to migraine symptoms. Tenderness and stiffness of muscles and neck joints is common, as well as changes in muscle function and postural control. This can be addressed through physical therapy using manual therapy, specific exercise training (including specific stretching/strengthening/motor control exercises), and education on self management strategies. They may also help you identify and manage triggers and other lifestyle factors, and to build capacity in order to decrease the frequency, duration and intensity of migraine episodes.