Migraines plague millions of people yearly and very few have a solid cure or prevention method. New research now states that migraines can actually be prevented with good ‘ol fashion EXERCISE. While the causes of migraines vary, the cure could all be the same.
85% of migraineurs could report something that triggers the migraine. These include weather (up to 50%), missing a meal (40%), stress (about 50%), alcohol (50%) and various types of food (45%). About 50% of women report menses as a trigger. A recent study showed that over 50% considered crying to be a trigger (source).
Drugs have helps many people control and prevent migraines. Other natural cures are based around relaxation techniques.
40 minutes of exercise
Published in the journal Cephalalgia, the study involved 91 migraine patients, a third of whom were asked to exercise for 40 minutes three times a week under the supervision of a physiotherapist, with another third doing relaxation exercises, and the final third given topiramate. The study lasted for a total of three months, during which the patients’ migraine status, quality of life, aerobic capacity and level of phyical activity were evaluated before, during and after their treatment. Follow-ups were then carried out after three and six months.
Exercise just as effective
The results show that the number of migraines fell in all three groups. Interestingly, there was no difference in the preventative effect between the three treatments.
“Our conclusion is that exercise can act as an alternative to relaxations and topiramate when it comes to preventing migraines, and is particularly appropriate for patients who are unwilling or unable to take preventative medicines,” says Emma Varkey, the physiotherapist and doctoral student at the Sahlgrenska Academy who carried out the study (source).
We all know that medicine comes with a price. There can be side affects, long term complications, and even irreversible damage if taken in access. Finding a natural cure for migraines is key to improving ans sustaining your quality of life. Exercise is isn’t just about vanity! Fitness Tips like these transform a pain ridden life into a life worth living!
Adria
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