Pacing How
Living with migraine is like a roller coaster «I feel like I’m never on top of things. I’m either in the middle of an attack or catching up after one. I feel bad that my co-workers/spouse must cover for me when I am sick so…
Key points about physiotherapy for migraine and headaches
What do we know about the role of physiotherapy for migraine and other headaches? What do the physios do? Does it work? How can we tell if it is worth recommending physio to a person? Here are some key points about physiotherapy for migraine and…
Weight: is it associated with migraine?
Being overweight or obese is associated with chronic migraine. Many studies have confirmed this. In consequence, physicians are taught to advise people with migraine to «lose weight». Is there anything more frustrating than being told that «you should lose weight?» Like it was an easy…
Weight loss : tips for the person with migraine…or, really, anyone
Your weight is a reflection of your genes, environment, and lifestyle choices. You can’t change your genes, but you can modify your environment and lifestyle. Being overweight or obese increases the risk of chronic headaches. (See this post) Environment: It is common in North America…
Patient Home Exercise Program
Topics: Seated Scalene Stretch Cervical Isometric Neck Extension Hitchhicker Stretch Shoulder Squeeze Standing Pivot Latissium Dorsi Stretch Supine Shoulder Squeeze Position 1 Supine Shoulder Squeeze Position 2 Supine Shoulder Squeeze Position 3 Hitchhicker Standing Patient Home Exercise Program Post#727
Hydration and Migraine
Dehydration is a common trigger for migraines, but how does it happen, and what can we do to prevent it? Dehydration occurs when the body loses more liquid than it takes in. We have to consider what gets in, what gets out and the body…
Migraine Triggers
Understanding migraine triggers is a helpful tool for managing migraine. While triggers can be different for everyone and there is no single trigger that all migraine sufferers experience, there are some triggers that are common, especially when it comes to diet. How many people report…
Checklist : Healthy nutrition for migraine
Here is an easy checklist of healthy changes you can make to your diet that could help your migraine. Do this before you engage in any more complicated diet. Drink more water, herbal tea Drink less juice, caffeine, alcohol Stop drinking sodas Do not skip…
The ketogenic diet for migraine
What is the history of the ketogenic diet? Is it true it works for epilepsy? The ketogenic diet was designed in the 1920s to help control seizures in epileptic children. The traditional treatment for epilepsy was fasting (going for an extended period of time without…
Relaxation, exercise, biofeedback for migraine… it’s all great but why is it so difficult to stick to it?
More skills, less pills. For many people with migraine, avoiding medications is a priority. Good news! There are many behavioral options available to control migraines – either on their own or in addition to medications. Let’s Explore the Options: Diet: Diets attract many people, but…
Vestibular physiotherapy : what is it, and what to expect
What is vestibular physiotherapy? Vestibular rehabilitation is an exercise-based therapy targeting vestibular symptoms that do not go back to normal between episodes of vestibular migraine. For example, if vertigo or imbalance is still an issue after a crisis, exercises could improve steadiness and get rid…
Weather and migraine: is it really a trigger and why?
Weather is increasingly reported as a trigger for migraine. 50% of people with migraine mention weather as a trigger. But what is the weather about? Heat? Cold? Barometric pressure? Pollution surges? The world of migraine triggers is a jungle. The list is endless. Triggers vary…
Sleep : how to improve it without medications
Many people with migraine have difficulty with sleep. The first step to a better sleep is to make a few routine changes and maintain them over a few weeks at least. Have a look at our list below, pick the changes that seems to fit…
What is the impact of posture on migraine?
Can posture affect migraine? Yes, especially when the posture deviates from the ideal static posture. Most people define posture as how straight you stand or sit. But that’s just part of the definition. Let’s dig a bit deeper. Static posture: It is the posture of…
Find physiotherapy exercises with migraine
A variety of headaches including cervicogenic headaches, tension headaches and migraine are linked to joint or muscle dysfunctions. If your migraines are influenced by neck and shoulder movements, consider seeing a physiotherapist. The exercises should be adapted to you. There are two major aspects of…
Can physiotherapy improve migraine?
The effectiveness of physiotherapy on migraines has been studied. Carrying out studies on physiotherapy is not easy because there are a variety of approaches, succeeding depends on the patient’s co-operation and there is no placebo. (See this post). Studies that have been carried to date…
Light hurts: How to use glasses to help with photophobia
What is photophobia? Photophobia is a very strong sensitivity to light and is common in migraine. Migraine photophobia can precede (and potentially trigger) a headache. However, it can also occur during a headache or between headaches. Is photophobia only linked to migraine? No! many eye…
How to exercise if you live with migraine
The probability is that you have been told to «exercise» by someone at some point. Maybe you read our webpage encouraging exercise for people with migraine! (See this post). But exercising is NOT easy or natural, unless you are already used to it. Every person…
Pacing: Why is it Helpful in Migraine?
What is pacing? Pacing is a strategy that is often used by people with chronic illness to allow them to complete activities but not significantly worsen their symptoms. When mastered, pacing may also positively impact people’s confidence in their ability to manage their condition (also…
Relaxation: Why should people with migraine use it?
Why should people with migraine use relaxation? People with migraine often identify stress as a headache trigger. Many studies have examined the relationship between stress and migraine. Some researchers suggest there is a “bidirectional relationship” between stress and migraine. In other words, stress can contribute…
