10 Sneaky Reasons Behind Those Throbbing Headaches

Hey there, fellow migraine warrior! If you’ve ever felt like a jackhammer is setting up shop in your head, you’re not alone. Migraines are like those uninvited guests that show up at the worst times. But fear not – we’re here to uncover some of the not-so-obvious reasons behind those pounding headaches. Grab your comfy seat and let’s dive into this casual chat about what might be triggering your migraine moments.

1. You’re dehydrated & you don’t even know it.

This is the BIGGEST REASON! Dehydration can trigger migraines by inducing changes in cerebral blood flow and altering the balance of electrolytes in the brain. Reduced water content in the body leads to a contraction of the Dura, a sheet of tissue around the brain, which can result in decreased blood flow and oxygen supply to brain tissue.  Additionally, dehydration disrupts the balance of electrolytes, such as sodium and potassium, which are crucial for maintaining proper nerve function and signaling. 

Check out my hydration blog to learn more about this.

2. Foodie Follies:

Ever felt like certain foods are plotting against you? Some culprits, like aged cheeses, processed meats, and MSG-laden snacks, could be giving you more than just a snack attack – they might just be serving up a migraine.  Start a food journal to keep track of trigger foods and then work with a functional or naturopathic doctor to WHY these allergies are happening.  

3. Sneaky Sips:

Ah, caffeine and alcohol, the two-faced friends. While they might provide a temporary buzz, they can also play a role in setting off migraines. Your best bet? Enjoy them in moderation or cut them out completely.  Especially alcohol.  Its a toxin, plain and simple.

4. Sleep Shenanigans:

Catching those Z’s is essential, but irregular sleep patterns or skimping on shut-eye can lead to a headache extravaganza. Let your body rest, and it might just reward you with fewer migraine episodes. And if you’re having trouble in this department, check out my full spectrum jellies or CBDA!

5. Weather Whirlwinds:

Mother Nature can be quite the tease. Rapid changes in weather, temperature, or barometric pressure might be cozy for her, but they’re not exactly your head’s cup of tea. Cue migraines. But why does this happen in the first place?  Its because your body is in inflammation disorder and its never a quick step to fix.  Set up a comprehensive analysis to uncover some things your doctor may have missed. 

6. Stress Showdown:

Stress – it’s like that unwanted guest that overstays its welcome. It can clench your muscles, knot your brows, and oh, trigger migraines. Time to embrace those stress-busting techniques! I have lots of them here… just look through the blog or set up an appointment to learn some techniques. 

7. Hormone Hijinks:

Ladies, you’re not imagining it – hormones can play migraine tricks on you. Menstrual cycles, pregnancy, and even hormonal birth control can turn your head into a drum circle.  And overall….we should NOT be suffering.  Something is wrong and a comprehensive hormonal panel called DUTCH can help you uncover what’s missing or off.  And please… get off birth control and learn to track your natural cycle and ovulation.  BC is a class one Carcinogen. 

8. Scent Surprises:

Who knew fragrances could be double agents? Perfumes, strong odors, and even the smell of your favorite cleaning supplies might be secretly plotting to unleash a migraine. But there’s more to this.  Its actually the synthetic chemicals causing HAVOC on your system.  Stay away from “natural fragrance” too as this is called greenwashing and not truly an insight to the ingredients to make that lovely smell.  And yes, even natural terpenes in essential oils or plants can set you off.  Best case scenario…go without any scents for a while.  Clean smells like nothing. 

9. Myofacial stress

You have some significant knots or tissue damage in your back, neck or shoulders? Our tissue can hold on to stress just like it can be damaged.  Pain creams with cannabis can help heal the area actually, but find a specialist that works with soft tissue to start breaking down the caustic connections that are pulling in all the wrong ways.  

10. Your lymphatic system is on overload.

The lymphatic system is a network of vessels, nodes, and organs that plays a vital role in maintaining fluid balance, filtering toxins, and supporting the immune system. Lymphatic vessels collect excess fluid, called lymph, from tissues and transport it back to the bloodstream. Lymph nodes act as filtering stations, where immune cells monitor and combat infections and foreign substances within the lymph. The lymphatic system helps prevent swelling, supports immune responses, and contributes to overall body homeostasis.

While infections or inflammatory conditions that affect the lymph nodes could indirectly contribute to headaches by triggering an immune response or inflammation, lymph nodes themselves are not a primary cause of headaches. But if you’ve got some tender spots around your ears, temples, back of the hairline…..those are swollen nodes.  Time to get toxins out.

A Dash of Migraine Wisdom:

Remember, every head is a universe of its own, so what triggers migraines for one might not be the same for another. But fret not – there’s a silver lining. By tuning into your body’s signals, keeping a migraine diary, and maybe even playing a little detective, you can start unveiling your personal migraine triggers.

And hey, don’t be shy about seeking help. If migraines are your frequent companions, a chat with a healthcare pro might just be the ticket to finding relief. From lifestyle tweaks to specialized treatments, there’s a world of migraine management waiting for you.

So there you have it – TEN not-so-obvious reasons that might be behind those migraines. Armed with this newfound knowledge, you’re ready to face those throbbing head invaders head-on. Migraines, be warned – you’ve got some savvy folks in your way!