Most people think that a migraine is just a long-lasting or more severe headache, but it isn’t that simple. They’re a headache category of their own. They vary in intensity and are often accompanied by other symptoms. These symptoms include nausea, sensitivity to sound and light, throbbing in a certain region of the head, difficulty focusing and even GI issues like constipation. Some people have acute migraine symptoms and others have more severe, life-altering ones. They can last 4 – 72 hours if left untreated, with varying frequency and intensity. Although migraines tend to last longer than your typical Tylenol-treated headache, the cause is mostly unknown. Knowing what to look for, identifying triggers, and having a plan that actually works is vital to overcoming the symptoms and returning back to normal, especially at work.
As previously named, migraines vary in frequency, intensity and longevity. Here are the different types:
Migraines and headaches are in the same family. So it’s important to remain equally informed on all headache types that cause similar long-term and painful effects. These effects may include Cervogenic, Cluster, and Ice pick headaches to name a few.
When it comes to migraines, knowing your triggers is extremely helpful to develop the right treatment or management plan. Increased stress, exercise, muscle tension, hormone change, dietary changes, insufficient sleep, allergies, environmental changes, strong smells, loud sounds and smoke are some common triggers. Because the cause of migraines remains unidentified, noticing patterns of triggers can be vital to successfully managing them at work.
Keeping a Migraine Journal will help you pinpoint even the most unsuspecting of triggers. For example:
You may crane your neck while sitting in front of your computer. Your neck position can cause muscle tension in your sub occipitals, or the base of your neck and into your shoulders. Combined with insufficient sleep this non-ergonomic position may be a common contributor to the migraines you experience.
Just like other hard-to-diagnose and hard-to-prevent health conditions, keeping a log of the patterns and triggers that you notice will help you avoid unwanted and unsuccessful treatments.
If you notice an uptake in frequency or if your symptoms are severe, it’s time to see your doctor. Working with the right professional to proactively prevent and manage your migraines through prescription therapy and behavioral changes will make all the difference. However, if you’re experiencing a migraine while at work, here are some useful tips to calm your symptoms in addition to your medically prescribed plans:
Everyone is unique, and thus treatment and prevention can vary. Remember, migraines are a serious health concern and those suffering from migraines should seek medical attention right away to determine the most appropriate course of treatment.