More than 90% migraine sufferers aren’t able to work or live normally during an attack—are you one of them? If that’s your case, learning how to navigate your attacks is key for an enhanced life quality and better peace of mind.
Dr. Alvarez is a founding partner of Space City Pain Specialists. He completed internship and residency programs at the University of Michigan School of Medicine in Ann Arbor, Michigan. A few short years later he decided to pursue an additional residency in Anesthesiology while subspecializing in Pain Medicine at Baylor College of Medicine in Houston, Texas. For more than 20 years, he has been serving the Webster community with the most comprehensive pain management plans.
4 Steps for Managing Your Migraine, by Dr. Alvarez
Step #1: Understand Your Migraine Triggers
If you want to successfully manage your migraine and reduce your attacks, one of the most helpful strategies is to pinpoint your migraine triggers so you can later avoid them.
Additionally, if you have this information handy, it will be of great help when you go to a migraine doctor. I advise you to keep a migraine journal where you document not only your symptoms, but also your meals, stress levels, travels, and sleep. Eventually, you will find patterns.
Some of the common triggers I’ve seen in my patients are:
- Dehydration and skipped meals
- Caffeine fluctuations
- Hormonal changes
- Poor sleep hygiene
- Weather and barometric pressure
- Light, sound, and screen exposure
- Strong odors
Step #2: Build a Prevention Routine
Once you know which triggers affect you the most, you can start building a routine around them.
Often, migraine attacks happen when the body suffers from chemical fluctuations, which is why it is so important to maintain regular sleep and meals schedules, even on weekends and vacations.
Most of the year, Texas is a pretty hot state, so I also recommend staying hydrated. You can consider drinking electrolyte water too.
Some other changes to implement are to reduce screen time and use blue-light filters (in your screens or glasses), incorporate regular and light physical activity, and manage stress with psychological therapy, breathing exercises, etc.
Step #3 Be Prepared with a Migraine Action Plan
Sometimes, no matter what precautions we take, a migraine attack can not be prevented. In order to navigate it, I recommend you prepare a migraine kit you have with you at all times that includes:
- Prescribed abortive medications
- Over-the-counter pain relief
- Ice packs, sunglasses, earplugs
- Travel-size electrolyte drinks or snacks
- Other items that can help you manage an attack
Also remember to keep your doctor’s contact information in case your migraine gets severe.
Step #4: What to Ask Your Doctor
Of course, my last tip is to visit a professional that can assess your case and help you navigate migraines with tailored tips and prescriptive medications.
Some questions I encourage you to bring up during your consultation with a migraine doctor are:
- Do I need preventive medication? If so, how do I take it?
- Could this be a different type of headache? How do I set them apart?
- Are my symptoms consistent with chronic migraine?
- What are my long-term options?
Is It Time to Visit a Migraine Doctor in Webster, Texas?
When talking about chronic migraines treatment, there is no one-size-fits-all. A comprehensive plan will take into account your media and family history, inquire about any hormonal issues, lifestyle, and more.
If you have been suffering from frequent or long attacks (more than 4 times a month or over 72 hours), stronger symptoms that aren’t manageable with conservative measures, unusual symptoms like slurred speech or memory troubles, and an impact on your quality of life, you should visit a specialist as soon as possible.
Our Approach at Space City Pain
We know how frustrating and confusing it can be dealing with chronic migraines. If you seek professional care, you will learn about all the available possibilities to enjoy a happier life. We will make sure to take the best care of you so you can kiss your worries goodbye and re-find comfort in your own body!
Our board certified healthcare providers have made Space City Pain a pioneer in pain management in the community since 2004. Our friendly, bilingual, and highly specialized staff excels at providing pain relief to patients. If you are looking to get back to your old self and a pain-free life, book an appointment by calling 281-338-4443 or send us a message online today.
We don’t manage pain, we treat it.
