Manage Headache Pain with Exercise
There is nothing worse than feeling incapacitated because even the smallest amount of light or the faintest level of noise leaves your head throbbing with pain. If you’re one of the people who suffer from migraines to any degree, you are likely constantly seeking ways to prevent and ease your symptoms.
Although certain kinds of exercise may worsen headaches in some people, a regular exercise routine may play a significant role in reducing the frequency and intensity of migraines. In addition to benefiting your overall health, exercise has been shown to significantly help those suffering from unbearable head pain.
Read Dynamic Fitness and Rehabilitation’s tips to manage headache pain with exercise.
How Exercise Can Ease Headaches
Researchers suggest one of the main reasons physical activity can help with migraines is because of the endorphins released during exercise. These neurotransmitters act as natural painkillers that can yield a feel-good sensation for several hours post-workout.
Consistent physical activity is also linked to a wide array of other health benefits such as weight loss, improved mood, better cardiovascular health, and lower cholesterol. Since exercise can help a variety of aspects of your overall health, the improvement in other conditions may contribute to fewer or less severe migraines. Other conditions linked to migraines that have been shown to benefit from exercise include:
Obesity
Hypertension
Sleep apnea
Depression
Anxiety
High-stress hormones
Insomnia
The Center for Disease Control (CDC) recommends adults complete 150 minutes of moderately intense aerobic exercise, such as walking, with two days of muscle-strengthening workouts every week. This is a good goal to set, but always remember to listen to your body.
If you are ready to develop an exercise program best suited for you and tailored to your specific needs, contact Dynamic Fitness & Rehabilitation to take control of your migraines and your health.
Best Exercises for Those Prone to Migraines
There are several different types of exercise that will help you get in shape while simultaneously reducing your migraine pain and frequency.
Jogging, Running, Cycling, Walking
Aerobic exercises such as jogging, running, cycling, walking, and cross-training have been associated in studies with shorter migraine duration and lessened pain. These kinds of activities and other exercises such as dancing, swimming, roller skating, and hiking can all help strengthen your heart and lungs as well as help with migraines.
Pilates
It is often the case that migraines are caused by spinal misalignments and/or muscular imbalances, which may be the result of injury or, more likely, poor posture. Many of us are stuck at desks for long hours each day, developing “tech neck” from staring at our computers and phones.
Incorporating Pilates movements and stretches into your daily routine can help relieve the strain on your neck and head by rebalancing muscle strength, improving breathing coordination, and lengthening tight muscles.
Yoga
A study published in the International Journal of Yoga showed that those with migraines who incorporated a yoga practice into five days a week for six weeks on top of typical medication saw greater improvement in their migraines than those who only took medication. Yoga has also been shown in multiple studies to significantly reduce stress, a known migraine trigger.
Learn More > How Stress Can Cause Physical Pain
Tai Chi
Tai chi has been known for hundreds of years to have countless benefits, including:
Improved balance & stability
Better ability to cope with pain
Reduced fatigue & depression
Research has also now shown that this ancient practice can dramatically reduce the occurrence of migraines.
Exercises to Avoid
Although exercise has been shown to greatly improve migraines for certain individuals, it’s possible that certain kinds of exercise can trigger an attack. The American Migraine Foundation suggests this may be a result of elevated blood pressure.
Strenuous exercises, such as powerlifting, should be undertaken with caution. If you suffer from migraines but decide you want to begin lifting weights, always remember to warm up properly and use proper breathing techniques.
Leave Pain in the Past with Dynamic Fitness & Rehabilitation
If you suffer from chronic migraines, chances are you will do everything in your power to ease your symptoms. Fortunately, there are steps you can take to reduce the pain of headaches and prevent them from occurring in the first place.
At Dynamic Fitness & Rehabilitation, we will work with you to create a customized plan of action in order to get you feeling amazing. When you’re feeling unwell, the best path forward is often, surprisingly, to keep moving.
If you are looking for a team of certified practitioners to help you on your journey to health and wellness, contact Dynamic Fitness & Rehabilitation today!