Migraine disorder is a neurological disorder that can be debilitating and affect millions of people worldwide. There are many different types of migraines, each with their own set of symptoms and triggers. Not all migraines cause headache.
Although there are likely more we aren't even aware of, here some of the most common types of migraines current science recognizes:
Migraine without aura: This is the most common type of migraine, characterized by moderate to severe pain on one side of the head, nausea, and sensitivity to light and sound.
Migraine with aura: This type of migraine is characterized by a visual or sensory disturbance that precedes a headache. The aura can include flashing lights, zigzag lines, or blind spots in the vision.
Chronic migraine: This is a type of migraine that occurs on 15 or more days per month for at least three months. It can be difficult to treat and can significantly impact a person’s quality of life.
Hemiplegic migraine: This is a rare type of migraine that can cause temporary paralysis on one side of the body, as well as other neurological symptoms.
Vestibular migraine: This type of migraine is characterized by vertigo, dizziness, and balance problems.
Menstrual or ovulation migraine: This type of migraine is linked to a woman’s menstrual cycle and can occur before, during, or after menstruation or ovulation.
Retinal migraine: This is a rare type of migraine that can cause temporary vision loss in one eye.
It’s important to note that migraines may be triggered by a variety of factors, including stress, certain foods, hormonal changes, and environmental factors. If you experience migraines, it’s important to work with your healthcare provider to identify your triggers and develop a treatment plan that works for you or refer you to a specialist.
Can Massage Therapy help migraine disorder?
While Massage Therapy cannot cure the condition, it can promote activation of the parasympathetic nervous system (think rest and digest) which can help in an acute migraine attack as well as reduce frequency and improve sleep which can help manage the condition. In fact, Webmd.com states that Massage Therapy may works as well as medication in preventing migraine in some cases.
Need to book a Massage Therapy session to help manage your Migraine Disorder?
Click the button below to book (Edmonton, Beaumont and surrounding area).
Sources:
Journal of Headache and Pain: “Manual Therapies for Migraine: A Systematic Review.”
Headache: “The American Headache Society Consensus Statement: Update on integrating new migraine treatments into clinical practice.”
International Journal of Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork: “Reduction of current migraine headache pain following neck massage and spinal manipulation.”
American Migraine Foundation: “Top 10 Migraine Triggers and How to Deal with Them.”
International Journal of Neuroscience: “Migraine Headaches are Reduced by Massage Therapy.”
Annals of Behavioral Medicine: “A randomized, controlled trial of massage therapy as a treatment for migraine.”
European Neurology: “Lavender essential oil in the treatment of migraine headache: a placebo-controlled clinical trial.”
The Clinical Journal of Pain: “Myofascial trigger point-focused head and neck massage for recurrent tension-type headache: a randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trial.”
NeuroRehabilitation: “Migraine responds better to a combination of medical therapy and trigger point management than routine medical therapy alone.”
Mayo Clinic: “What is Reflexology?”
American Massage Therapy Association: “Helping Clients Manage Migraine,” “Tackling Migraines Head-On,” “Cold Stone Therapy.”
Journal of Research in Medical Sciences: “Impact of hot stone massage therapy on sleep quality in patients on maintenance hemodialysis: A randomized controlled trial.”
Postgraduate Medicine: “Cold as an adjunctive therapy for headache.”
American Journal of Public Health: “Massage Therapy and Frequency of Chronic Tension Headaches.”
Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center: “Acupressure for Pain and Headaches.”
Sleep.org: “Massage and Sleep.”
Medline Plus: “Propranolol (Cardiovascular),” “Topiramate.”
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