that may be easily removed from
your routine or can help your
doctor develop a treatment plan.
Know your headache and migraine
triggers
should seek medical help for your
headaches
• You have more than the
occasional headache (more than
twice a week)
• Food is one of the more common
triggers -- from smoked foods
to alcohol and avocados -- that
is often overlooked. Keep a food
journal to see if you can identify
patterns and triggers • Your headache persists and
continues to get worse or won’t
stop
• Weather changes, including high-
and low-pressure systems • You find yourself taking pain
relievers more than two days a
week
• For women, menstruation
and hormone fluctuations or
imbalance
• Screen time
• Stress and a compromised sleep
schedule
Headaches or uncharacteristic
migraine symptoms can indicate
you need medical attention.
People are often reluctant to call
their healthcare provider or go
to the ER because they don’t
want to arrive only to learn that
nothing out of the ordinary is
wrong.
Diamond advises, “If
your symptoms
are out of the
ordinary for you,
absolutely seek
medical attention
from a specialist
and get help. Your
headache or migraine
should not keep you
from living your life to its
fullest.”
Common signs that you
• Your headaches interfere with
your normal activities of daily life
and needs with your healthcare
provider include staying focused
on the most important questions
you have, providing a daily record
of your symptoms, sharing your
concerns and reactions, and asking
questions.
After consulting with you to
best understand your personal
experience and needs, your doctor
may recommend a combination of
treatments that may or may not
include:
• Pharmaceutical therapy
• Massage therapy
• You take over-the-counter
medications for headache relief,
but the recommended dosage is
not adequate
Headache and migraine are serious
conditions and you shouldn’t be
afraid to talk to your doctor or
to seek out a certified headache
expert: www.headaches.org/
resources/healthcare-provider-
finder. Most patients want their
healthcare providers to be
prepared and engaged when
answering questions and be
willing to educate them about
their treatment options. On the
other hand, healthcare providers
often think that what matters most
to their patients is expressing
understanding and compassion.
Diamond emphasized
both a patient and their healthcare
provider need to communicate
clearly to effectively treat the
headache or migraine.
Simple steps you can take to
effectively communicate your
concerns
www.slyoumag.com | September-October 2019
• Acupuncture
• Yoga
• Meditation
• Diet changes
• Exercise
• Sleep changes
• Journaling symptoms
• Biofeedback therapy
The debilitating effects of
headache and migraine don’t have
to be part of your regular routine.
Understanding your condition,
knowing your triggers and having
an honest conversation with your
healthcare provider can help you
get back to living your life.
For more information about
headache and migraine or to find
help, visit: www.headaches.org.
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