Many people wonder why they get migraines when it rains. It may seem like a myth, but for some people, weather changes can cause imbalanced in brain chemicals which prompt a migraine. This article provides some answers to those asking “how does rain cause a migraine?”
What is a Migraine?
A migraine is a severe headache that many people suffer from regularly.
Apart from a severe headache, a migraine may make you feel sick, sensitive to light or sound, or feel other symptoms including stomach pain. If you suffer migraines regularly, then you know how painful a migraine can get.
How Does Rain Cause A Migraine?
For many people, it feels like weather and migraines go together. It is believed that changes in barometric pressure cause headaches in some people.
What is barometric pressure?
Simply put, barometric pressure is the pressure on our bodies from the air around us. Barometric pressure or atmospheric pressure as it sometimes called is affected by things including the weather and altitude.
If there is a change in the pressure, then a migraine can occur. Usually, this is because when the pressure drops there is a clash between the outside air and the air in your sinuses. This can result in pain leading to a migraine.
Symptoms To Look Out For
If you suffer migraines frequently, then it is worth recording when they occur and if it coincides with a change in the weather.
Barometric pressure and migraines are linked, you will suffer the usual migraine, but additional symptoms could include –
- Sickness
- Sensitive to light
- Numbness in the neck or face
- Pain in the temples
Your migraines may be due to barometric pressure if you suffer them when it’s rainy or humid.
Tips To Prevent Migraines
The weather is out of your control. However, once you have established that you suffer migraines when there is a change in the weather there are some things that you can do to minimize the risk.
They include:
- Once you know bad weather is coming avoid other things that contribute to migraines. This helps reduce the overall risk.
- Do exercises, breathing techniques, or any other stress-relieving activities that you know. Keeping stress levels low will help reduce the chance of a migraine.
- Staying hydrated is always a good idea. Drink plenty of water to keep hydrated.
- In some cases, eating more magnesium before the weather changes can help. Bananas, leafy greens, fish, and avocado are good sources of magnesium. This doesn’t work for everyone but is one you can try.
What Else Can You Do?
Making lifestyle changes, using painkillers, and keeping an eye on the weather will help. One more thing you can do to help combat the frequency of migraines is to visit a chiropractor.
A chiropractor can help you as they can provide information on how to live a healthier life. Also, they can help you physically by performing a spinal adjustment if relevant.
A misaligned spine could be a cause of your migraines due to the pressure on your nerves. This pressure can travel up into your neck and head. The pain from this can then contribute to a migraine.
The chiropractor can help realign your spine so that the risk of migraine is reduced.
Final Thoughts
If you suffer migraines when it rains, then keep in mind the advice to try to minimize the risk when you know the weather is changing.
Visiting a chiropractor can also help, not just with reducing migraines but also to help you get the tools of how to live a healthier life. Contact us today to discuss how we help alleviate your migraine pain.