Migraines are one of my favourite symptoms to treat. I often get good results (see my testimonials here), and it's wonderful to have positive client feedback. My approach is to look for faulty sensory signals and related dysfunctional muscles around the neck. These faulty signals can cause a cascade of dysfunction, which can feed into the migraine pain pathway.
Most sufferers of migraines have already noticed a pattern of how stress can trigger migraines, but they may not be fully aware of all the research that validates this and the link between the mind-body connection and Migraines. So, let's dive in…
Migraines, Stress, and Trauma: Understanding the Connection
Migraines are more than just debilitating headaches; they are a complex neurological condition that can severely impact one’s quality of life. While the exact causes of migraines remain elusive, research has revealed strong links between migraines, stress, and trauma. Understanding these connections can pave the way for more effective management strategies and a better quality of life for those affected.
The Role of Stress in Migraines
Stress is one of the most commonly reported triggers for migraines. Chronic stress, in particular, can lead to changes in brain chemistry, potentially activating a migraine. A study published in The Journal of Headache and Pain discusses how stress may act as a risk factor for migraine attacks, emphasizing the importance of stress management in preventing chronic migraines (source).
The relationship between stress and migraines can also be observed in the “let-down effect,” where individuals experience a migraine after a period of intense stress. This phenomenon may be due to fluctuations in cortisol levels or a sudden shift in the body’s homeostasis.
Trauma and Its Lasting Impact on Migraines
Trauma, especially in childhood, has been linked to a higher prevalence of migraines in adulthood. Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) can lead to long-term dysregulation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, increased pain sensitivity, and chronic stress responses, all of which contribute to the development of migraines.
One article from Psychology Today highlights how a history of abuse or neglect correlates with longer duration and increased chronicity of migraines (source).
Furthermore, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and migraines frequently co-occur. A study from the American Headache Society notes that individuals with PTSD are more likely to experience migraines due to hyperarousal, heightened amygdala activity, and central sensitization (source).
The Bidirectional Relationship Between Migraines and PTSD
The connection between PTSD and migraines is not one-sided. Research published in Epidemiology and Psychiatric Sciences found a bidirectional relationship between the two conditions, meaning that migraines can exacerbate PTSD symptoms and vice versa (source).
This interplay underscores the need for integrated treatment approaches that address both conditions simultaneously.
Gender Differences in Migraine Prevalence
Women are disproportionately affected by migraines, which may be due to hormonal fluctuations and increased vulnerability to stress and trauma-related conditions. Research has shown that female migraine sufferers are more likely to report a history of trauma or PTSD, further emphasizing the importance of addressing these underlying factors in treatment.
Conclusion
The connections between migraines, stress, and trauma are prevalent but often overlooked when trying to resolve symptoms. As an RMT, I can’t directly treat previous trauma, but I can point clients to resources that can. I am a big fan of Internal Family Systems and refer clients to clinical councillors who utilize this modality.
My goal within clinical practice is to help resolve movement pattern dysfunctions that feed into the migraine pain cycle. Three sessions is a typical treatment plan, with the goal of significantly decreasing the number and severity of the migraines by the end of the third session.
For further reading, I suggest my post on mind-body connection.
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