While I have no direct medical training, I have been a sufferer of migraines for almost forty years. I must say that everyone deeds to distinguish between migraines and other headache sources. The most common mistake is to associate allergic response headaches with migraines. While the symptoms appear to be alike, the means of dealing with them are vastly different. It is my view that any "migraine" triggered by food, drink or odors is not in fact a migraine but an allergy headache. These headaches are usually treated with anti histamine and, or sinus medications. The allergens should then be avoided.

Migraines as I understand them are a physiological response only. While the trigger might be lack of sleep, bright lights, computer screens, televisions, loud music and such, the outcome is a specific type of headache often associated with nausea, dis-orientation and general malaise.

For me, the trigger is associated with stress. I can get a migraine after exercise, a long trip, after a hard day at work, when there are emotional factors at play in relationships, when I am feeling pressured for time.

Early treatment was to take heavy duty prescription pain killers and muscle relaxants. They mostly worked but I was often caught without the medication and sometimes the medication caused me to feel ill. There were times too when I took the unhealthy approach of having some pills "in case". Something better must be out there!

Regular visits to a physiotherapist who has "good hands" has helped a great deal. I avoid sitting for long periods. Even when driving, I stop and walk for ten minutes every two hours.
Keeping my weight down and exercising DAILY have also helped. BUT! if you are a sufferer, you will always be prone to migraines, so what do I do?

I have found a regime of STRETCHES that can relieve a migraine in a minute or two. While it is impossible for me to describe them here, I would urge you to take your child to a therapist who understands what exercises can actually stretch the muscles in the: lower back, middle and upper back and neck. The stretches are just tighten and release of the appropriate muscles, the exercises help the patient to learn about what muscles to stretch and how to keep them in shape.

From my own research, it does appear that many migraines are caused by tightening of muscles that attach near the spine, the ability to stretch and release these muscles allows control and it is this control that provides relief to many migraine sufferers.

Learn more about this author, David Ireland.
Click here to send author comments or questions.

---

Add your voice

Know something about Migraine headaches in children?
We want to hear your view. Write now!