Fitness Needs

www.fitnessneeds.com

A Workout For Migraine Symptoms
by Hayley Hattingh
http://www.www.fitnessscope.com

Some fitness experts perceive slightly tired muscles after
an intense workout as a rewarding experience. The migraine
sufferer, however, views pinched nerves and spasmodic
muscles in a whole different light. To them, this pain
needs to be prevented and avoided as much as possible. In
an amazing way, a fitness workout not only can help prevent
migraines but also relieve its side effects.

Not every migraine requires heavy medicine. Many doctors
believe the cure for stopping migraines is to take
preventative measures rather than going the route of
reactive or "abortive" measures. Granted, exercise is not a
cure-all. Combined with other treatments, exercise offers
the relief that many migraine sufferers need.

Anyone who's had a migraine can tell you it's an intensely
painful experience whereby veins pound in the head, body
coordination is affected, and muscles tighten in the face,
down the neck and shoulders as well as down the sides of the
body. Many different causes can trigger a migraine. Some
research indicates that a build up of fat and allergic
reactions to many foods such as dairy, cheese, and drinks
(especially wine and beer) can send the body into a
migraine. Not all migraines are food related; some are
caused by a hormonal imbalance. No matter what the cause, a
fitness plan can reduce many symptoms.

Several regular fitness programs help the body produce more
"good hormones" that many migraine victims lack or
overproduce naturally. For instance, many women have
fluctuating serotonin levels during certain times each month
and find that exercise can boost or maintain its level. For
some people who exercise in hopes of boosting their
serotonin levels, they find that they can ward off feelings
of depression that can trigger a migraine. In some cases,
over stimulated adrenaline also causes migraines. By
exercising, the migraine sufferer can relieve this excess
adrenaline and maintain a better balance. For migraine
suffers who have low melatonin levels that affect their
ability to sleep, exercise is a natural way to encourage
one's body to create more melatonin at bedtime.

A fitness program works to retrain muscles and teach
sufferers to recognize when to relax certain muscles. For
instance, many people subconsciously tighten neck muscles
when stressed. This action can lead to a migraine. Some
exercise programs like Pilates, aerobics and meditation help
a person learn to strengthen and relax these muscles.
Doctors are recommending migraine patients to work out at
least 30 minutes, 3 to 4 times every week at a moderate
level. Some neurologists are asking migraine patients to
try jogging at least 30 minutes daily to relieve stress that
sets off migraines.

Women tend to suffer the most from migraines. In the U.S.,
20% of the population has migraines with 2/3 being women.
The most frequent time that women experience migraines is
around their menstrual time. Exercise during this time for
women is best avoided since this highly hormonal period can
exasperated migraines. The best time for women to exercise
is between migraines. These fitness plans are proven to
diminish migraine intensity and frequency.

Even a highly fit person can get migraines. However, a
person who regularly exercises is less likely to encounter
frequent migraines and the intensity should be less severe.
Talk with your doctor first about a fitness program that
would best work with your type of migraine. The American
Council for Headache Education
(http://www.achenet.org/articles/39.php) is great resource
to learn more about migraines and fitness.

Submit An Article

Get Exposure For Your Site! Advertise with us.
Click Here For Details on a Great Deal!

Would you like more information on fitness?
Sign up here for our mailing list. You will get great information before it becomes available on our website!