Migraines are a type of headache that can be debilitating. People with migraines often experience intense pain, sensitivity to light, nausea, and dizziness. Some people experience chronic migraines for no discernible medical reason. If you're desperate to find relief from your chronic migraines, a migraine pain specialist can help. Here are four things a pain management service can do to treat you:
1. Offer effective medication.
When people have headaches, they typically take over-the-counter pain medications. Unfortunately, these common painkillers may not be effective against migraines. Migraine pain specialists may prescribe patients drugs that can prevent migraines. Triptans are drugs that can cause blood vessel constriction, which can stop migraines from forming. People who have several migraines a month are good candidates for triptans. Pain specialists may also prescribe opioid pain medication to help patients deal with the discomfort caused by migraines. Narcotic drugs are more powerful than over-the-counter medications and can provide greater relief.
2. Encourage you to recontextualize your pain.
Chronic pain isn't easy to live with. People who experience regular pain often feel angry or upset about their condition. Unfortunately, focusing on your pain can make it worse. If you expect the worst of your migraine condition, you may find that your pain levels actually increase. A migraine pain specialist can encourage you to think critically about your migraines. By recognizing that your migraine condition can be livable, you can recontextualize your pain to make it more manageable. Your pain isn't in your imagination, but your mindset is a key factor in treating it.
3. Diagnose and treat mental health conditions.
People who experience migraines may also suffer from other mental health conditions. Depression and anxiety are common in people who experience chronic pain. Diagnosing and treating comorbid mental illnesses can reduce your daily pain levels. Pain management specialists understand how important mental health is. Many pain clinics employ psychologists who can help patients work through their feelings about chronic pain. Treating unaddressed aspects of your mental health can reduce the number of migraines you experience.
4. Encourage lifestyle and diet changes.
A migraine pain specialist will also encourage patients to make changes to their lifestyles to reduce migraines. When patients get adequate sleep and partake in regular exercise, they may find that they experience fewer migraines. Caffeine can also have a beneficial effect on migraines, effectively reducing pain. Your doctor may suggest that you add caffeine to your diet in controlled quantities.
Contact a migraine pain specialist for more information.
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