Weathering Headaches

Anyone with arthritis or chronic pain knows that weather can play a role in exacerbating pain. And headache sufferers are no different!

According to the New England Center for Headaches as many as half of migraine sufferers are affected by changing weather patterns. These changes can also affect sinus headaches.

What Weather Patterns Affect Pain?
Weather is considered one of the most common yet unavoidable trigger to migraines. Triggers are what starts a chain reaction leading to the pain and other symptoms related to migraines.

Take barometric pressure, for example. This is the weight exerted by the air around us. When the pressure falls, stormy weather is on its way and many believe this drop has a strong correlation for the increased potential to feel aches and pains. Changes in pressure also change the amount of oxygen in the air. Blood vessels must compensate by dilating or constricting to regulate the amount of oxygen consumed, thus increasing the chances for the migraine pain to strike. Some experts believe atmospheric changes also result in a change in electrical activity in the brain, thus initiating an attack.

Then there is humidity. Humidity is the amount of water vapor in the air. Some researchers have found a strong correlation between dry, cold air and the migraine, but any changes in humidity may exacerbate headache pain.

Wind is another potential trigger for migraines. Wind often the result of big shifts in the weather patterns indicates a changing barometric pressure. Wind also carries pollutants and allergens, which may trigger a sinus headache.

Migraine Vs Sinus Headache

Both migraines and sinus headaches can be triggered by weather changes. Both headaches can cause extreme discomfort. With excruciating pain in the same area of the head, drainage of the sinuses and teary eyes, migraines and sinus headaches are often misdiagnosed since the nerves that carry sinus pain also carry migraine pain. But the sinus headache is often accompanied with fever, cough, fatigue and pain over the cheek or forehead, with evidence of clogged sinuses upon x-ray testing.

A common problem with treating a seemingly-chronic sinus headache is that it is usually a migraine. Sinus headaches are a sign of an infection and are treated with antibiotics, whereas the migraine does not respond to this treatment. Migraines are best treated with preventative measures, such as avoidance of common triggers, like caffeine, chocolate and preservatives.

But changing weather conditions are less controllable. But it’s not the weather itself but its inconsistencies. Even something as simple as a dry sunny day followed by cloudy weather can trigger migraine pain.

So Now What?

Since you cannot control nor avoid changes in weather patterns the best treatment is prevention of migraine pain. Keeping track of which weather patterns exacerbate pain can allow you to take precautions, such as medication. Trying a humidifier can also help as some studies show cold dry weather is more likely to bring on the pain.

Sticking to your regular routine can help – get plenty of sleep, watch your diet, stay hydrated and get some regular exercise. Sometimes something as simple as getting some fresh air, regardless of the weather conditions can help manage pain.

Try some alternative methods for relief. For example, the Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine shows Accupuncture can reduce the number of episodes as well as reduce pain – without side effects. Trying some herbal remedies may also bring you relief. Things such as Feverfew and Dong Quai, an herb of the parsley family, are common in the treatment and prevention of migraine pain. But care must be taken as some herbs are dangerous during pregnancy or when experiencing some medical conditions. Ideally, you should consult with a qualified professional to assure their safe usage.

Some studies also show a technique called biofeedback is an effective management tool. This drug-free alternative trains you to change and control some physical triggers such as skin temperature, muscle tension, heart rate and blood flow. This can reduce the body’s stress response, thus initiating a calming effect on the nervous system which can help reduce pain.

But chronic headache pain associated with changing weather patterns can be tricky. The key is to provide you family physician with as much evidence (common triggers, effective remedies, etc) to lessen the chances of incapacitating pain – plus trying alternative methods and staying educated, as new studies are being performed all the time.

There is no cure for migraines. The most you can hope for is proper maintenance to manage symptoms – take control of your migraine before it takes control of you!