Migraines are more than bad headaches — they can derail an entire day. While there's no single cause, most people have specific triggers that make an attack more likely. Learning to spot yours is one of the most powerful things you can do to reduce how often and how severely they strike.
Stress is one of the most commonly reported migraine triggers — and so is the "let-down" period right after a stressful stretch ends. Physical tension plays a role too: tight muscles in the neck and shoulders, often from posture and long hours at a desk, can contribute to headaches that build from the base of the skull.
Certain foods and drinks are frequent culprits, though they vary from person to person. Common ones include aged cheeses, processed meats, alcohol (especially red wine), caffeine (too much or sudden withdrawal), and skipped meals. Dehydration alone can bring on a migraine for many people.
Strong smells — perfume, smoke, cleaning products — can trigger migraines in sensitive individuals. So can bright or flickering lights and loud noise. During an attack, these same inputs often become far harder to tolerate.
Shifts in barometric pressure, big temperature swings, and changes in humidity are well-known triggers. You can't control the weather, but knowing you're sensitive to it helps you prepare and manage other triggers during those times.
Medication can mask a migraine, but it doesn't address why they keep happening. Our approach looks at contributing factors like neck alignment, muscle tension, posture, and lifestyle. Combining chiropractic adjustments, manual therapy, and practical guidance on your triggers can help many people experience fewer and milder migraines over time.
Let's find your triggers and treat the cause — not just the symptom. Book a visit today.
