Migraine is a severe, recurring form of headache that is associated with changes in blood flow and the brain's network related to pain sensation. Although high-intensity, vigorous exercise sometimes triggers migraine attacks, there is strong evidence to suggest that regular moderate exercise can reduce the frequency of migraines .
How does exercise affect migraine?
In the scientific literature, the impact of physical exercise on migraine attack is mixed. In general, exercise is considered a headache trigger; however, its potential impact as a non-pharmacological intervention for chronic pain management cannot be ignored.
Many population-based studies show that reduced levels of physical activity are associated with higher incidence and frequency of migraine attacks. On the other hand, physical activity is linked to better management of migraines and migraine-related disabilities, including sleep disturbances, depression, and anxiety . In addition, the habit of daily exercise can reduce the intensity of migraine symptoms.
However, exercise sometimes acts as a trigger for migraine, probably due to an increase in blood pressure. This is the main reason for the reduction of physical activity in migraine patients. Therefore, it is important to know the right proportions and intensity of exercise to avoid possible negative effects.
How does exercise trigger migraine?
There are many reasons why exercise can make migraine worse. For example, suddenly starting an exercise program without proper planning can cause a migraine to come on due to a sharp increase in the body's demand for oxygen.
Similarly, starting a workout on an empty stomach can cause a sudden drop in blood sugar levels , leading to the onset of a migraine. Insufficient fluid intake before, during, or after exercise can also trigger a migraine attack due to dehydration of the body.
Similarly, starting an exercise on an empty stomach can cause a sudden drop in blood sugar levels , leading to the onset of a migraine. Insufficient fluid intake before, during, or after exercise can also trigger a migraine attack, as the body becomes dehydrated.
Additionally, migraine has been associated with an increased risk of stroke, and migraine patients are encouraged to minimize stroke risk factors by adopting a healthy lifestyle that includes regular physical activity. In contrast, repeated anaerobic exercise can trigger migraine by increasing lactic acid levels in the blood.
What types of exercises are beneficial for migraine?
Studies have shown that regular practice of light to moderate aerobic exercises, such as brisk walking, jogging, swimming, cycling, dancing, jumping rope, but also pilates etc. These exercises help improve cardio-respiratory endurance.
It is recommended to warm up properly and gradually increase the intensity of the exercise before moving on to high-intensity exercise. This helps reduce the risk of migraine attacks. When starting a new exercise session, it is important to start with low-intensity exercises. The intensity can be gradually increased if the patient feels fit and comfortable with the change.
To maintain normal blood sugar levels, it is necessary to eat at least one hour before exercise . In addition, it is necessary to consume sufficient fluids before, during and after exercise to maintain body hydration . Water or isotonic drinks, which contain a balanced amount of minerals and glucose, can help maintain the body's homeostasis during exercise. Finally, natural treatments can help reduce migraine symptoms .
Sources
- American Migraine Foundation. 2015. Effects of Exercise on Headaches and Migraines. https://americanmigrainefoundation.org/
- The Migraine Trust. 2019. Exercise. www.migrainetrust.org/living-with-migraine/coping-managing/exercise/
- Amin FM. 2018. The association between migraine and physical exercise. The Journal of Headache and Pain. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6134860/
