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Holistic Relief for Headaches\/Migraines

Posted: April 25, 2022

Hi there, fellow Migraineurs (people who suffer from migraines)!


There’s almost nothing worse than getting a headache or migraine and having it linger for days or even weeks at a time. Just try and get your to-do list accomplished with a constant throbbing, splitting headache. As a chronic headache/migraineur for the past 20+ years, I can tell you that it’s no fun. I was only 13 years old when I experienced my

first migraine, and I didn’t know what hit me! It felt like a truck driving through my head.

More on my personal migraine journey later, but first, here is a general overview of headache types and symptoms.


***If you have a headache or migraine right now and can’t read the entire blog, that’s

OK! Just scroll on down to the most important points at the end, along with a free Migraine Prevention Toolkit and information on 1:1 Coaching and Therapy services for Migraine Prevention. You’ll be glad you did! I also encouraged you to come back later when you feel better and read the entire blog, or use your favorite text-to-speech service, like Speechify or Speechigo, to read it to you! It really comes in handy when you have a migraine and have to get stuff done (I personally use Speechify) and only costs a few dollars per month and doesn’t sound like a robot on steroids. Anyway……


Migraine symptoms can include pain in the head and neck region, nausea, vomiting, sensitivity to light/sound/smell/touch/movement,

and visual disturbances – and that only covers the physical symptoms of experiencing headaches and migraines. There is also the emotional and psychological toll that it takes on the quality of life, such as anxiety, depression, irritability, disruption in social life and relationships, and even suicidal thoughts. And how about the spiritual/existential aspect of feeling like your life has no meaning or purpose?


While all headaches are a real pain, they aren’t all equal. The cause, duration, and intensity of the pain can vary significantly. Check out

the different types of headaches below and see which ones you relate to:

The Most Common Types of Headaches


Headaches typically fall into one of two categories:


Episodic Headaches – These headaches occur every so often and generally last a short time (a few hours or less). They typically occur less than 15 days out of the month.


Chronic Headaches – These types of headaches are more consistent, last longer (several hours to several days), and occur more than

15 days out of the month.

Now let’s take a look at some of the most common types of headaches, including the difference between headaches and migraines:

1. Tension Headaches

The number one most common headache is the dreaded tension headache. These headaches are episodic and anyone can get them. Tension headaches are normally triggered by stress because stress causes our entire body to tense. These headaches bring on a dull, aching sensation all over the head. Often, people also feel tightness in their neck and shoulders.


Usually, some OTC medication will nip the headache in the bud. Tension headaches can become chronic, however.

2. Cluster Headaches

Cluster headaches come with more severe, sharp pain, usually behind either eye or on the side of your temple. Nasal congestion can

also accompany these types of headaches.


Cluster headaches usually happen in a series, meaning a person usually experiences two to five headaches in one day, all around the same time. Just as one headache disappears, the net one is soon to follow. They cluster.


Cluster headaches are more common in the spring and autumn, so they may have a link with seasonal allergies and sinus pressure.

Once you have been diagnosed with cluster headaches, your doctor will work with you to develop a treatment plan.

3. Migraine

Migraines are the most intense headaches people experience. In addition to a deep, pulsing pain inside the head, many people also experience visual disturbances as well, such as seeing flashing lights or auras.


Migraines often run in the family and certain environmental triggers such as exposure to chemicals, certain foods, hormonal imbalance, stress causing intense emotion, and sleep disruption can also trigger migraines.


Now that we’ve identified the different types of headaches, which types do you relate to? Do you experience any or all of these types of headaches, or know someone who has suffered for too long without substantial relief?? If so, you’ve come to the right place….


As I mentioned before, I have suffered (and I literally mean suffered) with headaches and migraines on and off for the past 20 + years. During this journey with my health challenges, I worked in the mental health & social work field until I eventually became a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (I know what you might be thinking – no wonder I had migraines!) I was determined not to let the migraines keep me from accomplishing my dream to help others like me who experienced various forms of physical, emotional, and spiritual pain.


It took me longer than the average person to complete all my training and education, but I did it!! I got really good at navigating that

thing called SELF-CARE (which is like a foreign concept to some of us – you know who you are).


I later discovered that my migraines were just one symptom of a much bigger diagnosis, called Fibromyalgia – a chronic pain disorder involving widespread pain in the muscles and joints coupled with migraines and chronic fatigue. I was exhausted all the time, no matter how much I rested or how much caffeine I consumed. When I was diagnosed, the Rheumatologist gave me a referral to Pain Management and basically wished me the “best of luck” because there was nothing further he could do for me.


I came very close to throwing in the towel after all the hard work I had done to get my counseling degrees and License and started to think about applying for Disability. However, I really had a hard time accepting that this was all there was available for me as far as pain relief – a life of pharmaceuticals.


Since my diagnosis, I have worked diligently to find solutions for my migraines and Fibro pain that provide substantial relief. I had to think outside the box and basically become a “human guinea pig” who was willing to try anything in order to find that relief I felt in my heart

was out there. My pain management doctor told me I’m like a “dog with a bone” when it comes to my health because I just kept at it until I was satisfied. I refused to quit, and my diligence finally paid off.


I’m happy to report that I have finally discovered through trial and error, multidisciplinary research, and various types of traditional and alternative treatment approaches, a comprehensive Treatment Plan that significantly improved my quality of life.


I realized that it wasn’t enough just to treat the physical symptoms – I really wish it were that easy. It can be for some people, but not for those who really experience chronic migraines.


I realized that I also had to treat the emotional/psychological aspect as well as the spiritual/existential aspect – hence, a Holistic

approach that addresses the “whole” person. This is what’s often referred to as the Mind, Body, and Spirit Connection.


After working as a Master’s Level Therapist for 8 years, I decided to start my own virtual private practice with many different Holistic

Areas of Specialization.


In addition to providing virtual therapy services to the citizens of the state of Florida, I also offer Health & Wellness Coaching services to those all over the globe with migraines and other forms of chronic pain and illness, or just need help with making lifestyle changes.


That being said, I would love the opportunity to share some of the time, energy, medical, emotional, psychological, and financial mistakes

I made along the way that cost me years of my recovery with those who don’t want to take 20 years to find relief!


It helps me to know that all that pain wasn’t for nothing and that I can find meaning behind the suffering by helping others have a smoother journey like I wished someone had provided for me. Perhaps you are that person, or someone you love??


Grab your free Migraine Prevention Toolkit here, as well as subscribe to my free biweekly Newsletter, where you will get more detailed information on how to prevent migraines. The Newsletter will also be in video/audio format, to make it a bit easier to digest.


If you are in need of further step-by-step assistance and would like to discuss 1:1 Coaching or Therapy services, click the link below to book a free consultation call:


https://www.leahpetrucci.com/appointment-request/

SOURCES:

Have some questions first?

You can always email me directly at coaching@leahpetrucci.com or call/text (941) 705-0973