If you suffer from migraine headaches, you know how frustrating and annoying they can be. While there are many over-the-counter and prescription medications that can be used to treat migraines, not everyone can find relief with medication. Getting to the root cause of the migraines allows for more treatment options.

A new study shows that stress is one of the leading causes of migraine headaches. The study was conducted on 5,000 participants in Germany over a span of two years. Researchers found that not only were migraines linked to stress, but the more severe the stress, the worse the headaches. The study also showed that headaches can lead to more stress, creating a vicious circle that can be hard to gain control over.

“Increasing stress resulted in increasing headache frequency for all headache subtypes,” said study leader Dr. Sara Schramm, of the University of Duisburg-Essen in Germany. “[Study] participants with migraines experienced more stress than participants with tension-type headaches.”

Of the 5,000 participants, those who did not report a lot of stress in their daily life did not suffer from migraine headaches as often or at all. Researchers concluded that although there are many medications that can help lessen pain associated with migraines, the best way to deal with the pain and prevent future migraines is to reduce stress.

For many people, this is easier said than done. Many people have hectic work schedules and are busy at home. Even little stresses can build up and lead to migraines.

If you are experiencing migraine headaches and believe they may be associated with stress, look for ways to deal with the stress. Take short naps in the afternoon, go for a walk, swim, or run. Spend a few minutes in a hot tub or bubble bath or consider taking up a peaceful activity that will help clear you mind such as yoga.

Do you suffer from stress-related migraine headaches?

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