If you’re dealing with frequent migraines, you know it’s more than “just a headache.” It’s the pounding pain, the sensitivity to light and sound, the nausea, and the way it completely derails your day.
Even worse? When migraines start showing up more days than not, it can feel like your body’s turned against you. You’re not overreacting, and you're certainly not alone. Frequent migraines have real causes — and there are real solutions, too.
Dr. David Wu and our team at CurePain have tons of experience diagnosing and treating migraines. Here, we break down why migraines can become so persistent and what you can do to get them under control.
While the frequency of migraines can vary from person to person, we generally define chronic migraines as 15 or more headache days per month. At least eight of those days have migraine features (like throbbing pain, aura, or sensitivity to light/sound).
If that sounds like your life, it’s time to take things seriously and seek professional help.
So, what’s behind the constant pounding? Several factors might be contributing, and in many cases, it’s a combination.
Hormones, especially estrogen, can play a major role in migraines. That’s why many women notice an uptick around their period, during pregnancy, or during menopause. Birth control or hormone replacement therapy can also trigger migraine attacks.
Certain foods and drinks can act as migraine triggers. The most common ones include:
Even not eating or skipping meals can bring one on. And don’t underestimate the power of water: Dehydration is a big trigger for many people.
Too little, too much, or inconsistent sleep can all throw your body off balance and increase your risk for migraines. Poor sleep quality (like sleep apnea or restless nights) also makes things worse.
Stress is one of the most commonly reported migraine triggers. But interestingly, many people get migraines after a stressful event, when their body starts to relax. This is sometimes called a “let-down” migraine.
Here’s the tricky part: Taking migraine meds too often can actually cause more migraines. This is called “medication overuse headache” or rebound headache. It often happens with over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen if used too frequently.
Sometimes, migraines are a sign of something deeper, like a neurological issue, chronic inflammation, or even neck or spine problems. That’s where an interventional pain specialist like Dr. Wu can make a big difference.
The first step to fewer migraines is identifying your unique triggers and patterns. Keeping a migraine diary can help you spot what might be setting them off. Log details like:
From there, treatment becomes more personalized and more effective. One of the best places to start is with lifestyle changes like managing sleep, stress, hydration, and diet to avoid migraine attacks.
There are also preventive medications (beta blockers, anti-seizure meds, or certain antidepressants) and abortive treatments (medications you take at the first sign of a migraine to stop it from progressing) available.
Some have even found Botox® injections to be successful.
One of our most effective treatments is injected medicines that block pain and inflammation and significantly reduce your symptoms.
The key is working with our team of compassionate and experienced providers who take time to understand your pattern and tailor a plan that works for you.
Remember, frequent migraines aren’t just inconvenient; they’re a medical condition that deserves real treatment.
Ready to get a handle on your headaches? Call our friendly staff or use our online booking tool to schedule a consultation today.
