subject: Can Exercise Prevent Migraine Headaches? [print this page] Migraine headaches are horrifying for many people. In fact, as debilitating as the pain can be, many people also find that they live in debilitating fear of the next migraine headache even when they don't have one at all. It really is just that painful. Because the pain is so bad, many people will look for various ways to prevent migraine headaches. Can exercise prevent migraine headaches?
There is no science that shows that exercise has a direct hand in preventing migraines, however there is science that tells us that it has an indirect effect. You see, exercise has been proven to reduce stress, and stress has been pinpointed as a cause of migraine headaches. Exercise also improves the circulation, which brings more oxygen to all of the cells in the body, and actually helps to keep the blood vessels open. Tightening blood vessels have also been proven to contribute to migraine headaches.
So, again, while exercise isn't a direct prevention for a migraine, because it prevents or reduces those things which do have a direct impact on migraines, it is considered to be incredibly beneficial.
You don't have to do strenuous exercises to enjoy the benefits of physical activity. Going for a walk will not only provide you with beneficial exercise, but the walk itself can actually reduce your stress levels, which in turn can help to prevent a migraine headache. Just getting out in the fresh air and moving counts a great deal. Try to take a walk at least three times per week, and walk for at least twenty to thirty minutes each time.
As you become more used to this type of exercise, try to increase the speed that you walk, as well as the length of time that you walk, and if possible, increase the number of times that you walk each week as well. The faster, longer, and more often you walk, the more you are doing to prevent a migraine headache.
Exercise doesn't have to feel like a chore, and if you view it as a chore, it won't be nearly as beneficial and it won't be long before you stop exercising altogether. Find physical activities that you enjoy and look forward to, and you will be more than happy to exercise numerous times throughout the week. Any type of movement for a specified length of time can be considered as exercise, such as bowling, golf, rebounding, or anything else that gets your body moving.
