Exercise has long been touted for helping us overcome such health issues as obesity, heart disease, type II diabetes, even some forms of depression. But according to a pilot study published earlier this year in the International Journal of Sports Medicine there is evidence that supports that aerobic exercise may be a treatment option for migraine suffers. Because very few studies exist regarding the effects exercise has on migraine suffers, the basis for this study was not so much to determine the benefits of exercise, as much as it was to develop a training program for those who suffer from migraines. The study group was quite small. It consisted of 16 migraine suffers--8 who did not participate in an exercise program and 8 who participated in a 10 week, three times per week running program. At the end of the study, the results were quite promising. The data showed a 40 percent drop in the number of days the exercise group reported experiencing migraines compared to control group which saw little change. When it came to the intensity of the migraine, the exercise group experienced a 43 percent drop in the migraine intensity, whereas the control group showed little or no significant change. It is believe that a reduction in the stress hormone in the exercise group may be responsible for the outcome of this study. While more studies need to be conducted, there is promise for those, like myself who have suffered a life-time from migraines. Prior to taking up running, I was easily a monthly migraine sufferer. While I never experienced them to degree that many of my friends do, I was one who was fortunate enough to experience an aura prior to the onset of the attack. The minute I experienced the 'stars' or tunnel vision, I knew I had only a short time to take a couple of Aleve, drink a huge Diet Coke and get myself into a quiet, dark room. I must say I do not miss the paralyzing effects these attacks had on my body. I would literally be groggy for days after an attack. The irony when I was reading about this study is that since I took up running 5 ½ years ago, I have only experienced one migraine which was three years ago. The reason I remember the date is this attack was so unlike the others I had experienced in the past that I thought I was having a stroke. I went to the Emergency Department and was admitted to rule out a stroke. After a non-conclusive CT Scan and MRI I was released. I remember the last thing I asked the doctor was if I could run my half-marathon which was only two weeks away, which he gladly told me I could. I actually attributed my lack of migraine attacks to my weight loss and new healthy living, but never imagined that my running may be doing more for me than just keeping my weight down and my cardio-respiratory system strong and healthy, running may actually be keeping the pain in my brain away. Just remember if you are a migraine suffer, make sure you ask your doctor or neurologist if beginning an exercise program is suitable for you and your situation. Do you suffer from migraines? If so do you currently exercise? Did you see a reduction in the number of attacks or the intensity of them? |
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