Kinesiology is the study of human movement, which can help in the field of migraine study. While the exact cause of migraines is unknown, it is known that stress can be a common trigger. However, exercise can help relieve stress, which might help reduce the occurrence of migraines.
Migraines
Migraines are headaches that are characterized by intense, incapacitating pain in one area of your head, commonly with additional symptoms such as nausea and sensitivity to light and sound. Other symptoms can include blurred vision, diarrhea, and becoming lightheaded. Many migraine sufferers need medication to prevent and relieve migraines. The exact biological cause behind migraines is unknown, and is likely related to imbalances in your brain chemistry. However, certain factors such as hormonal changes, stress and some foods tend to trigger migraines.
Migraines and Kinesiology
Kinesiology is the study of physical activity and how it relates to the body and other aspects of life, according to the American Kinesiology Association. Kinesiology encompasses fields such as exercise science, sports medicine, exercise psychology and some pre-training for fields such as physical therapy and medicine. While kinesiology does not typically have a direct link to the study of migraines, some professionals in the kinesiology field do study natural treatments of migraines, including the effects of exercise on migraines.
Exercise and Migraines
Stress is a common migraine trigger, according to MayoClinic.com. Exercise and physical activity can help relieve stress, hopefully preventing migraines. According to a study conducted at the University of Gothenburg in Sweden, migraine-prone women who participated in aerobic exercise for 40 minutes three times a week, suffered fewer migraines. Even though they were not on medication, their migraines were reduced in frequency by as much as 75 percent. They also suffered fewer side effects than those treated with medication.
Application
While you should not begin a new migraine treatment without first consulting your doctor, you can try working in a moderate exercise routine to reduce any stress. Begin with moderate aerobic exercise such as swimming or walking and make it a regular habit. Be careful not to exercise too strenuously at first. If an exercise routine causes your migraines to occur more frequently, stop immediately and consult your physician.
