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Migraineurs have to deal with the disabling impact of chronic migraines and the stigma surrounding their disease. Sadly, the judgment and negativity sometimes come from the patient’s family, friends, and co-workers. They tend to discount the crippling effects of chronic migraines on the quality of life of people who actually suffer from them. As a result, the stigma makes their suffering invisible in the workplace and at home.
Our chiropractor for migraines in Oakland, CA believes in the importance of educating people about the everyday reality faced by migraine sufferers. This blog is a small step towards successfully putting an end to the stigma surrounding chronic migraines. So, be sure to read until the end.
Many people experience migraines from time to time. However, if your headache and other migraine symptoms are present for 15 days or more, then you’re suffering from chronic migraine. This type of migraine usually occurs in people with a history of frequent migraine episodes.
The nature of chronic migraines may disable you from doing basic tasks such as working and simply getting out of bed. But, unfortunately, this is the reality that’s being lived almost daily by millions of Americans.
The social stigma and discrimination surrounding chronic migraines can make things worse for migraine sufferers. Here are some of the common stigmas attached to chronic migraine:
When you ask healthy people about what they think of migraines, they instantly picture a bad headache. However, chronic migraine is more than that. Along with the typical headache, migraine sufferers also experience intense nausea, dizziness, mood changes, vomiting, and difficulty thinking. Note that chronic migraine symptoms last for at least 15 days in a month. That’s approximately 180 days a year if not treated!
Therefore, migraine is a complex and debilitating neurological disorder.
Many people blame chronic migraine patients for their lack of productivity and see them as attention-seekers. Unfortunately, these people do not realize how bad chronic migraines can get. These perceptions are similar to the stigma attached to people who suffer from mental health disorders and panic attacks.
To learn more about the connection between head and neck injuries and migraines and other headaches, download our complimentary e-book by clicking the image below.
Blame, shame, and judgment are among the main reasons why many patients with chronic migraines don’t consider finding support from anyone around them. The stigma leads them to feel hopeless and unmotivated to cope with their painful situation. As a result, this creates a serious barrier to finding proper diagnosis and relief for their condition.
Suppose you are looking for a safe place to discuss further your chronic migraine, our doors are open. You can talk with Dr. Melissa, our chiropractor for migraines in Oakland, CA, about your symptoms and other migraine-related dilemmas.
Educating yourself about chronic migraines can help you cope with the stigma in many ways:
Speaking up for yourself and other chronic migraine sufferers can help fight the stigma. You can start raising awareness by sharing your story and personal struggles with your friends, family, and co-workers. From there, you can then join local events that raise awareness for migraine sufferers. Through these local events, you can show other people that discussions about chronic migraine have a place in your workplace, household, and community.
Doing simple acts like this can help other chronic migraine patients feel encouraged to tell others a piece of their story. This way, more and more people can understand what it is like to live with chronic migraines.
Others fear the thought of going to the doctor’s office for a check-up. They fear that healthcare providers will brush of their condition as a regular headache. That is why keeping a migraine diary can help you track your migraine symptoms, triggers, and the activities that led to your attacks. With these records, you’ll be able to discuss your condition thoroughly with your doctor. Most importantly, this can help doctors give you an appropriate diagnosis and relief plan.
Never treat yourself harshly just because of the irrelevant perceptions of people about your migraine. Seeking treatment, educating yourself, and finding support can help boost your self-esteem and help you overcome the judgments.
Do not ever isolate yourself from getting help. Often, there are online support groups for migraineurs that you can join to find a strong support system. Remember, you are not alone.
The stigma about chronic migraines is not something that will go away on its own. There will always be words that can drain your hope in seeking relief. But you do not have to fight this battle alone.
Dr. Melissa, our specific chiropractor for migraines in Oakland, CA, is here for you. Her specific chiropractic care can fix the most common cause of chronic migraines—spinal misalignment. With her help, your spine will return to its original position. This will allow your body to heal on its own, ultimately freeing you from the debilitating pain of chronic migraines.
All you have to do is to take the first step, which is to ask for help. This tiny little step can lead you to a more comfortable life in the future. If you can’t wait to get over the pain and suffering that chronic migraine brings, then book a consultation with us! She can help fix your spinal misalignment and help you get your life back.
To schedule a special consultation in our Oakland office call (510) 594-9994, or just click the button below.
