Hi everyone... I hope you are all excited for the holidays and are having a headache free December so far. I'm doing much better in terms of my depression and my migraines really haven't been too bad. I'm still getting relief from my combination of Imitrex 50mg and hydrocodone (Lortab generic). I have not yet started on the Topomax as I do plan to, but think I may wait to start at the beginning of the year. Might as well make it a "New Years' Resolution" to make sure to take my meds every day (I'm generally not so good about remembering or wanting to be on daily medication, but I'll do it!!)
I haven't been as diligent as I'd wanted in terms of posting really helpful information on a daily basis. Mainly because I have this horrible "perfectionism" problem where I feel like things I write or share just aren't good enough (silly, as I know that even if one small thing helps one person, I'd be thrilled). So, what I think I'm going to do for the next few weeks is start posting up some general preventative and relief tips I've come across in my research. I'll start today with some suggestions on how to read "properly" to try and avoid the eye and neck tension that can be a trigger... so here you go:
TIPS FOR PREVENTING AND RELIEVING MIGRAINES
Tip 1: Proper Reading
Do not read when you are lying down. The lying down posture is
clearly not the best position to read. It is a very common thing for a
person to flop down on the bed with a book and read it while lying
down. In fact, many people make it a habit to read for a few minutes
before going to sleep. Let us say it once and for all; it is not good
to read while you are lying down.
If you must read, prop up your
head with at least two pillows. If you find it impossible to read while
you are in bed, the best thing that you can do is prop up your head
with a couple of pillows. Pillows give support to your head and neck so
that your head is in a partially raised position. This will cause less
harm to your eyes and your head in general.
You need a well
lighted room to read. The lighting of your room too is very important.
A properly lighted room is what is required if you want to read, do
needle work or any other such fine activity. Again too much light is
just as bad as a dimly lit room.
The source of light must
preferably be behind your head. The source of light should not come in
front of your eyes but must be behind your head. This is also true in
the case of a computer as well. The source of light should be from
behind.
Do not hold the book too close to your eyes. This is
some thing that happens when you lie down to read. The book tends to
move closer to your eyes than intended. This is something that is bad
for your eyes. Your eye muscles have to strain a lot in order to focus
on nearer objects. The book should ideally be at the level of your
chest.
Do not hold it too far away either. Holding the book too
far away is just as bad as holding the book too close. Remember to keep
it at chest level. Many bookstores have reading stands that will enable
you to keep your book position at the right level.
If you find
it difficult to read, get your eyes tested by an oculist. If you find
yourself squinting or your eyes watering while you read or do any fine
work, then you might need glasses. So do not waste time, consult a
doctor at the earliest time possible. Faulty vision is a major cause of
headaches.
Be careful of the print size of the book you are
reading. If the print of the book is too faint, or if the font size is
too small, just toss away the book. Most libraries have large-print
versions of books. If this is not available, use a magnifying glass or
wear magnifying glasses.
Do not read in moving vehicles. Many
people try to read while traveling by car to kill time. However, curves
and bumps in the road can cause headaches and even motion sickness.
No
matter how smooth the road is and no matter how good the shock
absorbers of the car are, there is bound to be jerking motions. This
will force your eyes to adjust and readjust to the print and this
continuous adjustment and readjustment is very bad for your eyes. At
the end of the journey you are bound to end up with a headache.
The
light from your T.V or P.C monitor is not enough to read. Some people
tend to read in the light that comes from a turned on television set or
a computer. This light is not enough for your eyes to pick out what is
printed, and should be combined with lamplight or overhead light.
No more migraines,
Kelli :)
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