Apparently, me.
I'm getting so SICK of my headaches and migraines that I'll do just about anything to get rid of them, even if it means torturing myself by running. I just recently started running, and amazingly I've discovered that once you start to build your endurance, running really isn't torture. My biggest mistake in the past was running too soon after eating and drinking, which gave me side stitches. Once I was able to avoid those, I realized that running was tolerable. Heck, maybe even fun. Why is this crazy girl calling running fun, you might ask?
- It gets me outdoors. Running on the beach with my sister back in May started this whole thing. Now I run mostly on the treadmill due to the heat, although I have gone on a few runs on the nearby Greenway which is nice and shaded. The last two weekends I ran in the mountains of NC and GA while visiting in-laws. When you're gliding slowly on your own two feet versus whizzing by on a car, you're able to really take in the beautiful scenery.
- I breathe better. Not every runner has to sprint and get out of breath while running. I take my time and take deep, controlled breaths, which does wonders for your health and mood.
- It's easy to do. Get up, put shoes on (or go barefoot if you wish), and go.
- Muscle. Maybe I'll get killer muscles out of running. That's not why I'm doing it, but the thought inspires me to run even more.
- It clears my mind. I'll admit that I usually watch TV when I work out on the treadmill (our condo's gym has cable which we don't have in our unit, so I can get my HGTV and Food Network fix). But for outdoor runs, my mind doesn't race like it does when I'm sitting still, and I'm able to pay attention to my body and how I'm feeling. It's also a good time for me to pray without so many distractions.
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| Picture from Amazon.com |
I won't be running marathons any time soon, but I'm hoping that if I run as much as I can, my headaches and migraines might reduce. Of course, running and other strenuous exercises can trigger headaches/migraines, so if you're going to try this with me, be careful and do it gradually. I'm alternating walking and running for now, and I'm doing a lot of daily stretches that my physical therapist taught me. If your health allows, I invite you to give running a chance. Happy running! :)
9 comments:
While running a charity 5k I saw a hand written sign that someone had taped to a post that read, "Just keep running". There is a lot of power in those 3 words. Keep it up.
Awesome! I admire you for doing it!
A group of my friends formed a "running cult"...they call themselves Pixie Chicks and run a bunch of marathons.
I wouldnt mind it if my head didn't pound every time I took a step...actually I wish I could do it!
I am so sorry you haven't received your package yet...I promise I have not forgotten....just a bad time for me presently. Hoping for some answers after my MRI tomorrow!
Jessica - no worries at all! I pray that your MRI goes well!!
I use to suffer from migraines and bad headaches and it usually lasts for one whole week so I totally understand how you feel. Thank God I have found First Vita Plus and it helped reduce my headaches as well as my migraine.
Way to go!
I was really into running when I did my post-grad study, then got busy with work scheduling. I started again about three years ago.......mostly for the distraction factor and the fact that if my thighs and calves hurt more than my head, that isn't such a bad thing.
I didn't run for much of this past year, but I've been back to the gym for the last month or so.
Thanks for keeping me inspired!
"Way to go" to you too, Sue! (didn't mean to rhyme that much...it just happened) ;)
Keep it up as long as your head allows; that's my plan!
I work in IT and migraines and tension headaches seem to be hand in hand with the profession. I so know what you mean, the days that I run, I have very little if any episodes with pain in my head. Some mornings, it is tougher to get out and run, but I have to keep telling myself to tough it out! Keep on RUNNING!!
I used to run cross country and track, and LOVED every bit of it. I injured myself (hip, then low back)... then, I had my accident, which started my chronic migraines. I miss running soooooo much! There's just something about being able to push myself that's so invigorating. It was also an outlet for me... for all different emotions. I loved competing, too. :) I hope that I can run again, but my migraines prevent that from happening... at least for now... Keep running, hun.
People around the world continue to turn to chiropractic care for headache problems. It was estimated in 1995 by the National Institutes of Health that already about 48 million people in the USA used chiropractic treatment, and the numbers around the world are growing. A recent trial done for a PHD thesis at Macquarie University, showed that 60% of migraine sufferers had a reduction in their symptoms during the course of the treatment. They reviewed headache chiropractor and other chiropractic services since 1923, and found a success rate between 72% and 90%. The benefits at times seemed to last for years after the treatments.
Chiropractic services seem to be most successful in the treatment of back problems, headache and migraine. In a study published in 1995 that related to tension headache, in the Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics. It found that headache chiropractor care did provide some benefits.
Chiropractic services deals with subluxations (misalignments of vertebrae causing nerve irritation) anywhere along the spinal column, not just in the lower back. Sometimes the vertebrae of the spine become misaligned or lose their range of motion for one reason or another. This misalignment puts pressure on nerves leading to and from the brain. A chiropractor helps put them back in place by using gentle and highly skilled adjustments.
Going to a headache chiropractor services is a safe and effective way to treat headaches or migraines without drugs. The idea behind chiropractic is not that the condition itself is treated, but that the body is able to heal itself. Some people have dramatic results, and become completely headache free. Some migraine sufferers find complete relief. Others find relief simply from some symptoms or after effects of the migraine attack. The best thing to do is find a chiropractor that you’re comfortable with, and track the results of the treatment over time.
Cautions:
There are three things to remember when considering headache chiropractor treatment. First, always talk to your doctor and let her know what you’re doing. You especially need to see your doctor if you’re having new symptoms. Second, choose your chiropractor carefully. Third, remember that headache chiropractor treatment is not a treatment of conditions. It helps the body heal itself. That means that chiropractic care often goes along with other treatments and general healthy living.
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