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Writer's pictureLisa Chadsey

Migraines and Pad Placements




That ringing in your ears, that sensation on one side of your head that is so intense you can’t think straight…Anything that is too intense, like light, makes the pain worse. 


Your mind can’t focus because of the blinding pain. Suddenly, whatever you needed to get done today is the last thing on your mind. Instead you spend most of the day, or in some cases your week, out of commission. 


This is a migraine. And they are completely debilitating. 


If you have experience with migraines, you aren’t alone. 12% of people are shown to experience migraines and it is very common in the US. Beyond that, there is a good chance that this is hereditary “Up to 80% of people with migraines have a first-degree biological relative with the condition.” (Link 1.)


Migraines, this intense pain on one side of your head, can last for up to 4 hours, or for days. Any intense sensations can cause the migraine to get progressively worse. This includes bright lights, loud sounds, strong smells, or intense physical activity. 


As to what can cause a Migraine…that is something that we’re still trying to unpack. “When you have a headache, specific nerves in your blood vessels send pain signals to your brain. This releases inflammatory substances into your head’s nerves and blood vessels. It’s unclear why your nerves do that.” (Link 1.)


Let’s dive into understanding this common ailment and then see how light therapy can help. 


What happens during a migraine?


Did you know that there are four different defined stages of a migraine? I learned this myself as I was performing research. With Migraines, there are four core stages that you can experience:


  • Prodrome - The first phase has indicators that the migraine is building and can start up to 24 hours before you experience a headache.

  • Symptoms for this can look like - Abnormal mood changes, trouble focusing and sleeping.

  • Aura - This is a collection of “sensory, motor and/or speech symptoms that act as a warning sign of a migraine headache.” (Link 1.) 

  • Symptoms can look like - Changes in your vision, ringing in your ears (Read more here about tinnitus), and sensitivity to touch.

  • Headache (attack) - This is the attack itself that you can experience from 4 - 72 hours.

  • Symptoms can look like - Nausea, vomiting, and sensitivity to light, sound, and smells. 

  • Postdrome - this is akin to a hangover from a migraine. It can last for up to 48 hours.

  • Symptoms can look like - Stiff neck, sensitivity to light & sound, nausea, and dizziness. 


What can cause a migraine?


There are many things that can lead to a migraine, including having it in your family. Anything that has more intensity than normal may lead to increased risk of getting a migraine.


Referenced from Cleveland Clinic


  • Stress

  • Hormonal changes

  • Certain medications

  • Changes to your sleep.

  • Too much physical activity (overexertion)

  • Addictive substances like caffeine or tobacco

  • Exposure to bright lights, loud noises or strong odors


How can you take care of your health and prevent exacerbation of these symptoms?


Making sure to avoid anything that may trigger your migraine is the best remedy. But in case that can’t be avoided, here are some alternative methods of prevention (Referenced from Cleveland Clinic): 



How does Medical Grade Light Therapy help?


Light therapy (specifically photobiomodulation) helps by helping your body with specific wavelengths of near-infrared light. When your body is exposed to this light it reduces inflammation (which creates the pain that you feel during your migraine.) This happens because therapy specifically releases anti-inflammatory enzymes that reduce the swelling and irritation in the vessels of the brain. 


Light therapy also engages the body and helps your cells begin their repair process in a faster and more efficient way. This means that your cells that are damaged and inflamed during (or before) the migraine can more readily be repaired and regenerated which leads to a greater reduction in pain and faster recovery. 



Pad Placements


Here are the pad placements that I would recommend so you can start utilizing your system to help get you back to a pain-free place. 


Facemask: You’ll place this pad over your eyes, this placement has a calming effect and will help to soothe your system while it reduces inflammation.


Rectangle: You’ll place this pad over your tummy to addresses inflammation & circulation.

Square: Place this pad over your low back to calm your central nervous system.


Rectangle: This pad will go under your knees; to address your body's lymphatic system to help flush out toxins. This allows for faster repair within your body.


T-pad: Place this pad on the back of your shoulders and run it up the neck to the lower “bumpy” part of the skull.


T-pad: You’ll place this secondary pad from your forehead to the top of the head so you’re really targeting the area of inflammation and pain.


Though migraines affect many of us, there are ways to reduce the symptoms and intensity while also preventing major migraines from occurring. If you have any questions about how light therapy can help, please give me a call!



You can reach me at 720-219-2990 ☎️


With Lights and Love,


Lisa the Light Lady


_____________________________________________________________________________


If you want to learn more about Light Therapy & my Light Therapy work, you can follow me with the links below, or email me at Lisa@lightmattersinfo.com - thank you for reading!


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