Migraine headaches are not only painful but also inconvenient, frequent, and very misinterpreted. In Malaysia, where the tropical weather, rapid pace of life and dietary regime are unique, there is a great number of people who have migraine headaches without even suspecting what causes them.
We see a lot of clients who have a history of chronic migraines and have been frustrated by treatments that are not effective and misdiagnosis. The most important step towards the management of migraine headaches in Malaysia is to know the less popular causes of migraine headaches.
The hot and humid weather in Malaysia might not appear dangerous, but it is a silent killer to migraine sufferers. High humidity, sudden rainstorms, and heatwaves can take a toll on the body. These environmental changes can cause dehydration, sinus problems or changes in barometric pressure, which can bring on migraine headaches.
Tip: Drink plenty of water and wear sunglasses. Record your migraines in a diary to see any patterns that are associated with weather changes.
We are all fond of our roti canai, sambal, and teh tarik, but some of the favourite local dishes might be contributing to your migraines. Common triggers of migraine headache in Malaysia include MSG (monosodium glutamate), aged cheeses, preserved meats and dishes that are overly salty.
● Processed snacks
● Spicy sambals
● Fermented sauces
● Energy drinks such as kopi and teh tarik
Tip: Consider an elimination diet under the supervision of a healthcare professional to identify your food-related triggers.
In the busy urban centres of Malaysia, it is not uncommon to have to deal with long commutes, late-night screen time, as well as unpredictable work schedules. Migraines are triggered by poor sleep hygiene and digital eye strain, which are significant but underestimated factors.
Tips: Have a regular sleep schedule, and every 20 minutes, take a break from the screen. The strain can be reduced by using blue light filters and posture correction.
KL traffic, short deadlines, and financial pressures, all these are a part of everyday life. However, in the case of individuals who are susceptible to migraine headache in Malaysia, emotional stress is a major precipitant.
Stress leads to hormonal changes and tension of the muscles, especially the neck and shoulders, that can trigger migraine attacks.
Hint: Use relaxation methods such as breathing exercises, stretching, or physiotherapy to reduce the level of stress.
Many people don’t associate posture with migraines, but how you sit, particularly on the job, can affect the blood flow and muscle tension. Cervicogenic headaches can be caused by forward head posture, prolonged sitting at a desk, or poor neck support, and they resemble migraines.
At VL Therapy, we provide physiotherapy for muscle tension related to migraine so that our clients can correct their posture, loosen their tight muscles, and take control of their headaches.
In Malaysia, migraine headaches are especially prevalent among women during menstruation, pregnancy, or menopause. When there is a fluctuation in the hormones, the threshold of pain tolerance in the brain can be reduced, thus causing more attacks.
Hint: Monitor your cycle and consult a medical practitioner when your migraines occur with hormonal changes. Lifestyle modifications and treatment can be migraine-friendly and alleviate the severity.
If you have been struggling with migraines in Malaysia without finding the right solution, it may be time to address the triggers you have been ignoring. At VL Therapy, we offer customised physiotherapy services that address the muscular and neurological causes of migraines. For example, techniques such as stretches, tissue mobilisation, joint mobilisation and neural manipulation etc can heal your pain. Our team will help you identify the underlying causes, develop a pain management strategy, and regain a balanced, headache-free lifestyle.
Living with migraines in Malaysia can feel overwhelming, with triggers seemingly lurking around every corner of day-to-day life. Humidity, diet, culture, stress and posture are just some of the factors that can contribute to your migraine attacks. But there's good news: migraines can be managed, and it's possible to prevent them with a practical approach.