Dr. Tim Clark is the program director for interdisciplinary services for the Baylor Center for Pain Management in Dallas.
Migraine is a Chronic Disease
- Examples of other chronic diseases: diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, fibromyalgia, arthritis, asthma
- It's there even when you're not having a headache
Knowledge is power
- What you think (your perception) matters
- Identify, manage, avoid triggers
- Take medications as directed
- Talk with your doctor (it's important to establish empathy and trust between patient and healthcare provider)
Pain is the 5th vital sign
- There's no way to objectively measure pain
- You have to record it and communicate it with your doctor
Ways to Improve Chances for Successful Headache Management:
- Diaries
- Managing pain is the primary goal
- Discuss goals/expectations with doctor
- Find support
- Doing several positive things at a time often leads to greater effects
- 3 P's of long-term success -
- Persistence
- Patience
- Positive attitude
Physical Therapies
- Acupuncture
- Have to give it a fair chance - 2 x's per week for 10 sessions, 1 week off, then 10 more sessions (sessions ~30 minutes each)
- Exercise
- Massage
- Chiropractic
Cognitive-Behavioral Therapies
- Biofeedback
- Training body in relaxation techniques (must practice regularly)
Relaxation Therapies
- Progressive muscle relaxation
- Autogenics
- Meditation or passive relaxation
- Hypnosis
- Abdominal breathing
- Mindfulness meditation
Treat Comorbidities
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Sleep disorders
- Chronic dysfunctional coping skills
- etc...
