Some fitness experts perceive slightly tired muscles after an intense workout as a rewarding experience. The migraine sufferer, however, views pinched nerves and spasmodic muscles in a whole different light. To them, this pain needs to be prevented and avoided as much as possible. In an amazing way, a fitness workout not only can help prevent migraines but also relieve its side effects.

Not every cure for a migraine involves taking medicines. Most doctors agree that the best way to stop a migraine is to use preventative measures rather than to solely rely on reactive (or "abortive") measures. While exercise isn't necessarily the cure-all, it does offer relief for many migraine sufferers, especially when used in combination with other treatments.

A migraine is a highly painful experience where the muscles tighten, veins pound and coordination diminishes. Many of these symptoms happen because the body tires. Recent research shows that the cause of many migraines is from a build up of fat or an allergic reaction to certain foods like cheese, dairy and drinks like wine and beer. Also, some migraines are triggered by a hormonal imbalance. Whatever the reason for the migraine, a fitness plan works to ward off many symptoms and create a healthier body.

Fitness programs should be performed on a regular basis for the best results. These programs allow your body to release "good hormones", which many migraine sufferers produce too much or too little naturally. For instance, woman who produce too much serotonin find that fitness helps keep away feeling of depression that in turn trigger a migraine. Another hormone that triggers migraines is adrenaline. Exercise relieves excess adrenaline and maintains a healthier level. Furthermore, low melatonin levels that affect sleeping patterns are increased when a person exercises. Amazingly, exercise in the daytime actually triggers the body to release melatonin at bedtime.

A person's muscles subconsciously work overtime during period of stress or excitement. A fitness program that work to target these muscles helps the migraine sufferer retrain their muscles and teaches the muscles to relax. For example, many people tighten their neck muscles or use poor posture during stressful times. Certain exercises teach this person to recognize stress and apply ways to alleviate those tired muscles. A few exercise programs that help are aerobics, meditation and Pilates. Neurologists are suggesting some migraine sufferers to jog at least a half-hour every day to release stress, excitement or anxiety that can trigger migraines. The amount of time for a migraine sufferer to exercise and find the best relief according to many doctors is at least 3 to 4 times every week at a moderate level for a duration of about 30 minutes.

Women tend to suffer the most from migraines. In the U.S., 20% of the population has migraines with 2/3 being women. The most frequent time that women experience migraines is around their menstrual time. Exercise during this time for women is best avoided since this highly hormonal period can exasperated migraines. The best time for women to exercise is between migraines. These fitness plans are proven to diminish migraine intensity and frequency.

Even a highly fit person can get migraines. However, a person who regularly exercises is less likely to encounter frequent migraines and the intensity should be less severe. Talk with your doctor first about a fitness program that would best work with your type of migraine. The American Council for Headache Education  is great resource to learn more about migraines and fitness.