The Migraine Mystery

Before we tee off into the potential benefits of golfing for migraines, let's touch base on the basics. Migraines aren't just regular headaches; they're a complex neurological condition that often involves severe pain, nausea, and sensitivity to light and sound. Women are disproportionately affected, with hormonal fluctuations, stress, and certain triggers often playing a role in the onset of these often debilitating episodes. In fact, according to the Global Burden of Disease (GBD) study, headache disorders are among the most prevalent and disabling conditions worldwide.

Different types of Migraine

Migraine without Aura (common migraine)
This is the most common type of migraine, it involves moderate to severe pulsating on one side of the head. Other symptoms might include nausea, vomiting, sensitivity to light and sound.

Migraine with Aura

This is characterised by the presence of specific neurological symptoms known as aura which preceded or accompany the headache phase. This can include visual disturbances, such as flashing lights, blind spots, sensory disturbance, or language difficulty. This aura normaly lasts about 20 minutes and then is followed by the headache.

Menstrual Migraine

Some women experience migraines that are linked to their menstrual cycle. These migraines typically occur around the time of menstruation and may be more severe or difficult to treat due to it being related to the cycle.

Hemiplegic Migraine

This is a rare subtype of migraine, characterised by temporary paralysis or weakness on one side of the body, (Hemiplegia) during or after the aura phase. This can be mistaken for a stroke which can be worrying for someone suffering this for the first time.

Retinal Migraine

This is a rare type of Migraine characterised by repeated attacks of visual disturbances or blindness in one eye. These visual symptoms typically occur before or during the headache phase although not usually associated with a significant pain.

Chronic Migraine

When someone is experiencing a migraine for more than 15 days a month for at least 3 months this is classified as Chronic. This can significantly impact daily life and may require more aggressive treatment approaches.

Golfing Migraine

Having a migraine can significantly impair a golfer's performance and enjoyment of the game. It's essential for migraine sufferers to prioritize self-care and manage their condition effectively to minimise the impact on their golfing experience. This may include staying hydrated, getting adequate rest, avoiding potential triggers, and seeking medical treatment and support when needed.
Obviously if you are playing golf with a migraine the pain can be debilitating, and make it a challenge to focus on the game instead of the pain! Some people find they were sensitive to light (photophobia) and sound (phonophobia) during an attack, so therefore bright sunlight and noise on the golf course can exacerbate the symptoms.

If migraine aura is how your migraine presents itself that may affect a golfers vision and depth of perception, and with a common symptom being nausea and dizziness, it would be easy to lose your confidence on the course!
However, on the upside, golf can indeed be a great help in reducing the symptoms of Migraine! Who’d have thought it! What if the path to relief was right on the green, amidst the gentle swish of a golf club? Oh happy days!

Exercise-Based Relief

Now, picture this: you're out on the lush green expanse of a golf course, the sun warming your skin as you prepare to take a swing. Surprisingly, this serene setting might just hold the key to easing your migraine symptoms.
While the science isn't crystal clear, there's growing evidence to suggest that regular exercise, including golf, can be a game-changer for migraine sufferers. Exercise releases endorphins, your body's natural painkillers, which can help alleviate the intensity of migraine attacks. Moreover, physical activity promotes better sleep, reduces stress levels, and improves overall well-being – all factors that can contribute to a reduction in migraine frequency and severity. Physical Activity and Headache: Results from the Nord-Trøndelag Health Study (HUNT) (sagepub.com)

The Swing of Science

So, how exactly does hitting the links translate to migraine relief? Well, it's not just about the physical exertion – although that certainly plays a part. Golfing offers a unique blend of benefits that can address multiple migraine triggers simultaneously.

Firstly, spending time outdoors exposes you to natural sunlight, which can help regulate your body's internal clock and improve sleep patterns. Secondly, the rhythmic, repetitive nature of swinging a golf club can induce a meditative state, reducing stress and tension in both the body and mind. And let's not forget the social aspect – golfing with friends provides an opportunity for laughter, camaraderie, and much-needed distraction from migraine-related worries.