Consuming small amounts of caffeine through coffee can reduce migraine pain and help with headaches. Caffeine blocks the action of adenosine. It does this by occupying and blocking adenosine receptors embedded on the surface membranes neurons (nerve cells) of Caffeine.
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Adenosine can be used in the central spine system as a painkiller and tranquilizer. Adenosine can cause pain if it is found in the outer reaches our nervous system. Adenosine dilates the blood vessels in the neck and head, causing localized pain similar to a migraine attack. During a migraine attack, the concentration of adenosine is also higher than normal in the neck and head.
Caffeine can be taken in small amounts to alter the functioning of the nervous system. Caffeine can be used to relieve migraines. The structure of the caffeine molecule is very similar to that of adenosine. Caffeine molecules fit into the adenosine receptors but do not activate them. This prevents adenosine molecules from binding to adenosine, effectively blocking the action.
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Caffeine can also constrict blood vessels in the neck and head. The U.S. Headache Consortium recommends nonopioid pain relievers as the first line of care for migraine sufferers with mild-to moderate pain and disability. To relieve migraine pain, nonopioid painkillers may be combined with caffeine. Combining these two drugs can increase their potency by up to forty percent.
The combination of non-pioid analgesics and caffeine has been commercially available. Excedrin Migraine is a combination acetaminophen and aspirin. It is important to remember that less is better when it comes to the pain-relieving properties of caffeine and coffee. Although caffeine and migraine can complement each other, they can also work against one another. High doses of caffeine could trigger migraines. Caffeine constricts blood vessels in neck and head, but it also increases excitatory neurochemicals’ release. This increases nerve firing. Rebound headaches can occur when caffeine is cut off.
Conclusion
You can save coffee for emergency situations. Decaffeinated coffee is a better choice if you don’t feel the need to have coffee. Avoid caffeine-sweetened soft drinks. Also, be aware of hidden caffeine sources in energy drinks like vitamin water and orange soda. If you have a migraine attack, only drink regular coffee. This will ensure that the caffeine is more effective and less likely to cause rebound headaches.