8 unfavorable cities for those with migraines
Migraine is a medical condition that leads to severe, throbbing headaches, usually felt on one side of the brain. It may be accompanied by other symptoms such as vomiting, nausea, sensitivity to light, and dizziness. They may be a result of hormonal changes, emotional triggers, eating habits, and environmental factors. Based on the prevalence of triggers, here is a curated list of some of the worst cities for individuals with migraines. These include:
- Cincinnati, OH-KY-IN
Cincinnati has a combination of triggers that grant it the top position on this list. The city is known for its erratic lifestyle, with factors such as high commute times, overtime work hours, and high stress levels. This is coupled with high levels of intake of trigger foods, and changes in weather (such as winter warming, heavy rains, and floods), increasing the likelihood of a migraine attack. - Madison, WI
Madison experiences several temperature changes around the year. This is known as seasonal temperature variance, and it could be one of the reasons behind more frequent migraines. The city also has high recorded levels of trigger food intake, such as chocolates and pizzas, leading to an increased frequency of migraines. - Little Rock-North Little Rock, AR
The city of Little Rock experiences rapidly changing weather and frequent changes in barometric pressure. Barometric pressure is the pressure within the atmosphere of the planet, which may change due to recurrent storms. This is a common cause behind migraine headaches, making the city unfavorable for migraine sufferers. - Knoxville, TN
Knoxville is also home to frequent barometric pressure changes, resulting in temperature variations. To compound this issue, the city also ranks poorly on lifestyle factors such as long work hours and commute time, making it difficult for migraine sufferers to maintain good health. - St. Louis, MO
St. Louis is a densely populated metropolitan area known for the hustle-bustle of city life. Additionally, the city reports high consumption levels of inflammation-causing trigger foods such as hot dogs, sausages, smoked meat, chocolate, coffee, and cheese. The city also has unpredictable weather conditions, often resulting in high temperatures. This can be troublesome for those living with migraine. - Nashville, TN
Nashville’s weather makes it an unfavorable location for those with migraines. The city experiences frequent weather changes, storms, and extreme heat, along with changes in barometric pressure. - Johnson City-Kingsport-Bristol, TN-VA
Johnson City, Kingsport, and Bristol share the seventh spot on this list. These places experience extreme weather and frequent changes in barometric pressure. These areas have also recorded high-stress levels, which could trigger migraine headaches. - Chattanooga, TN-GA
The state of Tennessee features often on this list. This is a result of frequent barometric pressure changes in the state, leading to unpredictable weather patterns. Due to this, those with migraines are at a higher risk of experiencing a headache.
Other cities that may be unfavorable for those with migraine headaches include Greenville-Spartanburg-Anderson (SC), Canton-Massillon (OH), Albuquerque (NM), Fort Wayne (IN), and Louisville (KY).
Besides, the best cities recognized as migraine-friendly include New Haven-Bridgeport-Stamford (CT), Boston-Worcester-Lawrence (CT), McAllen-Edinburg-Mission (TX), El Paso (TX), Salinas (CA), Miami (FL), Honolulu (HI), Los Angeles (CA), and Fresno (CA).