Understanding the Full Cycle
Hi there family! I had a bunch of questions following my signature talk at the National Women’s Show in October this year and I thought I’d provide a more researched and comprehensive reply here.
So if you’ve ever wondered how long migraines can last, you’re not alone. Migraines don’t follow the same rulebook as typical headaches. They’re neurological events that can unfold over hours, days, and sometimes nearly a full week when all phases are considered. Understanding the duration of each phase helps you make sense of the symptoms you’re experiencing — and gives you clarity about what’s happening inside your head.
As a migraine chiropractor in Ottawa, I hear this question almost daily. The good news? You’re not powerless and you are DEFINITELY not broken. The more you understand the migraine cycle, the more you can do to influence it.
The Four Phases of a Migraine (And How Long They Last)
Migraines can last anywhere from 8 hours to 5 days, depending on how many phases you experience.
1. Prodrome (Hours to 2 Days)
This early stage can include irritability, neck stiffness, yawning, and food cravings. Many people don’t realize these subtle changes are part of the migraine.
2. Aura (5-60 Minutes)
About one-third of people get aura — visual zigzags, flashing lights, numbness, or speech changes.
3. Pain Phase (4-72 Hours)
This is the “migraine” most people refer to — throbbing pain, nausea, light sensitivity, and difficulty thinking clearly.
4. Postdrome (Up to 48 Hours)
Even after the pain fades, the brain may feel foggy or exhausted.
You are not alone! Watch the video below to hear the experiences of 6 different people with their migraines, length, intensity, how it affected their lives and more …
Why Some Migraines Last Longer: The Role of the Meninges
The meninges — the three protective layers surrounding your brain and spinal cord — play a powerful role in migraines.
These layers (the dura mater, arachnoid mater, and pia mater) are filled with pain-sensitive nerve fibers. When they become irritated, stretched, congested, or inflamed, they can contribute to longer-lasting migraine activity.
Scientists have proposed that:
- Increased pressure or tension on the meninges
- Irritation from blood vessel changes
- Mechanical stress from neck dysfunction
- Chemical inflammation
…may all help explain why some migraines persist beyond the typical 4-72 hour window.
This doesn’t mean your meninges are “damaged” — just that they may be amplifying pain signals during the migraine cycle.
Why a Nervous-System Approach Matters
At Loving Life Chiropractic, we approach migraines by looking at the entire nerve system, not just the head.
Gentle chiropractic adjustments — especially in the upper cervical spine — may help:
- Reduce tension affecting the dura (outer meningeal layer)
- Improve blood flow and nerve communication
- Decrease sensory overload
- Support recovery through all phases of the migraine
Our goal as a migraine chiropractor in Ottawa is not to “treat” migraine as a disease, but to help restore balance and adaptability in your system.
When to Talk to Someone
If your migraines consistently last more than 72 hours, this may be status migrainosus, a more prolonged presentation of migraine. You may wish to seek help from your primary care provider such as your upper cervical chiropractor or medic.
If you want to explore a natural, nerve-system-focused approach to migraine recovery, chiropractic care is an intelligent choice, and check out my free gift to you – “The Migraine Breakthrough Guide – What’s Really Causing Your Pain – and How to Stop It Naturally”
A free, easy-to-read guide revealing the hidden neurological triggers behind migraines—and the natural steps thousands use to reduce attacks without relying on medication
What You’ll Learn:
- The real anatomy involved in migraine storms (that your doctor likely never explained)
- Why science still says there is no single cause of migraines — and why that matters
- The overlooked connection between your upper neck, nerves, and brainstem
- Why You Are Not “Broken” and Natural strategies to begin calming your system today
- An approach that helps chronic sufferers find relief without drugs or surgery
- Links to clear, plain-language migraine problem and solution videos so you finally understand what’s happening inside your head