Non-Pharmaceutical Migraine Help
Lifestyle and Behavioral Changes That Can Ease Migraines
May 4, 2008
While the cause of migraines still remains a mystery, most theories conclusively agree that migraines are the result of inflamed and constricted blood vessels in the brain. However, for migraine sufferers, the cause of their pain is only secondary to a cure.
The majority of migraine sufferers rely on either preventative or abortive medication to deal with their symptoms. These drugs are often initially useful, but tend to have an assortment of side effects such as heart problems, interactions with antidepressants and even cause rebound headaches. It's no surprise that those who have a history of migraines look to non-pharmaceutical methods to manage the pain associated with their migraines.
Identifying Triggers Can Stop Migraines Before They Start
For some migraine sufferers, things like food, stress and hormonal changes can bring about a migraine. By being able to identify your particular trigger(s), you can learn to avoid or minimize it in your daily life, thereby lowering your chance of getting a migraine.
The easiest way to recognize your possible trigger(s) is to keep a headache diary. By recording every detail prior to the onset of your migraine- from what you ate, to how many hours of sleep you got- you can begin to detect patterns in the history of your headaches. Once you are able to distinguish possible triggers, you can work on eliminating them from your routine.
Simple Lifestyle Changes That Can Reduce Migraines
The first treatment option you should try is the easiest one. In the case of migraines, there are several behavioral and lifestyle modifications that you can make that will reduce your chances of getting a migraine. Some changes you should consider making if you want to reduce your probability of a migraine attack are:
- Quit Smoking. Studies show that smoking not only triggers headaches, but can also increase the intensity of the headaches you experience.
- Be Consistent With Meals. Eat your meals and snacks each day at approximately the same time.
- Get Enough Sleep. Don't skimp on sleep. Studies have clearly shown a distinction between increased sleep and decreased headaches.
- Reduce the Stress. Physical and emotional stress can wreak havoc on your body and bring about migraines. Simple activities such as stretching, deep breathing and removing yourself from stressful environments whenever possible can keep severe migraines at bay.
When you've made changes in your lifestyle and are still suffering from debilitating migraines, there are some more complementary and alternative options to be considered.
- Acupuncture. For some migraine sufferers, acupuncture is an effective way to deal with headache pain. Initial clinical trials suggest there may be some validity to their claims.
- Biofeedback. Biofeedback has been proven effective for a portion of migraine sufferers. This treatment utilizes relaxation coupled with specialized equipment that allows the patient to learn how to monitor and thus control physical reactions, such as tension.
- Massage. While there is no direct evidence that massage can reduce or alleviate migraines, it has been proven to reduce stress and tension, which can indirectly have an impact on migraines.
Considering all of the potential options available for migraine relief can be confusing. You should consult with your doctor to decide on the best course of treatment for your individual needs to ensure maximum results.
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