Many migraine sufferers struggle to find relief from traditional pharmaceutical therapies and turn instead to complementary and alternative therapies which appear more cost-effective and safer.
Neurologists with experience treating migraines will diagnose them through physical examination and tests such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Once identified, pain relievers such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs or antidepressants may be prescribed to manage symptoms.
1. You could be less stressed.
Migraine symptoms often begin with increased stress levels. Behavioral treatments may offer ways to lower those levels and thereby avoid migraine triggers.
Traditional medications can help relieve headaches, but some individuals prefer alternative approaches instead. Studies have demonstrated the efficacy of certain therapies at decreasing migraine episodes.
Cognitive behavioral therapy and relaxation training techniques such as breathing exercises may also be effective, while acupuncture may reduce pain and side effects from migraines. Achieve sufficient restful sleep, eating healthily, limiting caffeine consumption and keeping a headache diary will all be useful tools in fighting migraines; regular physical therapy sessions have been found to be an excellent preventative therapy against migraines as well.
2. You could find a treatment that prevents your migraines.
Migraine headaches can be debilitating, interfering with work, school and family life. Treatment options focus on both stopping migraine attacks as soon as they start and preventing future ones from occurring – this includes pain-relieving drugs known as acute or abortive treatments to ease symptoms during an attack and preventive medicines which reduce attacks or make them less intense.
These medications include candesartan; angiotensin II receptor blockers like propranolol (Inderal, InnoPran and metoprolol; Lopressor); beta-blockers including propranolol (Inderal and InnoPran); metoprolol (Lopressor); calcium channel blockers including verapamil (Verelan and Calan); antidepressants like amitriptyline (Elavil, Nortriptyline Trinitadine; as well as antiseizure drugs like venlafaxine (Effexor and Pristiq); and antiseizure drugs such as valproic acid or topiramate.
Triptans, which work by targeting receptors in the brain to decrease inflammation and pain, can also be helpful. Acupuncture as well as medications like feverfew or magnesium supplements have also shown promise in relieving symptoms in some individuals.
3. You could find a treatment that reduces your pain.
Migraines are an extreme type of headache. A migraine generally affects either the head or face and can have serious adverse symptoms that interfere with everyday life. Some individuals may be allergic to certain chemicals and preservatives in food which can trigger migraines in certain individuals.
Preventive medicines like beta blocker propranolol and antiseizure medications such as amitriptyline or nortriptyline may help decrease pain. Acupuncture, an ancient Chinese healing art where fine needles are placed into specific points on the body in order to promote healing, has also been proven effective at decreasing frequency and duration of migraine episodes for some patients.
Neurologists who specialize in treating headaches will diagnose you based on your medical history, symptoms and physical and neurological examination. They may recommend an MRI scan in order to check for potential brain or blood vessel issues.
4. You could find a treatment that eliminates side effects.
If you’re seeking natural, nondrug treatments for migraines without side effects, biofeedback and relaxation techniques could be an excellent way to lower stress levels and alleviate migraine symptoms. They’ve proven successful for many.
Be wary when taking over-the-counter pain relievers like aspirin or ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB and others). Excessive use may result in side effects like medication overuse headaches, ulcers and bleeding in your stomach or intestines.
Make sure that you get enough rest, exercise, and avoid foods or beverages that trigger migraines. Vitamins and supplements such as riboflavin, coenzyme Q10, magnesium and acupuncture may be helpful; ask your doctor how best to incorporate these treatments into your overall migraine management strategy; just be careful that any new therapies don’t conflict with existing ones or cause severe side effects.
5. You could find a treatment that prevents your migraines.
Although pain-relieving medications may help relieve migraine symptoms for most, they don’t work for everyone and sometimes have serious or uncomfortable side effects; therefore many seek alternative therapies as alternatives.
Acupuncture is a Chinese practice in which needles are inserted at specific points on your body believed to be connected with the flow of energy known as “chi.” According to theory, this adds “chi” where needed and removes “chi” when blocked – thus contributing to better overall health in practice. Clinical studies have confirmed the benefits of acupuncture treatment against migraine headaches.
Studies have demonstrated the efficacy of herbal remedies such as feverfew and butterbur in helping prevent migraine headaches; however, more research needs to be completed. A healthy diet consisting of fish, nuts and vegetables is also beneficial in mitigating migraine attacks; meditation or yoga may reduce stress, which is often the source of migraine attacks; massage therapy can alleviate tension from neck and shoulders; while magnesium supplements or CoEnzyme Q10 could potentially decrease severity or duration of migraine headaches according to some studies.
