Non-Drug Migraine Remedies

Not Just A Headache

Following on from our previous post on migraine causes and treatments which highlighted the importance of understanding any triggers and anticipating the onset of attacks, we would like to talk a little about non-drug based migraine remedies.

Before we get into the nitty gritty let’s step back a little and just check what we are dealing with.

Anyone seriously interested in understanding what migraines can do to people should read the posts on a migraine forum like this one.

Reading the posts from people who have suffered for many years it becomes eminently clear that there are a multitude of causes and that if you have never suffered from migraines it is very difficult to understand the problems it can bring. The way that migraines can lose you your job, your home and you still will not know what causes it.

All this uncertainty helps to create a market where new and unusual treatments can be offered. There will be unscrupulous marketers who will try to take advantage by offering the ideal solution for a quick buck. So let’s say that you have identified your triggers and that the clinically prescribed drugs are not working. What comes next? Well you are in for a lot of testing. It is more than likely that you will need to try a whole range of suggestions until your symptoms start to respond.

Non-drug migraine remedies broadly fall into two separate categories:

Behavioral treatments

This recognises that there are a multitude of triggers for the onset of migraine. Many of these can be lifestyle related. Stress, excess caffeine and even a shift in the weather conditions can all be triggers for a migraine attack. By adopting a healthier lifestyle you hope to eliminate the more obvious causes. These are some of the options

Biofeedback Therapy-This encourages the patient to develop skills to control or reduce triggers such as stress.

RelaxationTherapy-Stress reduction is again the objective but this time it is achieved through exercises such as progressive muscle relaxation, visualisation and deep breathing.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)-This teaches the skills needed to recognise and deal with stress and is often combined with either biofeedback or relaxation therapy.

Acupuncture-There have been cases where this has worked but the results are said to be mixed.

Physical Application Treatments-Here we have everything from a cold compress for the forehead to devices which pass electrical currents through connections to your temples.

Herbal Medicines

The key point here is that the supply of herbal medicine does not need FDA approval so you have to be aware of side effects and you should always check with your doctor before starting a new course of these medicines.

Feverfew(Tanacetum parthenium)-This herb contains parthenolide which has been shown to block the release of chemicals associated with pain.

Riboflavin-Migraines sufferers have been shown to have low energy levels in the mitochondria of their brain cells. Riboflavin or vitamin B2 will boost their energy levels.

Magnesium supplements-This element helps to relax blood vessels and it has also been reported that some sufferers have a higher rate of magnesium deficiency in their blood.Taking these two facts together suggests that a magnesium supplement might help.

Fish oil-Omega-3 fatty acids have been reported as possessing anti inflammatory and nerve protecting properties.

Ginger-Ginger has no known side effects and is a popular remedy for nausea.

Conclusion

Talk to other sufferers and try to learn from their experiences. At the very least this will help show that you are not alone in suffering. Recognise that there are a multitude of causes and the treatments offered can be nearly as many. Whatever options you chose it is worth investing time and money in anything which promises a more healthy lifestyle. This choice is really a no brainer but unfortunately it might not be enough for a full cure.

Article written by Mike Holly. Mike lives in the North of England and has been exploring cottages in Northumberland.