A migraine is a neurological condition that affects many people. It causes severe pain that can last for days, significantly decreasing the quality of life. Fortunately, there are various treatment options to relieve migraines. Massage, therapy, and aerobic exercises provide many benefits for those suffering from migraine headaches. Many also use over-the-counter and prescription medicines for prevention and acute treatment. Lastly, electrotherapy is another viable option for headache pain relief.
Migraines are throbbing headaches that usually affect one side of the head. Some symptoms of migraine include nausea, vomiting, temporary vision loss, and sensitivity to light and sound. During an attack, it can be difficult to carry out daily activities. Hence, many turn to various remedies and treatments to aid their condition. This article will present the various methods of easing migraine pain, such as massage, therapy, exercise, oral medications, and electrotherapy.
Relieve Migraine Symptoms with Massage, Therapy, and Exercise
Many people experience migraine symptoms and suffer a decrease in their quality of life. Fortunately, various remedies can help relieve migraines and prevent them from occurring. Firstly, some find massages effective in reducing the frequency and intensity of migraine headaches. This is because the manipulation of muscles and tissues during the session can relax the body and alleviate muscle tension that can cause migraine episodes.
People also find regular exercise a helpful preventative treatment for migraine headaches. Regular physical activity can trigger the release of endorphins. These can help reduce stress and improve moods. Exercise can also help individuals maintain a healthy weight. This is particularly helpful because some consider obesity as a risk factor for this type of headache. People with migraines can do aerobic activities, such as walking, swimming, and cycling.
Lastly, undergoing therapy can also help reduce the occurrence of migraines. Cognitive behavioural therapy helps manage stress that can contribute to the frequency of migraines. In addition, relaxation techniques can help speed up the recovery from severe headaches.
Benefits
- Massage therapy can help improve blood circulation, which can reduce migraine triggers due to restricted blood flow.
- Exercise can improve overall health while reducing stress and anxiety through endorphin release.
- Relaxation training can help individuals get adequate sleep, which helps reduce the frequency of migraines.
- Drug-free alternative treatments can help decrease the reliance on pain medications, which can cause addiction.
- Therapy can help alleviate the mental health impacts chronic migraines can cause. It can promote a greater sense of control and stability between migraine episodes.
- Massages can also help with other body aches, such as neck and shoulder pain, which can cause headaches.
Relieve Migraines with Oral Medications
A popular method many use to relieve migraines is consuming oral medications. These typically work by targeting migraine causes, such as blood vessel dilation or inflammations. Medications can reduce the intensity and duration of migraines. They can also help alleviate migraine symptoms. These include nausea, vomiting, and sensitivity to light and sound.
Magnesium supplements are commonly recommended as a preventative medication for migraine headaches. Some also consume herbal supplements, like ginger supplements, to reduce head pain and nausea. Meanwhile, some use nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) as an acute treatment for mild to moderate headaches. There are also prescription medications like triptans and opioids for severe migraines.
However, it is crucial to consult a healthcare professional before using any medication. They can provide proper prescriptions, especially for pain-relieving medications, and ensure safety. This is particularly important for those with other medical conditions. By following instructions from a healthcare provider, individuals may avoid a medication overuse headache. Furthermore, professionals can prescribe preventative medicines, such as beta-blockers and anti-depressants.
Potential Side Effects
Although headache medications are effective medical treatments for migraines, they can also have many adverse side effects. Some common effects are nausea and vomiting. Some also experience temporary insomnia, anxiety, and constipation. These symptoms typically fade with time, but if the person feels worsening symptoms, they should consult their healthcare provider.
Meanwhile, more serious adverse effects of migraine medications include stomach bleeding and organ damage. Others may also experience allergic reactions to certain medicines. Thus, individuals must be aware of the potential side effects of their headache medications. They must also immediately seek medical help if severe symptoms occur.
Relieve Migraines with Electrotherapy
Electrotherapy is a non-invasive and drug-free method to relieve migraines. Various forms of electrotherapy can help, like Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS) and vagus nerve stimulation. This type of migraine treatment involves using electric stimulation to target specific nerves and alleviate the pain from the headache. This is also known as the pain gating mechanism suggested in the Gate Control Theory of Pain. It proposes that spinal nerve cells can block the transmission of pain signals to the brain.
Another way that electrotherapy can alleviate pain from migraine attacks is by inducing the production of endogenous opioids. These natural painkillers bind to opioid receptors and decrease the overall migraine pain. However, unlike exercise, individuals can use electrotherapy to safely trigger endorphin production during a migraine episode.
Lastly, electric stimulation can also improve blood circulation. By placing the electrodes on the target areas, electrotherapy machines can help increase blood flow to those places. This promotes healing and reduces muscle tension. Electrotherapy can also be relaxing, reducing stress and anxiety.
A Closer Look at TENS
TENS therapy is a form of electrotherapy that uses low-voltage electric currents. TENS machines are typically small battery-powered devices. Many use them for various conditions, such as fibromyalgia, arthritis, and sciatica. TENS machines use externally applied electrode pads to send electrical impulses to the body and trigger the mechanisms that alleviate pain.
TENS machines are typically seen in medical settings, such as hospitals and pain clinics. However, people may also purchase personal units in pharmacies and online stores. This allows individuals to use this alternative treatment whenever needed. Altogether, TENS can help individuals suffering from migraine pain and improve their quality of life.
Conclusion
Individuals can use several methods to relieve migraines. Firstly, massage, therapy, and exercise. These alternative treatments can help prevent migraines and reduce their intensity. They help the individual have a healthier body, which can improve their overall condition. Secondly, taking oral medications is a common method of preventing and relieving migraine pain. People can take NSAIDs for mild to moderate pain. They may also consult a healthcare professional to get a prescription for opioids or triptans for intense pain.
Lastly, electrotherapy is an effective treatment method for migraine headache relief. In particular, using TENS machines can trigger the pain-gating mechanism and endorphin production to reduce the overall intensity of the ache. In addition, TENS can also increase blood flow to the area and alleviate muscle tension, which can cause migraines. Individuals may also consult healthcare professionals before using electrotherapy machines. Those interested in a wireless TENS unit may consider the iTENS from iTENS Australia.
