Treatment for Migraines: Un-Risky Ideas for Effective Relief

Finding effective treatments for migraines can be challenging to say the least - but it doesn't have to drive you to the brink of insanity, nor does it require risky or potentially harmful medications or procedures.

Often, doctors will prescribe any of a variety of medications - from those that are supposed to bring relief by masking symptoms, to those that attempt to prevent the onset of a migraine episode.

There are over 100 medications that a doctor can choose from and nearly endless combinations of them. The list is ever-evolving and a migraine patient can quickly feel like they've become a prescription medicine guinea pig as they are prescribed one thing after another.

However, many of the very medications that are intended to make things better end up making things worse when you consider their side effects - and they can all pose a huge risk to one's health in a many ways.

A person taking these medications can develop rebound headaches - where the medication actually causes migraines. Not only that, if they were to discontinue taking the medications abruptly that can cause migraines as well.

Amidst all of the traditional medications that Western medicine has to offer, even the most savvy and experienced doctor can end up running out of ideas... then what can be done when that happens?

This is no way to live and certainly cannot be the only or best approach to treating migraines. Here are several other ideas, among many, that you can try:

• Start by knowing what your triggers are and avoid them at all costs


• Losing weight and becoming just a little more physically active can effectively ward off the next migraine episode.


• Investigate whether or not you may have a gluten intolerance. Some have found that by avoiding products high in gluten have seen a significant reduction in migraines.


• Oxygen has been used to treat those who experience cluster headache patients and some specialists believe it can be effective for migraine patients. Speak with your physician, neurologist, or pain specialist and perhaps they can prescribe oxygen on a trial basis to determine if it can make a difference for you.


• Therapeutic massage has proven to be an effective treatment for migraines as well. Try starting with one massage every one or two weeks.


• In the midst of a migraine, use ice and heat interchangeably in the areas where you feel the most pain or throbbing sensations.


• Ask your doctor if you could try a TENS unit - a small battery-operated device that has sticky pads that are strategically placed on the outside of your body. The device emits gentle electrical impulses to stimulate and relax muscles in a target area.


• The use of dietary supplements - such as coenzyme Q10, magnesium, or vitamin B2 - can be effective in the prevention of migraines.


• Along with activating specific pressure points on your head, pinching the top of your nasal passage, temple, or behind your ear can relieve pain.


• Sleeping with a buckwheat hull pillow can help you get better sleep and could support your head and neck in a way that prevents the likeliness of migraines.


• Don't be afraid to try different neurologist or pain specialist. Ask your primary care physician for a referral if you suspect that a change could be beneficial.