Medicines aren’t your only choice for coping with migraines. You may want to discuss other options with your healthcare provider.
Some of the options below help to manage migraine pain. Others help prevent migraines or reduce how often they occur. You can use them along with medicine or alone.
Talk with your healthcare provider about the pros and cons of each treatment, and which may work for you.
Lifestyle changes. If your migraines seem to be linked to triggers, like certain foods, too little sleep, or stress, you may be able to prevent headaches by changing your lifestyle. Try to:
- Lower your stress level.
- Avoid foods and drinks that trigger headaches.
- Eat healthy meals at set times.
- Keep to a sleep schedule, even on weekends.
- Make time for regular, moderate exercise.
- Quit or cut down on smoking.
Relaxation. Relaxation techniques can reduce stress. There are several such techniques, like:
- Muscle relaxation
- Deep or rhythmic breathing
- Guided imagery
- Yoga
- Meditation
It often helps to train with a therapist or certified instructor before trying these on your own.
Biofeedback. Biofeedback training uses equipment to show changes in your body that occur when you’re tense. These changes include your heart rate, blood pressure, skin temperature, muscle tension, and brain-wave activity.
Usually, these functions are not under your conscious control. But by watching or listening to the monitors, you can learn to change your response to stress. Once you master the technique, you can practice it at home to help you relax.
Cold packs. Putting an ice pack on your head where you feel pain may help to reduce migraine pain. Migraine pain is often linked to the swelling of blood vessels around the brain. Cold makes blood vessels tighten.
Massage. Massage may help prevent migraines because it relieves tension and helps you relax. Some people find that getting a massage during a migraine can ease the pain. But it doesn’t work for everyone.
Acupuncture. In acupuncture, an expert applies thin needles, concentrated pressure (acupressure), heat, or an electric current to certain spots on the body to relieve pain. Experts aren’t sure yet how well acupuncture works on migraines. But some people find it helpful.
Alternative treatments
A number of herbs, supplements, and alternative medicines have been promoted as remedies for migraines. Always consult with your healthcare provider before using any alternative treatment. Like any medicine, some herbs, minerals, and other supplements can interact with drugs or foods and produce side effects. Just because something is natural does not mean that it is safe.
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