A Series Of Alternative Choices

A persistent head pain is an annoyance that millions of individuals suffer from. There are several reasons why one would suffer from persistent head pain but the most common of reasons would be from a migraine attack. A migraine headache is caused by an enlargement of blood vessels that creates a series of chemicals to be released and attack arteries in the brain. Once the chemicals have been released to wreak their havoc, the enlarging of the arteries begins to send painful symptoms that only magnifies until the arteries have stopped expanding or migraine relief has been found.

Migraines are nothing new to the medical world, however treating them has become something new. For decades migraine headaches have been treated most commonly through prescription medications whereas now migraine sufferers have several new treatment options such as alternative means. Alternative treatments allow migraine sufferers the ability to seek relief without worry of long term effects on their personal life and their mental and emotional well-being.

What Are The Available Alternative Treatments?

Acupuncture

In the case of migraine treatment acupuncture, which is an ancient Chinese practice that involves the insertion of very fine needles into certain points of the body, can be very effective. It is important that a properly trained person administer this type of therapy, but the good news is that with pain associated with migraines the effects can last for months, and studies have shown that acupuncture is useful as an additional management or acceptable alternative in regards to pain management.

Biofeedback

This therapy would definitely fall under the “alternative” category, but before discrediting biofeedback, know that it is a legitimate management for pain and has shown great results for long term relief in migraine treatment.

Chiropractic

Chiropractic care or spinal manipulation therapy has been a proven method for persons seeking an alternative migraine treatment. Studies have shown that in the case of tension and migraine headaches, manipulative therapy can be as effective as preventative medications in helping to keep off the onset of migraines. Once a migraine has begun, chiropractic therapy can also greatly reduce the painful symptoms if care is given in a timely manner.

Massage

Massage Therapy can be a very useful migraine treatment, especially if the headaches and migraines are triggered by stress or tension. A massage therapist is trained in working the muscles around the head, neck, shoulders, and back in order to increase blood flow in those areas and help relieve muscle tension. Additional studies have shown that the use of massage therapy along with Chiropractic care can be even more beneficial. This is because when given first, massage therapy can help to loosen the muscles in the head, shoulders, and neck and produce better results with spinal manipulation.

Supplemental Therapies

Many different supplements are shown to be helpful in the case of migraine treatment. A few of the most commonly used supplements are as follows;

• Magnesium
• Vitamin B-12
• Coenzyme Q10
• Melatonin
• 5-hydroxytryptophan

Magnesium citrate

Research has shown that those who suffer from frequent migraine attacks typically have lower Magnesium levels. One can increase their intracellular magnesium level by taking an oral magnesium supplement. Tests have shown that added magnesium citrate used effectively in combination with riboflavin can have a positive effect on migraine pain. However, if magnesium citrate is taken in a dosage higher than 300mg side effect such as the ones listed below may occur.

• Diarrhea
• Gastric Irritation

Coenzyme Q10

Coenzyme Q10 also referred to as CoQ10 is a vitamin like substance that helps generates energy in the body in the form of ATP.

5 – Hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP)

5 – Hydroxytryptophan also known as 5- HTP is an amino acid found in food and is a forerunner to the neurotransmitter serotonin. By adding more 5-HTP one can raise their serotonin levels in the brain while also increasing their endorphin levels helping aide in the overall improvement of their mood and disposition. It has been proven that those suffering with chronic migraines typically have low serotonin and low endorphin levels. The thought process is that low serotonin and endorphins levels make it extremely challenging to tolerate or endure pain.

Tags: Acupuncture, chiropractic adjustments, chiropractic care, herbal supplements, Massage Therapy, Migraine Support Formula, natural migraine treatment