Lessening Migraine Symptoms Without Medications

For individuals who experience migraine symptoms on a chronic or regular basis, relief is all they can think about. The traditional route of treating migraine symptoms involves the use of prescription medications, but many times these prescription medications cause negative side effects and some of them can even become habit forming. It is important for those suffering from migraine symptoms to know that there are ways to find relief without using prescription medications. These options are much healthier for the body as a whole and do in fact provide successful relief from migraine symptoms.

The Cons of Medications

There are quite a few cons to using prescription medications as treatment for migraine symptoms. While at times, these medications are most certainly unavoidable, the individuals who are recommended to use them should be aware of the potential side effects in order to make a decision based on facts instead of emotions.  The top three forms of treatment for migraine relief include the use of prophylactic medications, Triptans, as well as the use of Ergots.

• Prophylactic medications are medications such as Beta Blockers, Calcium-channel blockers, Tricyclic Antidepressants, Ant serotonin Agents, as well as Anticonvulsants. The cons to using these medications is that they are not very effective once a migraine has begun, and thus do not really work for reducing migraine symptoms.
• Triptans is another form of medication used for migraine symptoms. While Triptans do provide migraine symptoms relief, they can cause side effects such as drowsiness, facial reddening, fatigue, dizziness, as well as tightening in the chest and/or throat.
• Ergots are very similar to Triptans because they are both blood vessel constrictors. The difference is that Triptans usually constrict blood vessels in the brain, but Ergots are known for restricting blood vessels more in the heart and other parts of the body, making them much less safe as an option for the treatment of migraine symptoms.

Treatment without Medications

Reading all of the cons related to prescription medications when it comes to treating migraine symptoms can be downright depressing. However, there is good news. There are options for treating migraine symptoms that do not include the use of medications and these options can in fact provide successful and beneficial migraine symptoms relief. These options include the use of chiropractic care, massage therapy, acupuncture, supplements, herbal remedies, as well as lifestyle changes.

• Chiropractic Care or spinal manipulation therapy is a proven method for providing relief from migraine symptoms. Studies have shown that in the case of migraine and/or tension headaches chiropractic care can be as effective as preventative medications in aiding to ward off the onset of migraine attacks.
• Massage therapy can be a useful form of relief from migraine symptoms. Massage therapy accomplishes this by using specific techniques and treatment in order to relax the tight muscles around the head, neck, shoulders, and upper back that may lead to causing migraines. When a trained therapist performs these massage techniqes this leads to increased blood flow and oxygenation of the muscles which leads to providing relief of the muscle tension. Additionally, research has shown that both massage therapy and chiropractic care can work together to provide even greater results, especially if the massage is used before the chiropractic treatment.
• Acupuncture is also considered a successful, yet alternative, form of treatment for migraine symptoms. Research has shown that the pain relief that is acquired from acupuncture can be as useful as additional management techniques and can be a beneficial alternative for pain management in regards to migraine symptoms.
• Biofeedback is another alternative option for the treatment of migraine symptoms. Although, before completely writing this form of therapy off, individuals should be aware that research has shown that biofeedback is a legitimate source of pain management that has shown success for results in the long term relief of migraine symptoms.
• Supplements and herbal remedies can be valid options for treatment of migraine symptoms. Some of the most commonly used supplements to treat migraine symptoms are the use of Magnesium, Riboflavin, Feverfew, Ginger, Vitamin B-12, Vitamin B6, Vitamin B3, Coenzyme Q10, Ginko Biloba, White Willow Bark, Valerian, Butterbur, as well as 5-Hydroxytryptophan.

Lifestyle Changes can in fact help to reduce migraine symptoms. Setting a schedule, having a daily exercise routine, avoiding skipping meals, avoiding stress (where possible), refraining from caffeine, as well as avoiding bright and/or flashing lights can also help to reduce migraine symptoms.

Tags: Chronic migraine, headache, herbal supplements, Migraine Medications, Migraine Support Formula, migraine treatment, neurological condition, Prescription medication, side effects, treating migraines, Triptans