Managing Migraines Without Medication

Nearly 32 million Americans suffer from migraine headaches. Migraines typically impact people between the ages of 15 and 55, with many having family members that have been diagnosed. While these are a common type of headache, more severe cases can be accompanied by nausea, vomiting, and/or sensitivity to light. The intense throbbing or pulsating pain from an attack can leave one in excruciating pain for hours. In addition to these symptoms, some may experience blind spots and tingling in their appendages. Migraines are treatable and options are not limited to medication.

What The Doctors Say
While the exact cause of migraines is not known, many believe that they are caused by vulnerability within the nervous system to changes occurring within or around the body. Symptoms of a migraine occur when the blood vessels in the brain dilate. Doctors notice that these headaches tend to affect only one side of the head. There are nearly 30 over-the-counter and prescription strength medications to help ease the pain and discomfort caused by a migraine, but no medications that will prevent them. Newly trending in the pain reduction market is the use of Botox injections to treat migraines. These injections, typically intended for cosmetic use to reduce the appearance of facial wrinkles, are placed into the nerves that send pain to the brain. This strategy only appears to temporarily neutralize headaches. Patients diagnosed with migraines often don’t want to be bound to a pharmaceutical schedule for lessening pain or attempt taking injections to the head, so what other options are available to ease and possibly reduce the frequency of migraines?

Pain Reduction Without The Pills
Lifestyle changes – Maintaining consistent sleep schedules, regular exercise routines, and improving posture can all help reduce both the frequency and severity of migraines. Ensuring your body at least 7-8 hours of sleep, nightly, will sustain alertness and reduce possibilities of stress or fatigue. Certain foods, such as caffeine and aged cheese, can be triggers for migraines. Skipping meals or fasting is equally dangerous. Consistently maintaining a balanced and nutritious diet is imperative.

Relaxation procedures – Acupuncture/acupressure and massage therapy can help release built up tension in your body and alleviate discomfort that could be a trigger to your nervous system. Acupuncture has been found to have long-lasting results and drastically reduce the intervals in which migraines are experienced. These treatments can be effective with as little as two sessions a month.

Chiropractic adjustments – Spinal realignment can be used to help alleviate the irritation of nerves in the head, neck and shoulders that cause inflammation and severe pressure in the head. A variety of manipulation styles are available to meet different levels of discomfort.

Reduce Stimuli – Over stimulation can often be a trigger, so doctors suggest avoiding direct exposure to bright light or at least wearing protective eyewear. Additionally, create an environment with limited noise, clutter and other distracters. These suggestions are not always possible at work, but do the best to make them happen. At the onset of symptoms it is best to remove all stimuli and lay down in a quiet, dark room.

Managing Personal Stress – Stress can breakdown bodies and wreck havoc on emotions. It is important to be aware of the stressors in your life and work to eliminate or at least find a better way to deal with them. Listening to calming music, journaling personal thoughts, even meditation can help redirect stressors and avoid tension build up within your body and mind. One suggestion is to take a five minute break every few hours to just clear mind and break down any building stressors.

Awareness
It is imperative to be aware of alternatives to medication when dealing with migraines as it makes finding the best treatment option significantly easier. In addition to primary care doctors or other physicians that may assist in dealing with your diagnosis, numerous support groups and forums are available online to provide a level of community support from others facing the same struggles. As with any struggle, it is a wonderful feeling to know you are not alone in your journey. Finally, be sure to always inform your physician of any new methods you are taking to treat migraines.

Tags: Acupuncture, Alternative treatment, chiropractic care, herbal supplemetns, migraine treatment, Migraines, natural alternative, therapy