Migraine Relief Tips That Actually Work

While there’s no physical wound to see and treat, the pain that migraines cause is just as real. They can even cause debilitating pain that interferes with your day to day activities.

While modern medications can both treat and prevent the pain, they don’t offer a long term solution. Many medications also have serious side effects. If you’re looking for long term migraine relief, it is worth considering combining medication with lifestyle changes.

Below, we take a look at some tips for relief.

• Take a break

When you begin to feel a migraine coming on, do your best to stop and take a break. Turn off lights and loud sounds as these can intensify the pain. Anything that can help you to relax such as a cup of tea, a warm bath, or even a light massage. Acetaminophen works on the pain receptors and can help with pain.

• Get enough sleep

Migraines are often triggered by lack of sleep. They can also interfere with your sleep. You can experience migraine relief by ensuring you get enough rest. Establish regular sleep hours. Go to bed at roughly the same time every day. Take some time to unwind at the end of the day and reduce distractions during bed time.

• Osteopathic manipulation therapy

Osteopathy can be beneficial for managing migraines. This treatment focuses on reducing muscle tension, restoring proper alignment and balance in the body as well as improving blood circulation.

Cranial osteopathy in particular is used to release tension and promote relaxation. It applies hands-on techniques to the head and spine to promote relaxation and ease tension. It is a useful approach for relieving migraine headaches caused by tension and stress.

Cranial osteopathy can also help with other types of migraines as it can help improve the function of the Vagus nerve. This nerve plays a key role in pain modulation.

• Change your eating habits

Your habits around food play a significant role in the intensity and frequency of migraines. Be sure to eat at the same time every day. This consistency will help you avoid headaches related to hunger.

Avoid skipping meals as this increases your risk of suffering a migraine. You should also pay attention to what you eat. Certain foods have been shown to increase the risk of migraines such as caffeine, alcohol, chocolate and aged cheese. Caffeine causes vasoconstriction and some migraines are caused by vasodilation.

Keep a food diary and find out what foods trigger your migraines.

• Move

Physical activity helps your body release chemicals that help to reduce depression and anxiety. Both depression and anxiety contribute towards making migraines worse. Exercise also helps with weight management. Obesity has been shown to increase the risk of chronic headaches.

• Manage your stress levels

Headaches are often caused by stress and tension. Learning to manage stress can therefore help to relieve the pain. There are various ways to do this including simplifying your life, taking a break when you’re tired or overwhelmed, managing your time and taking on a positive outlook on life.

You should also consider engaging in migraine self-care activities such as pursuing a hobby, hanging out with friends or even taking a walk.

Schedule Consultation with a Trusted Osteopathic Doctor

Do you suffer from migraines? Are you looking for a holistic approach to managing or completely eliminating your pain? Get in touch with us, 360 Osteopathy and schedule consultation with an osteopath. Discover the root cause of your migraines and explore how our manual treatments can help your body heal itself. Call us now and start your journey to healing.