I’ve had migraine headaches on and off for thirty years, but decided to stop taking migraine medications because the next migraine comes faster and harder. Whether it was prescription, over-the-counter, or even some natural remedies like the herb “feverfew” from a local health outlet, this seemed to increase my incidents and severity of migraine. Some friends with migraines have also reported more frequent migraines since they began taking migraine medications.
Below are some facts about migraines and non-medication methods that help me cope. I am not a physician or attempting to give medical advice. This is from personal experience. What works for me may not work for you.
First, how are migraines different from other headaches?
Whereas a sinus or tension headache can pulse all across the forehead, migraines are typically an intense throbbing on one side of the head or face, many times over one eye or feeling like it is inside the eye. They can last hours or days and are often accompanied by nausea and sensitivity to light and/or noise. Some people will experience vomiting or diarrhea. After the migraine, there is often a 12-36 hour headache-free period followed by one on the other side. “Cluster” migraines will alternately switch sides and locations.
A migraine can start suddenly. But people with migraines sometimes report a noticeable “aura” before the pounding starts. This can be any or all of these symptoms: Dancing lights, lines or decreased vision in the eye over which the pounding will start, light-headedness or heavy-headedness, a swirling feeling of nausea or dizziness, and numbness or tingling in the jawline or a limb. I often get these auras. In one way, it’s scary. In another, it’s a godsend because it lets me put my natural measures in place immediately.
Methods which help my migraines:
1. Drinking certain caffeinated beverages. Years ago there was a prescription which was 95% caffeine and 5% bella donna, which was a nerve poison in large quantities, and the prescription was taken off the market here in America (may still be available elsewhere). But I took it long enough to know that the caffeine worked. So now, if I catch the migraine early, I drink a diet soda of the brown variety (such as diet Coke or diet Pepsi), but it must be WITH caffeine. Sugar can cause headaches; therefore the diet version.
Fountain-poured soda works better than canned or bottled, because it has more carbonation and can act like bicarbonate of soda to calm both the stomach and head. Don’t chug it, sip it slowly.
A cup of regular caffeinated coffee may work, too. Oddly enough, coffee makes me shaky whereas soda doesn’t.
Note: This diet soda or coffee remedy will only work for people who are not regular caffeine consumers. even though you already drink caffeinated beverages often, this may not help. In fact, too many caffeinated beverages can actually cause migraines. Act quickly. even though the headache has already been there for some time, it may not work. Later in the headache, plain Club soda may ease the pounding and nausea.
2. Drinking plenty of water. Some doctors believe migraines are caused by the beginning of dehydration; others believe it is a constriction of blood vessels which can also be helped by water consumption.
3. Using Hot or cold compresses. After the first few hours of the headache, I use hot compresses or ice packs in the location of the pounding. even though used in the beginning, this may only intensify the pain. Later on, it may quicken the subsiding of the pain. This is trial-by-error. See what works better.
4. Looking online for natural mouth sprays for migraines. I found one at a company called King Bio. It doesn’t always stop the pounding, but it takes away nausea and light sensitivity, which makes the pounding tolerable.
5. Having chiropractic treatment. Adjustments of the back, shoulders, neck and head can help if you have spinal misalignment, old jaw or nose injuries like me, or other old injuries in these areas. Beside manual manipulation, some chiropractors are now utilizing various instruments to tap my affected areas to get the circulation and nervous system moving.
The latest chiropractic I have heard of for migraines but not tried yet is sound wave therapy, also known as atlas orthogonal chiropractic.
6. Other: Some people find migraine relief with acupuncture. It did not work for me. Yet others take magnesium supplements. I do not notice a difference in migraine frequency or delay with magnesium, although I take it in my vitamins and calcium supplements.
Things to avoid if you get migraines, from my personal experience:
-Waiting too long to eat. Your migraines may be due to low blood sugar.
-Getting too little sleep.
-Exposure to heavy fragrances such as perfumes and scented candles.
-Excessive consumption of nuts, fatty foods, salt, chocolate and sugar or anything with high sugar content.
-Caffeinated beverages; save them for when you get the migraine.
-Poor posture, especially for those of us who sit at a computer. “Forward neck syndrome” is a contributor to migraines. Exercise often.
-Chewing gum if you’ve ever had any jaw problems. This can trigger a migraine.
This writer has not received and will not receive any remuneration or accreditations from companies that have had their brand names mentioned.
Sources:
MedicineNet, http://www.medicinenet.com/migraine_headache/page2.htm.
Atlas orthogonal chiropractic: http://www.atlasorthogonality.com/PatientSite/aboutAO.html