3 Surprising Treatments For Migraines

Characterized by an extreme throbbing head pain that leads to nausea, vomiting, and sensitivity to light, migraines can cause severe discomfort and debilitation. In some instances, these severe headaches and accompanying symptoms can last from several minutes to an estimated 72 hours if left untreated. If you experience migraines on a regular basis, your doctor may have prescribed numerous types of medications to prevent these headaches and ease the symptoms. While effective for some, alternative treatments may be more beneficial. With this guide, you will learn a few surprising ways to prevent and ease your migraines.

Massage Therapy

If you suffer from migraines, consider visiting a massage therapist. These professionals utilize their hands to gently, yet firmly, knead the muscles and joints. This offers many benefits including the following:

• Increase Blood Circulation
• Ease Emotional Stress
• Reduce Inflammation

The above benefits not only will reduce stress that your migraines are causing, but the increased blood circulation and reduce inflammation will decrease the number of migraines you have. Also, massage offers an effective option for easing the uncomfortable symptoms associated with your migraines.

Botox

In 2010, the Food and Drug Administration approved the use of Botox injections to treat migraines. Botulinum toxins are injected into various areas of the head and neck, blocking the release of chemicals that travel from the brain through the body.

Blocking these chemicals will protect your body's nerve signals from experiencing the pain and other symptoms caused by the migraines.

Many people fear the injections, since small needles are inserted into the skin in various points. While you may experience a light prick on the skin and slight warming of the skin, you should not feel any severe discomfort or pain during your injection appointment.

It is important to note that these injections are not suited for a one-time use. For ongoing reduction in your migraines and continuous relief from the painful symptoms, your doctor will most likely recommend the injections on a regular schedule.

Meditation

Another surprising method of finding relief for your migraines is through meditation. However, meditation involves more than sitting on the floor and humming. Since migraine sufferers tend to experience severe sensitivity to light and sound, you should conduct your meditation in a dark and quiet room.

Spend a few minutes each day in the quiet, dark space. Relax your body and mind. If you are struggling to relax your mind and body, consider humming lightly or playing soft music.

Prescription medications are effective for some migraine sufferers, but alternative treatments are available. Contact your doctor to learn if one or more of the above options are right for you.