If you have ever had a migraine, you know pain.
You have felt the throbbing pressure in your skull. You know what it is like to hide in a dark, quiet room just to be able to breathe. And you have probably tried every over-the-counter migraine relief medication on the market.
Traditional migraine medications can provide relief — but not always. And sometimes the side effects are as bad as the migraine, causing painful rebound headaches. You may have tried, or thought about trying, alternative methods such as acupuncture or biofeedback to replace or supplement your current treatment. Researchers, too, have begun looking at alternatives to see if they have value.
Here are five migraine treatment options.
Acupuncture for Headaches
Acupuncture is an ancient Chinese holistic treatment method that involves insertion of thin, fine needles into strategic points in your body. The theory is based on the holistic balancing of energies, but may have some quantifiable medical benefits.
Acupuncture has been used for centuries to treat pain, asthma, menstrual cramps, tendinitis, urinary problems and headaches, as well as many other conditions. Research into the effectiveness of acupuncture on migraines has shown that in some cases it may be effective enough to warrant further study.
Learn to Relax With Biofeedback
In biofeedback, electronic monitors help you learn how to control certain bodily functions, such as heart rate and blood pressure. You can also learn how to relax your muscles to reduce pain. Biofeedback methods have been shown to reduce the duration and frequency of migraines, as well as reduce the psychological stress that often accompanies the condition.
Massage Might Reduce Migraine Frequency
We all know that massage is relaxing. A study from the University of Auckland in Australia has now shown that it can be healing, too, reducing migraine frequency and improving sleep quality among study participants.
Diet Supplements
A number of studies have looked at different supplements for treating migraine. Positive results have been found for:
- Feverfew (a type of daisy)
- Riboflavin (vitamin B2)
- Coenzyme Q10 (a natural antioxidant)
- Magnesium (a mineral)
Like prescription drugs, all supplements should only be taken under a doctor’s supervision.
TruDenta® for Lasting Migraine Relief
Some chronic head pain is actually caused by an imbalance in the joints, muscles and tendons of the jaw. These imbalances can cause nerve pain that manifests in the neck, face, or head, and is often overlooked as a root cause of chronic headaches. The TruDenta system can analyze your bite, how you chew, and the range of motion of your head, neck and jaw to determine if an imbalance is responsible for your headaches. Rehabilitation technology can then help correct the imbalance and eliminate the migraines.