How to get rid of migraine headaches

This article discusses a few ways to reduce or get rid of migraine headaches.

Migraines are more than an occasional nuisance for some. Those suffering from chronic migraines know all too well the nausea, sensitivity, and unbearable pain that comes along with frequent attacks. Luckily, there are treatments available to reduce the frequency and severity of migraines.

 

Migraine treatment can be broken down into two categories; those that ease symptoms that have already started, and preventative measures that stop migraines before they start.

 

Pain-relieving medications can be taken during migraine attacks and are designed to stop symptoms that have already begun. These medications can include over-the-counters like ibuprofen and acetaminophen, but also prescription pain relievers such as indomethacin.

 

Preventative means can stop migraines from starting. Those suffering regularly from migraines might want to consider the following treatments.

 

Botox Treatments

Approved by the FDA for treating chronic migraines, injections are given around the head and neck once every 12 weeks. The Botox blocks pain signals as well as causes head and neck muscles to relax. By working on sensory pathways it reduces the sensory traffic from the head to the consciousness. 

 

Magnesium Deficiency

Studies have shown that up to 50 percent of migraine patients have lowered levels of magnesium during an attack, and an infusion of the mineral can provide rapid and sustained relief. Routine supplements can reduce the frequency and severity of such attacks. Eating magnesium-rich foods (such as nuts, whole grains, legumes, and chlorophyll-rich vegetables) can assist the body without overwhelming it. A magnesium supplement can also provide the needed boost.

 

As always, consult a certified pain physician before beginning any new treatment regimen.

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Five "Natural" Cures for Migraines

A few points about herbals and supplements as a critique. 

"Natural" does not mean inert. Fever few and butterburr can have side effects and the long term effects are not known. One active component of feverfew "parthenolide" can induce cell death in in-vitro cancer models...whoa.....I suggest great caution in using these in children and young people.

Dont forget riboflavin! B2 is water soluble.

Reliability of these preparations can vary almost 40 fold. 

But who can argue with exercise, good posture, trigger elimination and good sleep? JR


This article discusses five natural treatments that may help cure your migraines.

A debilitating headache or migraine will not only put a damper on your day, it will stop you in your tracks and have you running for a dark room and cool head cloth. If you find yourself regularly reaching for pain relievers, you may want to implement these natural headache treatments and migraine remedies for taking the edge off.

Identify your triggers: In my clinical practice I have seen patients eliminate their migraines just by discovering their food allergies. In fact, I had one patient discover that the grapefruit she had enjoyed each morning with her breakfast for over 20 years was the instigator behind her pounding headaches. To determine the true culprit behind your distress I recommend doing a two week elimination diet. This includes the removal of all of the most common food allergies (all grains that contain gluten, dairy, citrus, peanuts, caffeine, sugar and soy). After the 14-day removal period you should slowly reintroduce the foods one at a time. By doing so, any physical or mental symptoms related to the food can be isolated. Don’t just be on the lookout for headaches. Common symptoms of a food allergy include: gas, bloating, constipation, headaches/migraines, fatigue immediately after eating the food, fatigue on waking the next day, or a gradual decline in energy, irritability, anxiety, headaches, water retention (can’t get your rings off) and dark circles under the eyes.

Straighten up your posture: Tight muscles in the neck and traps can be a one way ticket to head pain, especially when it’s linked to weak back and neck muscles, and poor posture. Acupuncture (http://nccam.nih.gov/health/acupuncture/acupuncture-for-pain.htm), chiropractic, massage and osteopathic manual therapy have all been shown to alleviate tight muscles and reduce pain sensors. In one study chronic tension headache sufferers received structured massage therapy treatment directed toward neck and shoulder muscles. Researchers found that the treatment was effective in reducing both the number and duration of headaches. For best results, ask your practitioner for some homework to do in between treatments. This may include corrective exercises, ergonomic adjustments (particularly at work) and even relaxation techniques to relieve tension in the muscles of the neck and upper back.

Bump up your magnesium: I have written about the benefits of magnesium before and luckily, it is also a powerful defense against headaches. Magnesium can affect the regulation of blood flow to the brain, which can be compromised during a migraine attack. In one study, the treatment group, receiving 600mg of magnesium for a 12 week period, experienced a 41.6% reduction in headaches as compared to only 15.8% reduction in migraine headaches in the placebo group. Additional research suggests that magnesium supplements may shorten the duration of a migraine and reduce the amount of medication needed. As an added bonus, magnesium is a natural muscle relaxer, so you may find that supplementation reduces other muscle aches and pains. I recommendtaking magnesium glycinate or citrate, taken to bowel tolerance each night (approximately 200mg – 600mg). If you get loose stools you can reduce the dose.

Check out some herbals: Out of all the herbal medicines, feverfew has the most promise for its ability to decrease the frequency and/or intensity of their migraine attack. In one study, 72 volunteers were randomly allocated to receive either one capsule of dried feverfew leaves a day or matching placebo for four months and then transferred to the other treatment for a further four months. Treatment with feverfew was associated with a reduction in the mean number and severity of attacks in each two-month period. Feverfew seems to work its magic by inhibiting the production of inflammatory substances and re-establishing proper blood vessel tone. Another herbal preparation, butterbur, has been shown to relax the blood vessels of the brain which can prevent headaches. As with all herbal medications, they require consistent usage for optimal benefits. I recommend working with a naturopath or herbalist to determine the dosage that is best for you.

Cool Your headaches with Coq10: Coenzyme Q10 (also known as CoQ10) plays a critical role in the function of your cells. The supplement has also been found to reduce migraine attacks in humans, according to a double-blind placebo-controlled study. Researchers studied 42 subjects who suffered an average of 4.4 migraine attacks per month. Approximately 48 percent of the CoQ10 group experienced a 50% response rate during the three-month study. In addition, the patients treated with CoQ10 experienced fewer migraine attacks per month, 2 after treatment compared to 4.4 before treatment, while the placebo group experienced no reduction in migraine frequency. CoQ10-treated subjects also had more headache-free days than the placebo group and fewer days with nausea. Supplementation with CoQ10 may not only improve your energy but also your heart health, blood sugar balance, nervous system and help to manage high cholesterol and high blood pressure in individuals with diabetes. Take 100mg up to two times daily.

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Black mamba venom for migraines?

"Mambalgins"! I like it. JR


A study by French scientists showed that black mamba venom and venom from other poisonous creatures could work effectively as a painkiller for migraines without the harmful side effects of other painkillers.

A team of French scientists has found that black mamba venom, which is considered to be among nature’s most deadly toxins, is a highly effective painkiller that won’t cause the troublesome side effects of opiates.

The journal Nature published research today that outlines how proteins in the toxic venom called mambalgins tested as effectively as morphine in lab mice. It also lacks properties that would cause addiction, cognitive dulling, headaches, and other a number of other undesirableconditions.

“Mambalgins are not toxic in mice but show a potent analgesic effect upon central and peripheral injection that can be as strong as morphine. This effect is, however, resistant to naloxone, and mambalgins cause much less tolerance than morphine and no respiratory distress,” the report states.

Black mamba venom isn’t the only toxin that’s being developed for managing pain. Toxins from snakes, spiders, and even scorpions are being evaluated as potential cure alls for our aches and pains. Bee stings are already being used to treat arthritis. Here are some examples:

Johnson & Johnson and Australia’s University of Queensland are partnering on a drug that uses peptides found in spider venom to treat chronic pain; Canadian’s Wex Phamanceuticals has built its company around puffer fish poison; and cobra venom has been found to ease arthritis pain. Israeli researchers are evaluating scorpions as a potential source for non opiate painkillers.

Having so many alternatives could be a prescription against the substance abuse and crime that’s associated with today’s mainline drugs. Painkiller abuse is rapidly becoming an epidemic across the United States, and now accounts for more annual deaths than cocaine and heroin overdoses.

Having safer, effective alternative available for people who really need it is desirable - even if the new drugs are pricier. It is worth asking whether the added cost of a brand name drug vs. generic opiates would surpass the harm that prescription drug addiction is inflicting upon people and society.

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