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Finding Migraine Relief

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This content is created or selected by the Healthgrades editorial team and is funded by an advertising sponsor. The content is subject to the Healthgrades medical review process for accuracy, balance and objectivity. The content is not edited or otherwise influenced by the advertisers appearing on this page except with the possible suggestion of the broad topic area. For more information, read the Healthgrades advertising policy.

7 Benefits of Trying a New Migraine Treatment

Doctor William C Lloyd Healthgrades Medical Reviewer
Medically Reviewed By William C. Lloyd III, MD, FACS
Written By Sarah Handzel, BSN, RN on August 5, 2021
  • smiling-portrait-of-african-american-woman
    There are many benefits to trying a new migraine treatment.
    More than 36 million people in the United States suffer from migraines. If you’re one of these people, you may feel hope and excitement when you decide to try a new migraine treatment. There are many treatments available today, from medications to alternative therapies, that could help reduce or even eliminate your pain and suffering. If you’re getting ready to start a new migraine treatment, or are thinking of trying something new, keep these tips in mind.
  • anxious woman looking out window
    1. You could be less stressed.
    Some research is pointing to certain psychological conditions as being factors in how well migraines can be managed. Many people become anxious or depressed at the thought of another migraine headache, and treatments like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) could help by changing the way you think. Many people with migraines report long-term success using certain CBT techniques, like relaxation, stress management, and biofeedback, that can be applied in all aspects of your life.
  • woman reaching for tomato at farmers market
    2. Your diet may improve.
    Some foods, including processed meats, alcohol, caffeine, and chocolate, have been shown to trigger migraines in certain people. If you have migraines, try keeping a food journal to record which foods might have caused you to develop a migraine headache. With this information, you can make healthy changes to your diet, including cutting out the food thought to trigger a headache. You could eat less processed, more fresh, whole food items which help prevent migraines from occurring.
  • woman-stretching-leg
    3. You could get in better shape.
    Aerobic exercise has already been shown to benefit people with a variety of medical conditions, and new research is showing it could be just as beneficial for migraine sufferers. Regular exercise helps you lose weight, sleep better, have better cardiovascular health, and be in a better mood. Many of these effects could also be key to preventing migraines or reducing their severity. By exercising regularly, you could see substantial health benefits while also preventing migraines.
  • Woman paying bills
    4. You might save some money.
    By beginning a new migraine treatment, you give yourself the opportunity to test one thing at a time to determine what works best for you. If you focus on one new treatment for a specific period of time, rather than several all at once, you can determine which therapy actually works and eliminate those that don’t. This could help you save money in the long run, since you won’t be spending it on multiple treatments at once.
  • Man with medicine
    5. You could eliminate side effects.
    Many migraine treatments involve the use of medications, including antidepressants, anti-seizure drugs, and certain cardiovascular medications. While these medications have helped relieve migraine symptoms for many patients, they can also cause a variety of side effects, such as nausea, weight gain, or dizziness. By working with your doctor to find which treatment works best for you, you may be able to reduce or even eliminate the side effects you experience as a result of your migraine medication.
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  • Woman Getting Acupuncture Treatment
    6. You may be able to stop medications.
    For people with chronic migraines, some alternative therapies, such as acupuncture and massage therapy may be able to help reduce pain and the frequency of migraine headaches. Some studies show that acupuncture is effective at reducing the frequency of migraines, even more so than certain medications. If you’re interested in these types of treatments, check with your doctor before starting to make sure you’re as safe as possible while exploring these possibilities.
  • smiling woman  outside in the sun
    7. You could find a treatment that prevents your migraines.
    The ultimate goal of migraine treatment is to find a therapy that will prevent your headaches. By exploring your options for treatment, including both medication and alternative therapies, you may be able to find a new treatment that can actually prevent you from developing migraines. Talk with your doctor to develop a plan for trying new migraine treatments, and be sure to let your doctor know what works for you and what doesn’t.
7 Benefits of Trying a New Migraine Treatment
  1. Understanding Migraine. American Migraine Foundation. https://americanmigrainefoundation.org/understanding-migraine/
  2. Systematic review of cognitive behavioral therapy for the management of headaches and migraines in adults. British Journal of Pain. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4616982/
  3. Diet. American Migraine Foundation. https://americanmigrainefoundation.org/understanding-migraine/diet/
  4. Migraine: Diagnosis and Treatment. Mayo Clinic. http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/migraine-headache/diagnosis-treatment/dxc-20202471
  5. Acupuncture for the prevention of episodic migraine. The Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4977344/
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Last Review Date: 2021 Aug 5
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