Tips For Chronic Migraine Treatment to Find Relief
Chronic migraine relief is a priority for anyone living with this condition. With pulsating pain and potentially incapacitating symptoms, living with chronic migraines can severely disrupt your daily life and hinder your overall well-being. Effectively treating chronic migraines involves understanding their triggers and implementing strategies to alleviate pain.
Today, we’re discussing chronic migraine treatment options to help you get back to living a pain-free life. Learn what they are, common internal and external catalysts, and actionable tips for treating chronic migraines you can integrate into your routine.
Before you begin any new health regimen, consult your doctor to determine a chronic migraine treatment that will work best for you.
What Are Chronic Migraines?
Chronic migraines are distinguished by their persistent and relentless nature. While the more common episodic migraine may happen periodically throughout the year, chronic migraines are defined by individuals experiencing them for 15 or more days each month, lasting for a minimum of three months.
The defining characteristic of chronic migraines is the ongoing presence of throbbing head pain accompanied by a variety of symptoms that can include nausea, sensitivity to light and sound, or visual disturbances.
What sets chronic migraines apart from their episodic counterparts is the frequency and duration of the attacks. Where episodic migraines might be an inconvenience for a day or two, chronic migraine treatment requires consistent attention and management strategies to alleviate their impact on your daily life.
Bonus Info: What’s the difference between headaches and migraines? Read our guide to learn more about distinguishing a headache vs migraine after you finish this article.
Common Migraine Causes
Chronic migraines can be caused by any combination of internal and external factors. Understanding these causes is pivotal for developing comprehensive strategies that go beyond mere symptom management and help you avoid common migraine triggers altogether as much as possible.
Some common causes of chronic migraines are:
- Blood flow inside your body: Irregularities in blood flow within the brain, caused by both the dilation and constriction of blood vessels, can contribute to chronic migraines. The balance of vascular health has a direct link to chronic migraine problems.
- Neurological sensitivities: People living with chronic migraines often have heightened sensitivity in the nervous system. Changes in neurotransmitter levels and the communication between nerve cells may contribute to the need for chronic migraine treatment and relief.
- Genetic predisposition: Like many health conditions, migraines could have a genetic component. Family medical history often influences your susceptibility to chronic migraines.
- Stress and emotional factors: Chronic stress is a well-established trigger for migraines. Heightened emotions, anxiety, and tension can lead to the release of certain chemicals in the brain that trigger inflammatory responses and increase the potential for migraines.
- Dietary triggers: Certain foods and beverages have been identified as potential migraine triggers. Foods like aged cheese, chocolate, caffeine, and alcohol may contribute to more frequent migraine episodes.
- Environmental factors: Changes in your environment, such as fluctuations in weather, exposure to strong odors, or even loud noises, can serve as external catalysts for chronic migraines. Identifying and avoiding these triggers is crucial for effective chronic migraine treatment.
- Allergies: Allergic reactions and sensitivities can contribute to inflammation associated with chronic migraines. Identifying and managing allergens may work as a treatment for chronic migraines in the long term.
Treatment for Chronic Migraines
Chronic migraine treatments often involve a combination of natural approaches that complement any potential necessary medical interventions. While responses to different chronic migraine treatment options will vary from person to person, several natural treatment options have shown promise in alleviating chronic migraine symptoms.
These methods for chronic migraine relief include:
- Acupuncture
- Biofeedback
- Herbal supplements
- Yoga and meditation
- Aromatherapy
- Hydration and healthy eating
1. Acupuncture
Acupuncture, an ancient Chinese practice involving the insertion of thin needles into specific points on the body, has gained recognition as a potentially-effective chronic migraine treatment. Studies suggest that acupuncture may help reduce the frequency and intensity of migraine attacks by stimulating the circulatory system within your body.
2. Biofeedback
Biofeedback techniques help you gain voluntary control over physiological processes often associated with chronic migraines like muscle tension and your heart rate. Through electronic monitoring and feedback, you can learn to self-regulate these responses, potentially reducing the frequency and severity of chronic migraines.
3. Herbal Supplements
Certain herbal supplements, including feverfew and butterbur, have shown promise as a treatment for chronic migraines. Feverfew, known for its anti-inflammatory properties, may help reduce the frequency of migraines, while butterbur has been linked to the prevention of vascular changes associated with migraines.
Be sure to consult your doctor before incorporating herbal supplements into any chronic migraine treatments.
4. Yoga and Meditation
Mind-body practices such as yoga and mindfulness meditation can contribute to stress reduction and improved overall well-being. This makes them potentially effective for chronic migraine treatment. These practices emphasize relaxation, controlled breathing, and heightened awareness, which may help alleviate the emotional and physiological triggers of migraines.
Using a zero gravity chair can elevate the stress-relief properties of these activities. Zero gravity chairs are designed to help enhance how the body heals itself physically and mentally. It provides an excellent space for letting the stress of the day roll off while also serving as the perfect spot for zero gravity meditation time. Bonus features like heat therapy and massage functions give you an even better experience, helping with ongoing treatment for chronic migraines.
5. Aromatherapy
The use of essential oils in aromatherapy, such as lavender and peppermint, has been considered for its potential for chronic migraine relief. Inhalation or diluted application of these oils may have calming effects for stress relief.
6. Hydration and Healthy Eating
Drinking enough water and choosing a balanced diet can play a crucial role in chronic migraine treatment. Dehydration and certain food triggers can exacerbate migraine symptoms. Ensuring you drink enough water each day and avoid known food triggers, such as caffeine and processed foods, can contribute to your overall well-being.
Effective chronic migraine treatments takes into account potential triggers, physical and mental health factors, and potential lifestyle modifications to provide relief now and in the long term. Consult your doctor to develop a personalized treatment plan for managing chronic migraines and improving your overall quality of life.
