There isn't a cure for
migraines, but there are things you can do to manage the pain and reduce your
risk of future attacks.
One way is to find out
what triggers your migraines and avoid it. That could mean staying away from
certain foods, beverages and odors. Bright lights and loud noises can also
trigger or aggravate an attack.
1. Drink Plenty of Water
Dehydration is one of the
most common migraine triggers.
Increasing your water
intake is one of the best ways to combat migraines for good. It helps keep your body temperature
stable, lubricates and cushions joints, protects the spine, and gets rid of
waste through urination and perspiration.
How much you need to
drink varies by body size, health, activity level and the weather (temperature
and humidity). Experts recommend 8 glasses of liquid for everyone.
If you find it hard to
drink enough water, try adding fruit to your daily water. This tastier
alternative can help you avoid the dehydration that might lead to a migraine
attack.
2. Ice Packs
If you suffer from
migraines, ice packs may be a good addition to your arsenal of headache
prevention and treatment methods. Experts believe cold therapy works by
constricting blood vessels and reducing inflammation, which can alleviate pain.
Several studies have
found that applying ice packs to the neck can help reduce pain in migraines.
One study found that a frozen neck wrap held over the carotid artery
significantly reduced participants’ migraine symptoms.
There are a variety of
options to choose from, including hats and compression wraps that keep the cold
pack in place while you work, play or sleep. Some are reusable, hands-free and
easy to take off and put back on, while others are made of high-quality
material that won't leak. Brands also often offer guarantees on their products
so that you can buy with confidence and know you're getting a product that will
work for years to come.
3. Relaxation Techniques
Stress is one of the
most common headache triggers, and relaxation techniques can help you cope with
it. Relaxation techniques can also improve your overall quality of life and
make you less prone to migraine attacks.
Deep, deliberate breathing
can relieve stress and tension in your body and brain. Breathing slowly
increases oxygen to your brain and removes carbon dioxide, helping to reduce
inflammation that can cause migraines.
Progressive muscle
relaxation, or PMR, is a well-known stress management technique that works by
systematically relaxing muscles throughout your body. This practice is a great
way to relieve the tension in your neck and back muscles that can lead to
migraine pain.
Relaxation training is
often a series of sessions with an experienced therapist in a clinic office,
usually a psychologist or psychiatrist. These sessions will teach you how to
achieve a state of deep relaxation in only a few minutes.
4. Caffeine
Caffeine is a natural
chemical that can have many positive effects. It is a stimulant that works by
stimulating the central nervous system and heart.
It is found naturally
in coffee, cocoa, tea, cola, and over 60 other products. It has been used for
years for a variety of health and wellness benefits.
However, caffeine is
not safe for everyone and can cause side effects. It is especially dangerous
for women who are pregnant or breastfeeding.
A healthy adult should
not drink more than 400 milligrams (mg) of caffeine per day, which is
equivalent to about four cups of coffee. It is a good idea to speak with your
doctor about what you can do to reduce the amount of caffeine you consume.
People with migraine
who use a lot of caffeine might want to consider eliminating it for a few
months to see if it helps. It is also important to talk with your doctor about
other treatments that might be better for you.
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