Migraines are a debilitating disorder that is more common today than in the past. If you suffer from migraines, these tips on dealing with them can help you get a break from your symptoms. Ideally, we would like to avoid migraines altogether if possible, but beyond that, there is no one size fits all way to stop or prevent them from happening.
1. Rest in a Quiet, Dark Room
Although we should aim to do this every day, it is beneficial when dealing with a migraine. Darkness and quiet are known to lessen the symptoms of a migraine. Many people sleep during their migraines but try not to nap because it can encourage a rebound headache. You may also want to try a cold compress or ice pack on your head and neck or massage your scalp in the area that hurts most.
2. Apply a Warm or Cold Compress to Your Head or Neck
It is helpful for headaches associated with muscle spasms, nerve pain, and sinus pain. A warm or cold compress can help to open dilated blood vessels. When these vessels are dilated, it allows the brain’s oxygen supply to be increased, which is how many migraine headaches are blocked from getting worse. Some people also find that hot compresses help a migraine at the onset of symptoms; however, make sure you avoid heat sources such as heating pads if you have never had a headache before.
3. Hydrate Aggressively
One of the most common causes of migraines is dehydration. Regardless of the weather outside, drink more water than you usually would and make sure you are hydrating at least twice a day. It is recommended that you drink at least ten 8-ounce glasses a day. Some people find that herbal tea helps to hydrate, especially green tea. If you have noticed that dehydration has started to cause migraines for you, choose water over other beverages for the rest of your life. Coffee and soda are the two worst culprits of dehydration.
4. Massage Your Temples and Neck
There are a few different ways to do this. One way is to place a warm compress on the tender spot and then massage it gently where your headache is located. Another way would be to massage the area with oil or cream until you feel relief. It helps to reduce any inflammation that may be causing pain and temporarily reduces the dilation of blood vessels. If you live in Texas, the best chiropractor in Houston is an excellent place to start to locate someone proficient in this practice.
5. Try Meditating
Meditating is done regularly, not just when you are dealing with migraines. Many people would prefer to take a pill for an ache or pain but never think to do more natural alternatives like meditation. Meditation can help to train your mind and body in how to respond when under stress or pain. It’s the same practice used by professional athletes and surgeons before they perform surgery.
6. Smell the Lavender
The scent of lavender can have such a calming effect on the brain that you may find that it can stop your migraine in its tracks. If you have ever had a lavender plant in your home or garden, you may already be familiar with this effect. The plant’s oil is known to relax blood vessels, especially those in your head and neck area. You can also use a carrier oil like jojoba or sweet almond oil and apply it directly to the forehead and temples.
7. Prevent Attacks with Exercise
Many people are not aware that physical activity is the best way to prevent migraines from occurring. If you have a long-standing pattern of migraines or you find that your migraines frequently travel to different areas of your body or cause other severe symptoms, then exercise is something that you should consider. Some of the exercises some people like most are swimming, spinning, hiking, and dancing.
Conclusion
These are some of the best ways to deal with a migraine. If you have suffered from migraines for a long time, you may find that some of these suggestions do not work for you, or they may only work in certain situations. When you have migraines as severe as some people do, finding relief is the real challenge.
