My Favorite Migraine ‘Cures

My Favorite Migraine 'Cures

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Finding Relief for Migraines: Exploring Different Approaches

Living with migraines can be an overwhelming and painful experience. The feeling of losing control to a pounding headache can lead us to try just about anything to find relief. From quirky remedies like spraying cayenne pepper up our nose to strict dietary changes, people suffering from migraines have explored a wide range of options in their quest for relief. But why do we try things that may not work, and more importantly, which approaches are our best options?

The Desperate Search for Relief

Niesha Tapia, a 30-year-old nurse from Fremont, CA, understands the desperation of seeking relief from migraines all too well. As a wife and mother of three young children, migraines significantly impacted her daily life. The pain became so intense that it occurred almost daily, causing her to visit the emergency room multiple times. To alleviate her suffering, Tapia tried various over-the-counter medications and supplements like CoQ10 and magnesium, which have been known to help with migraines. She also experimented with Botox injections, a treatment approved by the FDA for chronic migraine, but discontinued due to undesirable side effects altering her facial appearance.

Jill Dehlin, a 67-year-old health educator and member of the National Headache Foundation, has also faced the relentless battle against migraines. In her pursuit of pain relief, she tried over 60 different medications. However, even alternative therapies like acupuncture, which had initially provided her with significant pain relief, eventually lost their effectiveness.

Why do individuals, like Niesha and Jill, continue to search for new solutions? According to Dr. Jan Brandes, a neurologist from Nashville who experiences migraines herself, people with migraines possess an optimistic mindset. When traditional treatments fail or cause undesirable side effects, they are willing to explore other options. This drive to find relief stems from a belief that they must be doing something wrong or that there must be a solution within their reach.

The Modern-Day Quest for Migraine Relief

In the past, folk remedies and unusual practices such as running around the house three times or asking a seventh child to blow in your ear were believed to offer relief from migraines. Today, we encounter an abundance of “hacks” or unproven solutions, particularly related to diet.

Lizzy Swick, a registered dietitian from Montclair, NJ who also experiences migraines, often encounters clients with various diet hacks for their migraines. While some nutrition strategies genuinely make a difference in managing migraines, such as avoiding trigger foods and preventing hunger, the issue lies in the unhealthy and unsupported plans or trends people adopt. Swick acknowledges the harmful information that circulates on the internet and sometimes wishes she could shut it down.

The inclination to search for solutions also stems from the perception that we are somehow at fault for our migraines. Dr. Brandes emphasizes that migraines are a brain disorder, highlighting the need to dispel the notion that personal choices and behavior are the root cause of migraines.

“It’s a disease. It’s not their fault.”

  • Jan Brandes, MD

Weighing the Risks

Is there any harm in trying unconventional approaches for migraine pain relief? The answer is not straightforward. Some methods, like acupuncture or eating small, frequent meals, have demonstrated effectiveness. However, other approaches, such as herbal remedies like St. John’s wort and ginkgo biloba, may interact with migraine medications.

Lizzy Swick emphasizes the importance of balancing the allure of new and shiny solutions with scientifically-backed nutrition wisdom. It’s crucial not to disregard well-established foundations and to remember that immediate results aren’t always attainable. Dr. Brandes warns that self-treatment may overlook important health factors, drawing attention to the association between migraines, especially those with aura, and an increased risk of stroke. Therefore, consulting with a doctor is essential.

Key Questions to Ask

When considering a new approach for managing migraines, it’s crucial to involve your doctor and ask the right questions:

  1. Have you heard about this product or approach?
  2. Does it work?
  3. Is there scientific research supporting it, and what is the quality of that research?
  4. Are there any potential side effects?
  5. Will it interact with my current medications?

What Truly Works?

If you find yourself bouncing from treatment to treatment, desperately trying to find relief from migraines, there are approaches that may help. It’s important not to dismiss medical intervention. Combining complementary therapies with medication can often yield the best results. Lizzy Swick emphasizes the significance of working with your doctor to identify the right medications that suit your needs, emphasizing that while diet plays a foundational role in health, it cannot replace medication entirely.

Finding a doctor you trust becomes crucial during this journey. Look for someone who asks the right questions, shows genuine concern for your pain, and is willing to explore other treatment options if the initial approach fails. While your primary care physician or OB/GYN might address your migraines initially, consulting a headache specialist, preferably a neurologist, can provide you with specialized treatment and support.

Keeping a migraine journal may seem simple, but it can offer invaluable insights. Tracking patterns such as the time of day, location of migraines, pain level, and other factors can help your doctor develop a more effective treatment plan. Additionally, it’s essential to note any supplements, acupuncture sessions, or other alternative approaches to understand their impact on your body. Utilizing applications like Migraine Buddy can streamline this process.

Lastly, persistence is key. Although there is currently no outright cure for migraines, there are ways to minimize their impact. Dr. Brandes highlights the shift from an attacking mindset to one of acceptance. Being compassionate with your body becomes the primary goal, understanding that managing migraines involves navigating a complex condition rather than finding an instant solution.

So, as you embark on your quest for migraine relief, consult with professionals, trust the process, and embrace the journey towards a happier, more manageable life free from the clutches of migraines.

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