For many people in the area, relief from migraine headaches comes from prescription or over-the counter medications recommended by a College Park migraine doctor. However, recent information released by the American Headache Society and the American Academy of Neurology have highlighted some ways to prevent and reduce migraine pain without the use of drugs.
Peppermint
Anyone who suffers from headaches will tell you that certain smells can actually trigger pain. However, peppermint has been shown to have effects of reducing pain when sniffed. While this treatment will work differently depending on the individual, it may mask smells that are less pleasant and that actually trigger migraines.
Ginger
Ginger is known for being easy on upset stomachs, so it is thought that it can also help with nausea related to migraines. Ginger can also provide some relief to inflammation, but it is important to utilize products with real ginger, not ginger ale.
Riboflavin
Riboflavin is a B vitamin that is found naturally in certain foods, such as green vegetables, nuts, meat, and milk. It has been shown to prevent migraines when prescribed in high doses. It is also helpful in producing energy within the body’s cells, so taking it in the morning hours to ward off potential migraines is the best option.
Massage
Chiropractic care and massage can help to reduce migraine pain, likely because it can relieve stress that is known to act as a headache trigger. A recent study indicated that people who had six weekly massage sessions suffered fewer headaches than before they started massage therapy.
Stay Hydrated
Many headaches are caused by dehydration. Some studies have shown that individuals who drank a few glasses of water quickly when they felt a migraine coming on could actually stop it before it started.
Exercise
Staying active is one of the best ways to treat and prevent migraines. Some individuals have stated that if they are able to jog when they feel a migraine coming on they can actually avoid it entirely.