9 ways to help relieve migraine pain

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It’s estimated that more than 37 million Americans have experienced a migraine. Yet less than half of those with migraine-associated disability have seen a provider for headache symptoms in the prior year. So what does a migraine feel like, and what are some ways to help find relief?

Types of nonmigraine headaches

The most common type of headache is a tension-type headache, and nearly 9 percent of the world’s population experiences one of those on any given day. A tension-type headache is characterized by a mild to moderate band of pain around the forehead and temples that lasts anywhere from 30 minutes to a week. Tensions headaches can be triggered by inadequate sleep, poor posture, and stress.

A much rarer form of nonmigraine headache is called a cluster headache, which affects just one side of the head. Cluster headaches may be associated with a teary eye and a runny or stuffy nose on the affected side. These are more common in men and people who smoke, and they may run in the family. Though cluster headaches cause severe pain, they usually ease within three hours.

As the name implies, this second type of headache comes in clusters. “People with cluster headaches may experience several attacks per day for weeks or months, then not have any attacks for months or years,” says Wade M. Cooper, DO, director of the Headache and Neuropathic Pain Clinic at Michigan Medicine and associate professor of neurology and anesthesiology at the University of Michigan. The cause of cluster headaches is unknown, but a problem with the hypothalamus, a small area within the brain, may be involved.

What is a migraine?

A migraine is a “chronic, lifelong neurological disease,” says Lauren R. Natbony, MD, medical director of Integrative Headache Medicine of New York and assistant clinical professor of neurology at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai in New York City.

Migraines are more common in women than men, and the hallmark migraine symptom is pulsing, throbbing pain often on one side of the head that may last a few hours to several days. A migraine can cause nausea and sometimes vomiting or weakness, and in many cases, sensitivity to light and sound. Sometimes it’s preceded by an aura — visions of sparkles or triangular shapes — or even slurred speech.

Note that many of these symptoms — changes in vision, vomiting, weakness, slurred speech and so on — can also be signs of a stroke or other life-threatening event. If someone experiences these, they should seek emergency medical attention and the advice of a qualified health care provider.

Those who experience migraines are often drained by the experience. “A migraine can incapacitate someone,” says Dr. Cooper. And after the pain subsides, it can take days or even weeks to recover, which is referred to as a “migraine hangover.”

It’s also possible to experience a migraine without a headache. Ocular migraines are a type of migraine that cause temporary vision issues (momentary loss of vision or blind spots), — and they can come with or without the signature throbbing feeling of a traditional migraine.

What causes migraines?

Migraine headaches tend to run in families and can have specific triggers. Triggers can vary widely, and the same things that can lead to a headache in one person may have no effect or may even help soothe a severe migraine in others. Even taking too much prescription migraine medication (using medication more than 10 days out of the month) can backfire, causing rebound headaches.

Common triggers include:

• Alcohol (especially red wine)
• Caffeine (may be a trigger for some and help relieve pain in others)
• Dehydration
• Hormonal fluctuations (one reason experts think migraines are more common in menstruating women)
• Lack of sleep
• Light (like flashing lights or blue light from computer and phone screens)
• Smells (like perfume or cigarette smoke)
• Stress
• Weather changes (including temperature swings and shifts in barometric pressure)

5 ways to help prevent migraines

Migraines are a chronic, lifelong neurological disease that can cause throbbing headaches and pain, nausea, weakness and more. The good news? There are many ways to help reduce your chances of getting them.

Ways to help prevent migraines

When it comes to finding relief from throbbing migraine pain, prevention is key. Here’s how to help prevent migraine pain.

1. Get to know migraine triggers.

Getting to know these triggers can play a major role in preventing migraines. Dr. Natbony recommends keeping a diary to track when migraine attacks occur and what was happening just before an episode.

2. Exercise regularly.

Any number of activities — running, tai chi, walking or Zumba — may help reduce episodes. “Exercise releases endorphins, the body’s natural pain relievers,” says Dr. Natbony. Remember that migraine treatments and triggers are personal, so for some people, high-intensity exercise can also bring on migraines. It’s a good idea to check with a health care provider before starting an exercise program.

3. Get enough sleep.

Establishing a consistent sleep schedule may treat migraine sufferers. National sleep organizations recommend 7 to 9 hours per night for most adults. Help keep sleep-wake cycle in check with these healthy sleep hygiene tips.

4. Reduce stress levels.

Because stress can bring on migraines, destressing techniques, such as acupuncture, meditation and yoga may help.

5. Stay hydrated.

Studies show a close relationship between water intake and headache pain. Help keep migraines at bay by drinking the current daily fluid recommendation: 15.5 cups for men and 11.5 cups for women. (About 20 percent of this fluid intake comes from food.) Keeping a water bottle handy helps ensure healthy hydration.

6. Consider prescription medications.

There are a variety of prescription medications available that can be used to help prevent migraine episodes. Some of these medications are pills, while others are injected. Consult a health care provider about possible options.

Migraine relief support to help ease the pain

OTC migraine medications, such as acetaminophen, aspirin, ibuprofen and naproxen sodium, can help to lessen discomfort, says Dr. Cooper. One option is Excedrin Migraine caplets for migraine pain relief, which contains acetaminophen and aspirin, as well as caffeine. While caffeine can support headache relief, avoid using it as acute treatment for more than two days per week. If pain relievers are taken more than two to three times, it can lead to the development of medication-overuse headaches. Make sure to speak with a health care provider first before starting or stopping any medication or supplement.

If someone is experiencing prolonged or frequent migraine symptoms, it’s a good idea to see a primary care doctor, who may refer them to a neurologist or headache specialist if needed. “Sometimes people need a combination approach,” says Dr. Natbony. A health care provider may recommend changing the dosage of an over-the-counter (OTC) medication, prescribe a prescription migraine medication (a number of options exist) and/or recommend lifestyle changes and stress-easing techniques.

1. Find a dark, quiet space.

When someone is in the throes of a migraine, they may experience sensitivity to light and sound, so resting in a quiet, dark room can help. When the curtains aren’t cutting it, an IMAK Eye Pillow can help block out light. “Reducing sensory stimulation can be soothing,” says Dr. Natbony.

2. Opt for some cold therapy.

Tell pain to chill with some temperature therapy. Research suggests an ice pack placed on the neck or forehead may help reduce discomfort. Another option is a cooling gel, such as BeKOOOL Soft Gel Sheets.

3. Find a migraine medicine that works.

OTC and prescription options are available to help manage the pain. Make sure to speak with a health care provider first before taking any medication or supplement.

This content is for informational purposes only and is not medical advice. Consult your health care provider before taking any vitamins or supplements, and prior to beginning or changing any health care practices.