Those who suffer from migraines, they know how debilitating they can be. They will reach for anything in order to feel relief and many have tried countless amounts of medications. From over-the-counter pain relief to migraine-specific agents like; Relpax and Maxalt, medications remain the first line of treatment for most medical practitioners. For some, this approach is very effective, for others, the effects are minimal or only short-term. With a growing amount of people looking for other options for their medications, we have outlined the three most common alternatives for you.
Essential Oils
Essential oils are concentrated liquids, formed from plant extracts. These extracts are blended with a carrier oil in order to be applied to the skin. Peppermint, rosemary & eucalyptus are commonly used essential oils for both tension headache and migraine. They are thought to provide anti-inflammatory and circulatory benefits as well as being pain-reliever. When applied safely, as directed, there is minimal risk to using essential oils as a treatment. While some people do tout the benefits of essential oils in relieving their own headaches, the research isn’t clear as to what the exact benefit is.
Hot + Cold Therapy
Both hot, and cold therapy are frequently used in order to soothe the symptoms of migraine. Heat around the muscles of the neck and face can help them to relax, and this may help ease the pain. Cold, on the other hand, can act as a numbing agent while also providing relief from the ‘hot flushing’ that some migraine sufferers can experience. The choice of hot or cold comes down to personal preference for the sufferer. Care should be taken to avoid direct contact of extreme temperatures to the skin. Warm or cold showers, heat or ice packs, and even hot/cold facemasks are available for migraine sufferers to use.
Neck Treatment
More contemporary research is starting to recognise the role that the cervical spine plays in migraines. Using this research, it is possible to assess the joints in the upper neck to determine if they are responsible for the migraine occurring. Once this has been determined, there is an effective, safe and medication-free treatment available! By treating the underlying cause of migraines, this treatment is able to stop migraines from occurring in the first place, rather than just covering up symptoms like medications.
If you are suffering from migraines or headaches, and are looking for an alternative to medications give us a call on 1800 43 23 22, or visit our website at goldcoastmigraine.com.au.
