Medications can do wonders for treating or reducing migraine headaches, but lifestyle changes may be the goal to aim for when it comes to preventing and relieving this agonizing condition. Simple exercises, changes in daily activities and discovering ways to avoid triggers can make life more pleasant. It is up to the migraine sufferer to find alternative ways of beating these severe headaches. Many people have done it, and you might be surprised to find that you can too.
Step 1
Visit a licensed, reputable chiropractor. Chiropractic adjustments are a great natural treatment for getting rid of headaches. Many migraine sufferers have found relief through this method. Spinal problems are often responsible for causing headaches.
Step 2
Try biofeedback, which is safe and effective at eliminating pain. It helps you develop the ability to control your nervous system functions. You can learn to relax tense muscles in the neck that may lead to headaches.
Step 3
Discover food allergies that might be causing your headaches, suggests Health Guidance, a health website. This may take visits to the doctor and a process of eliminating certain foods from your diet. Some foods blamed for migraines include cheese, alcohol, certain food additives, such as monosodium glutamate, nuts, beans, caffeine, chocolate and onions.
Step 4
Avoid salt at the table. Salt is sometimes a cause of headaches. By lowering salt intake, you might prevent headaches.
Step 5
Eliminate one thing at a time, whether it is food or an activity. It may takes weeks or months, but you might find something that triggers your headaches.
Step 6
Meditate, practice yoga or do progressive muscle relaxation exercises, advises the experts at the Mayo Clinic. Or do something relaxing, such as listening to music, gardening or taking a hot bath. Relaxation techniques help to relieve stress in your life. Stress is a major culprit in producing migraines.
Step 7
Take herbs, vitamins and minerals. There is evidence that feverfew and butterbur herbs may prevent or relieve migraines. Riboflavin, or Vitamin B2, and Coenzyme Q10 may also be helpful.
Step 8
Sit in a dark, quiet room if you feel a headache coming on. Place an ice pack wrapped in cloth on the area that affects you.
Step 9
Get plenty of sleep, about six to eight hours a night for the average adult.
Step 10
Keep a headache diary and jot down everything you are doing to get rid of migraines. You will learn more about what triggers the headaches.
Step 11
Continue to visit your doctor. You might learn new techniques and methods discovered in the medical profession.
