Migraines are extreme headaches often appearing on only the left or the right side of the cranium, but not both sides at once. They may be accompanied with light and sound sensitivity, nausea, and increased pain with physical activity. The pain is often throbbing, and can last for a few hours to a few days. The best migraine relief can vary from person to person, so it is best to determine what works, and then stick with it.
The first step to migraine relief is to identify the cause of migraines. Some people are simply genetically predisposed to migraines, while other people get migraines based on environmental triggers. This can include chemicals found in certain foods, drinking alcohol, medications, stress, caffeine or caffeine withdrawal, changes in the weather, not getting enough sleep, or the menstrual cycle, among others. Identifying the cause of a migraine or noticing a pattern, and then making appropriate changes, can help prevent migraines in the future.
If a migraine does occur, there are a few different types of migraine relief to try. The first is pain medication, along with anti-nausea medication. There are specialized types of these medications available in drugstores, and with a prescription from a doctor; some work to relieve the pain of a migraine, while others work to stop a migraine before it fully takes hold. Again, it may take some trial and error to find a medication that work.
Aside from taking pain medication, there are some other options for migraine relief. If possible, it is best to lie down in a dark room when the migraine begins. Avoid a lot of physical movement, and attempt to rest and relax. Some people find that sipping a cup of tea with caffeine is helpful, while others might have some ginger ale or crackers to relieve nausea. Biofeedback is another option, where people consciously target the source of the migraine in an attempt to relieve the pain. Taking a class or doing some research in biofeedback may be beneficial to frequent sufferers.
Other options for migraine relief include acupuncture and chiropractic care, among other natural treatments. Some people find that supplements like feverfew or magnesium are effective at preventing migraines or reducing their frequency. It might be a good idea to visit a physician to learn about long-term medication options for the treatment of migraines, particularly if they occur with regular frequency, and have an impact on the quality of one's life. There are many treatment options for migraine relief available.