Migraines may be common, but it does not make dealing with them any easier. Causing not just the characteristic pain in half of the head, migraines also lead sensitivity to light, sound and noise, vomiting, nausea, and debilitating pain.
Since the science behind migraine is still evolving, no one has that one important answer as to why we get migraines, and how to prevent having them all together.
However, there are ways that you can manage your migraine symptoms better. These might help with the frequency of the episode or make them less intense.
Of course, you should always follow through with the advice of the Best Neurologist in Karachi, but alongside, you must also try some better methods yourself to find what suits you better. Everyone has different triggers, and so, finding what works for your symptoms is vital.
Tips for instant relief
Acupressure
A part of ancient Chinese medicine, acupressure involves putting pressure at certain points that then helps in pain relief. You can consult an expert for to find the pressure points for migraine relief.
Acupuncture
Like acupressure, acupuncture also is a part of ancient medicine that involves utilizing the power of certain points. It involves inserting needles at these specific points. However, acupuncture should be performed by experts alone.
Aromatherapy
Some scents can have healing powers. They help in destressing and can then work towards effective pain management. One oil that can be of help is peppermint. Similarly, CBT oil and lavender oils are also thought to be beneficial for pain relief.
Cold or hot pack
A cold pack can help with the pain relief in the face of a migraine attack. Try putting a cold pack on your forehead or your neck. If you don’t have a cold pack, you can put ice on washcloth, or a bag of frozen peas etc. Don’t put ice directly on your skin, and limit to around 15 minutes of icing alone.
Similarly, a hot pack can also be effective for in some cases. Hot pack may also be helpful if you have tension in your shoulder and neck which can happen with migraine and adds to further discomfort.
Dehydration
Insufficient water intake can trigger a migraine, and so, being sufficiently hydrated can prevent the circumstances that pave way for a migraine attack. In some cases, excessive thirst might also be a signal that migraine is on the way. Heeding to the symptoms, taking pain medication and avoiding triggers can help in lowering the intensity of the migraine attack.
Massage
Massages can also help with pain relief. Due to the pain, muscles can become tensed. The knots also add to the pain that the body is experiencing. Massage can help in relaxing the body, alongside improving the symptoms of migraine as well.
If people get stress-induced migraines, massages can be of help, since they help the body relax.
For an even better result, you can try some essential oils for the massage. Some like lavender are excellent for stress and anxiety relief.
Pain medication
Pain medication is important when it comes to dealing with migraines. A key here is to stay ahead of the pain; take the pills whenever the aura kicks in. Otherwise, when the attack is very intense, it can then make pain management a greater challenge for the drug.
Also, it is important that you follow the prescription and the required dosage. You should not overdo with the pain meds, as abuse of the pills can cause rebound headaches that naturally make the condition worse.
Word of caution
Since migraine symptoms vary from person to person, and, also as everyone has different pain thresholds, therefore, what may work for others might not work for you.
In case nothing helps, you should consult the best Neurologist in Islamabad and seek their expert opinion about how to manage your symptoms better.
