7 Ways People with Migraines Find Relief

DISCLAIMER: The following is for informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Anyone experiencing migraines should talk to their doctor before taking any action to address them. In this article we highlight approaches that some people who experience migraines take to find relief. 

Migraines are more than just headaches—they can disrupt daily life and make even the simplest tasks seem impossible. For those dealing with chronic migraines, finding relief is not just about reducing pain; it’s about reclaiming control over your life. In this post, we’re breaking down 7 ways that people with migraines find relief. 

Whether you’re struggling with symptoms like vertigo and dizziness or looking into options such as massage for migraine and injections for migraine headaches, there’s help available. 

We’ll look at practical solutions, discuss the role of primary care doctors, and introduce both natural and medical treatments that may help. By understanding your options, you can work with your healthcare team to build a treatment plan that fits your lifestyle and needs.

1. Work with Your Primary Care Doctor

Your primary care doctor is your first line of defense against chronic migraines. They can help diagnose your condition, rule out other causes of your symptoms, and work with you to develop a treatment plan that fits your unique needs.

Why It Matters

• Early Diagnosis: Chronic migraine sufferers may experience a range of symptoms beyond head pain, including vertigo and dizziness. Your doctor can help identify these signs early.
  
  

• Tailored Treatment: No two patients are the same. Your doctor can suggest the right mix of treatments—from medications to lifestyle changes—to help reduce the frequency and intensity of migraine attacks.
  
  

• Referral to Specialists: If your migraines are severe, your primary care doctor might refer you to a neurologist or a headache specialist. This team approach ensures you get expert care and access to the latest treatment options.

What to Expect

During your appointment, you’ll discuss your migraine history, triggers, and any symptoms you experience. Your doctor might recommend keeping a headache diary (more on that in section 5) to track your symptoms over time—a simple tool that can be invaluable for spotting patterns.

Learn more about working with your primary care doctor on migraine management.

2. Explore Medical Treatments: From Injections to Oral Medications

Sometimes natural remedies aren’t enough, and that’s where medical treatments come in. There are several options available that have helped many chronic migraine sufferers find relief, including injections for migraine headaches and various oral medications.

Injection Treatments

• Botox (OnabotulinumtoxinA): Approved by the FDA for chronic migraine treatment, Botox injections can reduce the frequency of migraine attacks by relaxing muscles around your head and neck.
  
  

• Other Injections: Depending on your symptoms and medical history, your doctor might suggest other injectables that help lessen inflammation or block pain signals.

Oral Medications

Preventative Medications

• Topiramate (Topamax): Often prescribed to reduce the frequency of migraine attacks.
  
  

• Propranolol (Inderal): A beta-blocker that can help prevent migraines.
  
  

• Amitriptyline: A tricyclic antidepressant used at low doses to help prevent migraines.
  
  

• CGRP Inhibitors: Newer options like Erenumab (Aimovig), Fremanezumab (Ajovy), and Galcanezumab (Emgality) have shown promise in reducing migraine frequency.

Abortive Medications

• Sumatriptan (Imitrex): One of the most commonly prescribed triptans for halting migraine attacks.
  
  

• Rizatriptan (Maxalt): Another triptan option effective at relieving migraine symptoms.
  
  

• Zolmitriptan (Zomig): Used to abort a migraine attack when taken at the first sign.

Working with Your Doctor

Collaborate closely with your doctor when considering these options. They can help you understand potential side effects, determine which treatment might be best for you, and adjust dosages as needed. Remember, what works for one person may not work for another—a personalized approach is key.

More details on migraine medications can be found here.

3. Embrace Lifestyle Changes

Alongside medical treatments, making changes to your daily routine can play a huge role in preventing migraine attacks. Simple adjustments in your lifestyle can help reduce triggers and improve overall well-being.

Key Lifestyle Changes

• Healthy Diet: Eating regular, balanced meals can prevent blood sugar dips that might trigger migraines. Consider keeping a food diary to pinpoint and avoid trigger foods.
  
  

• Regular Exercise: Moderate physical activity—such as walking or yoga—can reduce stress and maintain healthy blood flow.
  
  

• Sleep Hygiene: Establishing a consistent sleep schedule helps keep your body’s natural rhythms in check. Both too much and too little sleep can trigger migraines.
  
  

• Stress Management: Techniques such as deep breathing, meditation, or gentle stretching can lower stress levels—a major trigger for many migraine sufferers.
  
  

• Avoiding Triggers: Common triggers include bright lights, loud noises, and certain smells. Identifying these through careful observation can help you avoid them.
  
  

Learn more about lifestyle changes for migraine management here.

4. Keep a Migraine Diary for Better Management

Tracking your migraine episodes can be incredibly helpful. A migraine diary allows you to note when attacks occur, their severity, possible triggers, and the effectiveness of treatments. This detailed record can be shared with your primary care doctor to tailor your treatment plan more effectively.

Read about the benefits of migraine diaries.

5. Consider Nutritional Supplements and Dietary Modifications

Many experts suggest that specific supplements and dietary adjustments can help reduce migraine frequency. For example:

• Magnesium: Some studies show that magnesium supplementation can lower migraine frequency.
  
  

• Riboflavin (Vitamin B2): May help reduce migraine attacks in some patients.
  
  

• Coenzyme Q10: Has been suggested to improve mitochondrial function, which might reduce migraine frequency.
  
  

Additionally, identifying and avoiding trigger foods—like processed meats, aged cheeses, or foods with artificial additives—can make a significant difference.

Learn more about nutritional strategies for migraines.

6. Explore Neuromodulation Techniques

For patients who don’t respond well to traditional medications, non-pharmacological treatments such as neuromodulation are gaining attention. Techniques like:

• Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS): Uses magnetic fields to stimulate nerve cells in the brain.
  
  

• Vagus Nerve Stimulation (VNS): Involves mild electrical stimulation of the vagus nerve to help control pain signals.
  
  

These innovative approaches are emerging as valuable tools in migraine management.

Read about neuromodulation for migraines.

7. Prioritize Regular Follow-Up and Treatment Adjustments

Chronic migraine management isn’t a one-and-done solution—it requires ongoing care. Regular follow-ups with your healthcare provider allow you to:

• Monitor the effectiveness of your current treatment plan.
  
  

• Make timely adjustments to medications or therapies.
  
  

• Identify any new triggers or co-existing conditions early on.
  
  

A proactive approach is essential for long-term relief and improved quality of life.

Explore the importance of regular follow-ups in migraine management.

Closing Thoughts

Chronic migraines can be overwhelming, but there are many effective ways to find relief. By working closely with your primary care doctor, exploring natural therapies like massage, considering medical treatments (including both preventative and abortive medications), and making smart lifestyle choices, you can take control of your migraines. 

The additional tips—keeping a migraine diary, considering nutritional supplements, exploring neuromodulation, and prioritizing regular follow-up—further empower you to tailor a comprehensive approach to your care. Remember, every patient is different, so don’t hesitate to ask for help and try different methods until you find what works for you.

Talk to your primary care doctor

If you’re tired of living with chronic migraine pain, it’s time to take action. Your primary care doctor at AstroDoc can help you explore natural and medical treatments that can lead to lasting relief. 

If you’re not an AstroDoc member, view our different plans here!