Alternative Headache Treatments: What's Best?

So many alternative headache treatments are available today it can be difficult to distinguish what helps and what doesn't help. Basically, there aren't any quick cures for headache. Many of the following supplements can reduce headaches and are even more effective when combined with lifestyle changes and prescription medications.

The BEST supplements for alternative headache treatment are:

Magnesium, Vitamin B-2, Feverfew and Butterbur.

Although it is difficult to take so many pills at once (!!)there are products such as Migraine Vitamins in vitamin stores that have all items combined in one tablet or capsule. Magnesium and migraine are strongly linked and with many of my patients this ALONE was enough to reduce headaches. You can read more of my review on the herbal headache remedies.

COENZYMEQ 10 may also help reduce migraine frequency.

BIOFEEDBACK

has been proven in many clinical studies to have a positive effect on headaches. So what in the world is it?? Biofeedback is a method of training people with chronic pain how to manage their pain.

ACCUPUNCTURE

for headache is a centuries old method of using small needles in certain points of the body to alleviate pain. If done by a skilled accupunturist, the effect of reducing headaches can be as high as 50%.

CHIROPRACTIC CARE

is effective for minor musculoskeletal problems such as neck pain. It is also effective in tension headaches with a component of neck spasming causing the pain.

It may also be very effective if you are suffering from headaches caused by cervicogenic pain. Unfortunately, chiropractic manipulation has been found in clinical trials to not be effective in migraine, and this is due to the fact that migraine is more of a neurological disorder, not strictly a muscular one.

YOGA

is a centuries old method of exercise combined with deep breathing to promote wellness. Regular practice of yoga can strengthen muscles and tendons in addition to reducing stress.

Stress...remember that? One of the main cause of headaches is stress.

Yoga is something you can learn at home with a beginner's set and introductory yoga dvd's . You can exercise AND promote well being through this method.

Read more about types of yoga and decide which kind of yoga is best for you.

A great way to relax with yoga is to use aromatherapy oils for stress relief.

Research the above alternative headache treatments to find out which is best for you..try a few! They just might help.

References
1. Mauskop A, Altura BM. Role of magnesium in the pathogenesis and treatment of migraines. Clin Neurosci 1998;5(1):24-7.
2. Mauskop A, et al. Intravenous magnesium sulfate rapidly alleviates headaches of various types. Headache 1996;36:154-60.