Disclaimer :: I’m a busy mom with migraines, NOT a doctor! Migraine relief is crucial for everyone. Here are some tips and tricks that have worked for me. As always, please consult a medical professional should you suspect that you’re experiencing migraine headaches.
I’ve been a regular migraine-sufferer since I was pregnant with my son, nine years ago. I’ve seen doctors, had multiple tests done, been to different chiropractors, got new glasses and have been prescribed medicine.
I’m also sure migraines are hormonal, food related and definitely stress induced. Probably a combo of all three.
I know I’m not alone. I see friends and family with migraines and headaches that stop and interrupt life. It’s hard to be mom, wife, boss, employee, room parent, aunt, sister, friend, daughter, and more when there’s an elephant between your temples or a hammer pounding directly behind your eye socket.
Remember, I’m not a doctor. But I’ve complied a few of my go-to tips for dealing with my migraines. I’m just saving you a google search. Be sure to see a medical doctor if they continue or become regular.
Here is what has helped curb my migraines, and may work for you:
- Migraine oil. This is a must. If you don’t have any, get some. At the first sign rub some on your temples. If you don’t have any use some menthol, Vicks or Bengay on your neck. And try to breathe it in. The oils can be over powering, so read the directions and dilute them.
- Ice pack. Put it on your neck and put your feet in a hot bath if you can. If not at least do the ice pack on your neck. I keep one at work too. I use a frozen margarita pouch!
- Caffeine. Get your gulp on. Coffee, Coke, tea, don’t delay! {Pick one!} Skip this if you are sensitive to caffeine.
- Pain reliever. Get an ibuprofen or acetaminophen {Tylenol, Aleve, Advil} in you. Follow the directions on the bottle!
- Fresh air. Sometimes it’s a chemical the janitor is cleaning with, someone’s perfume, or nail polish remover, something in the room that can really trigger my senses and I can feel a migraine knocking on my temples.
- Chiropractor. Sometimes just a good ‘ol fashioned alignment will do wonders. Don’t be afraid, and yes, once you go you will always go, because you want to and know it makes you feel better!
- Toes. There is a whole practice dedicated to applying pressure to parts of our bodies to relive pain. A good toe massage will also help a rookie relieve stress and lighten a headache. You can do it to yourself. And most importantly, my grandma taught me this one! Grandmas do know best!
- Sunglasses. Just give your eyes a break. Make sure they aren’t too tight. I keep a looser pair handy. Bright light or a glare will really trigger an optical migraine for me.
- Epsom salt. I hop in a quick bath with Epsom salt and since I’ve started doing this I’ve felt less achy in general. I buy in bulk now.
- Water. Double down on the H2O! This is a cure to many ailments I’ve had lately. Increasing my water intake just improves so many bodily functions that might be lagging.
Of course, get an appointment with a medical professional. Migraines can be a signal to an underlying issue. Keep a good journal, a mental tracker and even a stress journal to try to pin point when the headaches are triggered. I started marking a heart on my calendar for my menstrual period and an X in the corner on days I get migraines. This is a a super simple way to make a connection. It might even show you a connection between your busy days and migraines. Mine have been a combination of several things. So usually I need to do a combo of things to avoid the five to seven day can’t-function, call-in-the-troops, full-blown, just-get-me-through-to-sleep-some-of-it-off-migraine.
Don’t forget to take some time for you too. It’s OK to ask for help, momma. Your troops need their leader at their best.
Do you suffer from migraines? What relief measures would you add to this list?
