Best Ways To Get Rid Of Migraines

Is there anything worse than a pounding, splitting, extreme feeling of discomfort in your head? A migraine is no average headache. Unfortunately, it’s often much more painful and difficult to deal with. Migraines can even be accompanied with other unpleasant symptoms such as nausea or blurred vision.

Some people experience recurring migraines, whereas others may experience only one or two in their lifetime. When that awful head pain comes on, you want to know how to get rid of your migraine as soon as possible.

Shockingly, migraines can last up to 72 hours’ time. This can be excruciating, and you want to do anything you can to reduce the time in which you are in this pain. Here are some tips for helping that migraine go away.

1. Recognizing a migraine

Migraines are a form of vascular headache. They are caused by the enlargement of the blood vessels in your heal, as well as the release of chemicals that are around these vessels. When you experience a migraine, the temporal artery becomes enlarged, causing nerves that coil around it to stretch and release chemicals. A migraine is very different from the average headache, and should be treated differently as such.

This is why it’s important to learn and know the signs.

People experience migraines differently. However, there are a few symptoms to look out for when you believe that you may be experiencing this awful headache.

Many people have reported changes in their vision. Their vision goes blurry, they lose sight it one eye, or they see shimmering spots or flashes of light.

Other symptoms to look out for include feelings of numbness in the body, nausea, dizziness, difficulty with speech, or an unusual tingling feeling in your fingers. Migraines are often concentrated in only one side or section of the head. Some people feel it in their temples, right behind their eyes, or at the base of the neck. If your bad headache sounds like it is in fact a migraine, keep on reading to discover how to get rid of it.

2. Turn off the lights

People who are experiencing a migraine are desperate to remove themselves from any form of light. Here’s how to go about adjusting your environment the right way. Turn off all of the lights around you. Any lighting can make a migraine even worse, and should be avoided.

If you have a migraine during the day, try closing the curtains completely.

You should also be sure to avoid looking at any bright screens—put the phone and laptop away.

If you’re not able to access a dark room (although this is best), a solid alternative is to put on a pair of well shaded sunglasses, and sit down for a while.

3. Eliminate noise

If you are at home, simply turn off any objects that make noise. Shut off the television set, turn off any loud appliances, and ask anyone else who is home to please keep the noise down. Go to a quiet spot and relax.

If you are not able to eliminate noise around you (perhaps you are not at home), put on some noise cancelling headphones and do your best to zone out from any outside stimulation.

4. Rest and breathe deeply

The best thing that you can do for yourself while trying to tough through a migraine is to remove yourself from any stimulation (such as light, noise, other people) and just relax.

Find a comfortable, flat spot and lie down on your back. Put a pillow below your head, and one below you knees.

Close your eyes, and focus solely on your breathing. Spend about 5 minutes breathing deeply. Breathe in through your nose, and out through pursed lips. Continue to lay down and rest after the 5 minutes is up, if needed.

5. Use a compress

For this kind of headache, a cold compress is best. Ice is too harsh, so stick to a clean wash cloth soaked in cool water.

Fold the cloth into a small rectangular shape, and drape it over your forehead, or the back of your neck (depending on where the pain is concentrated).

Lay down with this compress on your head for 15 minute intervals, taking 5 minute breaks in between. Continue this until you feel improvement.

6. Cold shower

Keeping on the cool water theme, some people find it beneficial to take a cool shower when undergoing a migraine.

Turn the shower to as cold a temperature as you can stand. Stand under the showerhead (making sure the stream is not too strong—this could cause more pain) for about 15-20minutes.

You may also choose to grab some shampoo and use the lather to massage your scalp gently as well.

7. Make herbal tea

Some herbal (as well as lavender) teas are known for decreasing tension in the body.

Some of the best teas for you to drink while experiencing a migraine include lavender tea, peppermint tea, and ginger tea. Bonus: ginger and peppermint also have pain-relieving properties!

8. Get a professional massage

Some massage therapists actually specialize in migraine treatments. Do some research, and make a quick appointment with one in your area. The therapist, if specialized, will be able to target the areas of tension, and apply just the right amount of pressure for relief.

9. Take medication

Taking medication, of course, is always an option for you. You may choose to take an over-the-counter pain reliever. This medication will reduce blood vessel inflammation, with hopes to reduce the pain you are experiencing.

Another good option for migraine pain relief is an over-the-counter pain reliever that contains a small dose of caffeine. The caffeine in the pill simply makes it effective faster.

For both of these options, try your best to take the pill as soon as possible after your migraine hits.

If you experience migraines often, consider seeing your doctor and discussing possible prescription medications. These prescription options may include triptans, dihydroergotamine or ergotamines.

Whether you get them often, or once in a blue moon, migraines are very unpleasant for anyone.

Once you feel that awful pain coming on, you want to do just about anything to feel relief. Next time you want to get rid of a migraine, give some of these tips a shot. You will be glad you did!