Any help for migraine headaches without narcotics?

Answer 1

Stretching is very helpful but others have told you that, here is my solution.

Take a hand towel and get it wet, wring it out and place it folded in the microwave for 30-40 seconds. Take it out carefully, lay down and lay it gently on your face, rest a minute or so refold it, it will still be hot inside as it starts to cool and lay it on the back of your neck.

Repeat as needed. This was always very, very helpful for me.

I hope it helps, they are the worst. I just remembered Asparcream on the temples forehead and the back of your neck
(no smell) I keep it in my nightstand drawer (I get night headaches) And use it as needed.

Interestingly enough Vicodin GIVES me a headache. I learned after my hysterectomy that mine were Hormone Migraines as most women's are. My husband in 39 years has probably only Had 8 or 9 migraines and the towels worked for him also. I wonder if mens are from hormones?

Answer 2

Caffeine helps some people. Mostly, just lay down with a heating pad or ice pack (whichever feels better) on your head, take a couple OTC pain relievers, and stay away from light and noise until you sleep it off. I used to get migraines when I was really young, like between 8-14 I'd get one at least twice a month, and that is the only thing that really helped me with any of the symptoms. I empathize with you and I really hope you sleep it off soon.

Answer 3

This is going to sound strange, but it has been working for me for about 15 years. I asked my chiropractor one time if there was some way to short circuit my migraines. He said, "Try Alka Seltzer Gold." I thought it was strange, but I figured that I didn't have anything to lose. If I take two Alka Seltzer Gold tablets (dissolved in water) as soon as I get the aura of a migraine, within ten minutes, the aura clears and the pain never hits. This has worked every time for about 15 years.

My sister whose migraines have always been worse than mine tried ASG also. It didn't stop the headache completely, but they have been much less severe and much shorter as long as she takes the ASG. I have never seen any documentation on this. All I know is that it works for me every time.

Answer 4

streching the muscles of the upper back & neck.

long slow gentle streches.

one that has helped me, stand w/your feet about shoulder width apart, place your hands behind your head, fingers interlaced, at the top of the spine/bottom of the skull (you should be able to feel the pivot point). very gently pull your head forward & slightly downward. You will probably feel it pull from your head to your waist. hold for 10-15 seconds. wait a minute or 2 then repeat. once you do this regularly, increase the hold time to 30 seconds.

find activities that are not physically intense, but are active that you enjoy and decrease your stress level.

excedrin extra strength has also provided a help, but really no more than a can of Mtn Dew or Coke. For me, it seems to be the caffiene that blocks the pain (at least for a short while).

watch your nutrition also. some foods seem to trigger headaches (or make them seem worse at least). take a multivitamin if you don't already. drink plenty of water (at least 4-6 8oz cups daily)

Answer 5

I have had migraines my whole life. I have tried just about everything there is and haven't had a whole lot of success until I tried "Excedrin Migraine". It works great for me even when I am already experiencing a full blown migraine.

Usually, I only need to take one and it starts to work within 20 minutes.

For the 20 minutes I am waiting for the Excedrin to work I have a couple of lavendar sachets. Breathing in lavendar really seems to help.

Good luck.

Answer 6

Try Bengay. I have really bad headaches and the occassional migrane. There are only so many pills you can take! Well, I tried rubbing Bengay on my temples and forehead and it worked for me. Of course, I only do this when I'm at home because of the smell.

Answer 7

I have tried Advil Migraine. It works great. I suffer from migraine as well.

Answer 8

I don't suffer migraines personnally but my wife had them frequently, through research I found that many migraine sufferers have low magnesium, have your magnesium levels checked and try a magnesium supplement

Answer 9

I put a cold pack on the back of my neck. Take 4 advil and lay down in a dark room. I try to fall asleep. If that doesn't help the only thing I can do it take percocet. I have had very severe ones and had to go to the ER. Hope you feel better

Answer 10

Essential Peppermint oil, rubbed on the temples, Try a Chiropractor, something in your body is off balance which is causing them in the first place. Anything you take is only address the symptoms and not getting to the root of the issue.