Migraine Relief Tips: Real Advice From Professionals & Patients

Migraines are one of the most common conditions in the UK, and also one of the most debilitating. Migraines are intense and stressful, and even the smallest of movements can result in crippling pain. Many sufferers face a lower quality of living and almost a third of those afflicted report moderate to severe disability in their day-to-day life.

Unfortunately, there is currently no cure for this condition, but there are a number of ways you can get rid of a headache quickly. Migraine treatments relieve the symptoms and can prevent migraine attacks occurring if taken on time. Migraine treatments vary from natural remedies for instant migraine relief at home, to over-the-counter or prescription drugs.

Stop your migraine in its tracks with these simple tips.

How to get rid of a migraine without medication fast

Migraine attacks can strike anywhere: at home, at work, while travelling, and you might be able to get to a doctor or painkillers right away to treat your headache. However, there’s plenty of ways you can find natural migraine relief without medication. Try one of these home remedies for migraine headaches.

Rub your neck and temples

Current research suggests that changes in blood flow can contribute to cluster headaches. Massaging your neck and temples in circles can help blood flow, and therefore reducing headaches.

Reduce stress

When you are stressed, your body releases certain chemicals in the brain. This can cause changes in your blood vessels, which in turn leads to migraine attacks.

When you’re experiencing a headache, try to remove yourself from demanding situations. Leave work early if you can, avoid loud environments, or ask your partner to take over household responsibilities to lower your stress levels.

Learn to relax

As well as reducing stress, it is worth learning how to relax. Meditation, mindfulness, and deep breathing are all useful techniques in relaxing your mind and body.

Lie down and close your eyes

One of the most common and effective methods for fast headache relief is simply lying down in a dark room and resting. It is known to reduce headaches and gives you a place to relax as well.

Apply a warm compress

Blood flow can be stimulated by applying a warm compress to your neck or forehead, thereby reducing headaches. You can buy a gel pack, or you can simply use a small towel or flannel soaked in warm water.

Medications for migraine relief

As well as home remedies for migraines, there’s also a number of over-the-counter and prescription migraine medications you can take. These range from headache relief tablets to migraine prevention medication for long-term treatment of head pain.

Take an anti-inflammatory painkiller

For instant migraine relief, try taking a painkiller such as Naproxen or Ibuprofen. These non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are commonly used to relieve pain and reduce the inflammation that exacerbates headaches.

Take a Triptan

You can also take Sumatriptan (generic Imigran), a prescription drug commonly recommended for migraine sufferers. Sumatriptan and other medicines in this family are the first-line prescription treatment for relief of migraines. They normally only require one dose at the onset of a migraine to completely relieve symptoms such as a headache, aura, and nausea.

Visit our blog for more information on what is Sumatriptan and how it works.

Take preventative drugs

For long-term prevention of migraines, speak to your doctor about taking Propranolol. Propranolol is a beta-blocker which can be taken daily and has long been used to reduce the symptoms of migraines.

Migraines are debilitating, excruciating, and can make you feel like you’re alone with your pain. But you don’t need to take it lying down. With such a wide range of home remedies and medications out there to get rid of your migraine fast. Want some advice on long-term treatment of your headaches? Speak to our friendly Online Doctor team today to take the first step towards a migraine-free life.