Like a jackhammer going off within the head, migraines are notorious for their repetitive, throbbing, and pulsating nature. Light sensitivity, nausea, feeling lightheaded, and visual changes are a few of the most frequent symptoms reported by those who have suffered from migraines.
Many people have experienced these troublesome head pains to some extent, but what causes them? Are migraines just something we have to deal with, or can we turn off the jackhammer naturally?
Why do we get migraines?
Doctors classify everything and headaches are no different—there are over 150 types. But what causes the dreaded migraine and how is it different?
- The most common type of headache is the tension, or stress, headache. Tension headaches are caused by muscle contractions in the head and neck, and many patients describe it as feeling like they are wearing a really tight hat.
- A sinus headache is a deep pain in the cheekbones, forehead, or the bridge of the nose caused by pressure in the sinuses, usually from allergies or infection.
- A cluster headache is extremely painful, typically on one side of the head near an eye, and occurs in short but frequent “clusters.”
- A migraine involves intense throbbing pain lasting from 4 hours to 3 days, often accompanied by light sensitivity, visual disturbances, nausea, or vomiting.
Although researchers are not exactly sure about the precise cause of migraines, they know it involves changes in blood flow to the brain due to constricting blood vessels. This constriction can cause visual disturbances, difficulty speaking, weakness, numbness, or tingling.
After this constriction, the blood vessels dilate and increase blood flow to the brain, which leads to the sharp headache portion of the migraine. Many sufferers also experience pre-symptoms (prodrome) such as irritability, muscle stiffness, yawning, and fatigue 12–24 hours before an episode.
Migraines can disrupt daily life significantly. Women are genetically predisposed to more migraines than men, and women over 30 are three times more likely to suffer from them. A study in Brain found that structural differences in the brain make women more sensitive to migraine pain.
During childhood, migraines are more common in boys, but after puberty and rising estrogen levels, girls become more likely to experience them. This has led researchers to believe that hormonal changes—such as those during menstruation—can trigger migraines.
Most migraine sufferers have a family history of migraines. According to the Cleveland Clinic, if both parents have migraines, a child has a 70% chance of developing them; if only one parent does, the risk is 25–50%.
What triggers a migraine?
Migraines can be triggered by foods, beverages, and environmental or lifestyle factors. Common triggers include alcohol, caffeine, certain fruits, MSG, dairy, and nitrate-containing meats. Skipping meals, stress, irregular sleep, sensory stimuli, and changes in elevation can also contribute.
Many treatments marketed as “migraine solutions” are simply general headache remedies, but migraines are so intense that people are more motivated to seek targeted relief.
How can migraines be addressed naturally?
Along with lifestyle changes and therapies like acupuncture or chiropractic care, many people turn to natural options such as 5-HTP, magnesium, feverfew, and butterbur. These have shown positive results in clinical trials and generally have fewer side effects than pharmaceuticals.
5-HTP is an amino acid and precursor to serotonin. A study in Polish Neurology and Neurosurgery suggests serotonin dysfunction may be linked to migraines. Research in European Neurology found that 5-HTP brought relief to 71% of patients with frequent migraines.
Magnesium deficiency is common among migraine sufferers. A review in the Journal of Clinical Neuroscience found that up to 50% of migraine patients are magnesium deficient during attacks. Research in The Journal of Head and Face Pain shows magnesium may help prevent menstrual-related migraines.
Butterbur has been shown in Current Treatment Options in Neurology to reduce migraine frequency and duration by supporting cranial blood flow.
Feverfew has long been used for headaches. A study in Cephalalgia found that feverfew supplementation reduced monthly migraines by 60%.
Ginger is another popular natural remedy. Some people also find relief with heat or ice packs, hot showers, or resting in a dark, quiet room.
Why not just use conventional migraine products?
Although aspirin, acetaminophen, and ibuprofen can help, overuse may worsen headaches. The University of Maryland Medical Center notes that excessive use of common headache medications can lead to “medication overuse headaches.”
Analgesics, triptans, ergotamines, opioids, and even caffeine can contribute to this problem, leading many people to seek gentler natural options.
Which specific supplements have shown promise?
Different people respond to different supplements, and these strategies work best preventatively. It’s wise to try one option for 3–4 months to evaluate effectiveness.
Because magnesium deficiency is common, many practitioners start with a high-quality magnesium supplement such as Vital Nutrients’ Triple Magnesium. A typical supportive amount is 400–500 mg per day.
If migraines persist, options include Pure Encapsulations’ 5-HTP, used in several clinical trials. Those interested in butterbur may consider Integrative Therapeutics’ Petadolex, which uses a patented toxin-removal process.
Vital Nutrients’ Feverfew and Pure Encapsulations’ Ginger Extract are additional options.
I hope this article helps you discover gentler, more natural ways to relieve the pounding pain associated with migraines and other headaches.
If you have any questions about the products or suggestions discussed here, or need help placing an order, our customer service team is available at (888) 460-3091 or by email at customerservice@oakwaynaturals.com.
Until next time, stay healthy!
Yours in health,
Dr. Gregg Gittins
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