Friends, do you have any non-medicine things that help with headaches and migraines? Anything, please! At this point if you told me to start sleeping like a hanging bat I’d do it 🦇

Question

Alexa Stevenson · Answer

ONLYCARE Migraine Relief Cap: I love this thing for migraines but also when I can’t fall asleep

Jamie · Answer

Figure Out Your Personal  Migraine Triggers: For me, things like inversions in yoga, holding my hands above my head, not eating consistently (we’re talking every couple hours minimum except when sleeping), drinking alcohol in any quantity, strobe lights. All things I was once able to do/endure without any issue, but now are quite sure to give me a migraine! These and other triggers ebb and flow over time but IDing these trends (app tracking or a journal might help) has really allowed me to avoid getting myself into a migraine doom loop in the first place.

Jamie · Answer

Axon Optics Glasses: These are not cheap but they are life changing. When I was in the deepest depths of my chronic migraines and constant light sensitivity before I got on Ajovy (genuine love of my life greatest medication ever invented TALK TO YOUR DOCTOR), these were the only thing that consistently worked preventatively and eased the pain of an ongoing migraine. I still keep them with me all the time and use them occasionally when I get really light sensitive. I believe they’re FSA/HSA eligible!

KDWhitePang · Answer

Walgreens gel pack with flannel covers that I sew: The flannel is soft and protects the skin. The gel pack is flexible and conforms to the contours of my right forehead and eye. I keep several in the freezer and rotate them. Also, hot showers! And if you have occipital nerve pain, heat is good.

Sarah · Answer

Don’t Shoot the Second Arrow: This Buddhist concept is my most essential emotional first aid tool, we remind each other of it a lot in my family. When I’m struggling with hard things (illness, pain, a life setback, etc) it almost always helps. Basically the first arrow is the actual situation: the migraine, the work drama, the fender bender, the toddler tantrum. You can’t control that. The second arrow is optional though— it’s your self blame and emotional turbulence about the situation. Often the second arrow actually hurts more, so when you can remember not to shoot it, it’s a game changer. 💜

Sarah · Answer

Make yourself a little migraine emergency kit.: Peppermint tea, an ice hat, rosemary essential oil for hot baths, and this neck/shoulder massage thingy. Put it in a cute special bag with a note reminding yourself that rest is not a luxury (that is the hardest part!) I also take meds and eat bland toast, it all works together to take the edge off a little bit.

Andrea · Answer

There is a diet to support people who suffer from migraines❤️: The Dizzy Cook is a great resource (called “dizzy cook” bc her migraines were vestibular). I know it can seem overwhelming, especially at first - having to pay attention to ingredient labels so carefully, and it takes a while (like weeks - a few months) of really sticking with it to feel the impact… it’s just like a toolbox you could open up if and when you feel ready to. Sharing with the hope that ultimately, learning what ingredients support your body & which are better to stay away from feels empowering, and that if you choose to try it, it has a big impact for you. ❤️

Soph · Answer

Tell me about your pain podcast: Somehow listening to this helped me reinvent how pain shows up in my life. The hosts lived with 10/10 pain every day for years, and they interview people with chronic pain and sometimes, literally while they’re talking, the person’s pain starts to go away when they practice some exercises?? Wild to listen to. I listened on Spotify.

Vera · Answer

Curable app: Real talk, it really does work. I know it seems like BS but if you’re even a little curious give it a try. I used to have migraines almost every day and now it’s only once or twice a month!

When I was in the midst of daily head pain my go tos were: Zevia ginger ale, rice cakes or Cheetos, chewable ginger gravol, a couple extra strength Tylenols, Saje headache remedies, and if all else failed an Ativan and a nap 😴

Julia · Answer

The Eggplant: Or as it’s actually known, the Magic Gel Migraine Ice Head Wrap. I learned about this baby in a NY Mag write-up in 2020. Will it get rid of your migraine? Ha ha no please take drugs. But! The cold temperature and gentle pressure feels amazing and wraps around your whole head, whether your brain pain is in your temples or the base of your skull. Bonus: this is nice to have in the freezer during a heat wave.

Kate · Answer

Diet Coke and fries for bad headaches: This sounds so silly but it worked for me when I was really struggling with headaches. The link is for the article.

AMB · Answer

Migrastil Migraine Stick Headache Relief Roll-on: This helps me with some types of headaches. I do use it along with medicine, but I think the oils smell nice and it kinda has a cool tingling sensation (almost like Icy Hot). Just be careful not to get it in your eyes

Spines, Flicks, and Wax · Answer

Tropic Pac Moist Heat Packs: I've found relief from moist heat (with some light pressure around the area, if tolerable) and a warm shower, aiming the water around affected sinuses in the area ❤️

Cate Pileggi · Answer

Migraine Relief Meditation: Helps to distract from the pain of the migraine through breathwork, energy healing, and mind body focus techniques. It often helps me fall asleep.

JV · Answer

Using LI-4 for Minor Headaches: I love this simple hand thing. Massage the webbed area between your thumb and index finger. Gently! If the tension is on the left, massage the right hand, if the right, massage the left. Helpful for anxiety too—definitely chills me out in the backseat of a Tesla lol—and generally takes the edge off before I’m able to drink water/take an Advil!

Dylan · Answer

Sinus Drainage & Headache Relief Exercises: huge

AMB · Answer

TheraICE Headache Hat for Migraine Relief: This feels like a brain freeze (so it’s a bit shocking at first and high key distracts you from your headache pain for a bit). But in a werid way it feels good. There are other cooling eye masks that look like superhero masks (with the eyes cutout) that may be useful to wear as you write the paper because you can still see out of it

Rob · Answer

B2 with Magnesium: my relative who had migraines rec’d this to me when i was having cluster headaches for months and it fortunately worked for me.

morgan baskin · Answer

saje peppermint halo: love this for headaches. likely not going to make a significant difference for a migraine but a nice tool in conjunction with other tools.

m's gems · Answer

The CranioCradle: My headaches hate to see this coming. It doesn't always fully resolve a bad migraine, but it gently relieves some of the tension.

Clara · Answer

Himalaya Botanique Warming Body Balm: I use this stuff so much, especially for migraine relief (massage into my temples, etc.) and sinus issues. It is very similar to Tiger Balm but comes in a much larger container, and I personally just really like the Himalaya brand.

Clara · Answer

Menthol inhalers: Bit of a deep cut, but I use these constantly (get chronic migraine headaches), and I find them really useful for flights even if I’m not dealing with pain. Almost like aromatherapy on steroids? I like that they’re discreet to use and then easy to tuck away (they’re the size of a Chapstick). There are other brands, too, but I’ve had good experience with the Boom Boom mint varieties.

Clara · Answer

TheraICE wraps: I just have the migraine wrap, but I would imagine all of them are equally excellent. I store in the freezer so it can be cold anytime I want it, then I’ll microwave as needed.

Clara · Answer

Salonpas menthol patches: Rx lidocaine patches are amazing, too.

Clara · Answer

CEFALY device: My neurologist recommended this and it has been hugely helpful. You can use it preventatively on a daily basis, though I just do it when I’m in the midst of a bad headache.

Brian Moore · Answer

Vitamin D, Riboflavin, and Magnesium: Doctor said to try these and I’ve found them to help— don’t know which one though since I started taking all at the same time!