Living with Migraines

In December 2017, I had what I thought was a headache that lasted almost two months. No medicine would help; nothing I did would make the pain disappear.

That is when my migraine journey started.

I visited several different specialists and ran every test under the book. I tried several other medications, and along the way, I've gathered a few tools and learned a few tricks, so living with migraines is a little easier. In this post, I'll talk about what I use and how I use them to help me with my migraines.

I deal with extreme light sensitivity. Once the aura phase passes, the best thing to do is lie in a dark room, especially with some ice or a hot pack. Different bodies react differently, so pick what works best for you! I have made lists of things that help me with my migraines, and I also created this amazon list with my favorite tools and items for migraineurs.

I love using this migraine cap. I put it in the freezer and use it whenever I need it.

You can pull this cap over your eyes and use it as an eye mask.

It can be very relaxing to have the ice near your eyes, and the cap helps it stay in positions where a regular ice pack could not, or it would be very inconvenient to hold in place.

There are several ways a person can use ice or heat to help with the pain. There are all sorts of products that exist now to make it easier.

Whether it be a face mask meant to cool off your whole face, an ice roller to use on tension spots, or even shawl-like products that cool down or heat your neck, shoulders, and back area.

Being able to use these can help relieve the tension in your neck and shoulders.

This helps with the pain as our whole body, and nervous system is connected.

Releasing the pressure in your neck and shoulders will help relieve the pain and help with blood flow.

If you don't have these available, you can use the things you have at home!

• Frozen veggies can be used as makeshift ice packs.

• Place spoons in the refrigerator or freezer, I leave some in there regularly. Whenever I have some pain, I use them and massage my temples or around my eyebrows, be careful with the sensitive skin around your eyes.

• A cold or warm shower can help relieve your neck and back tension. Depending on your migraine type, each will work differently.

• Place a towel in the dryer, which will warm it up slightly. Once it is warm, you can use this to wrap around your neck and shoulders.

Stretching has been shown to help with migraines. This can be seen in studies from the Migraine Institute. It helps by relieving migraine triggers like stress, tension, and muscle tightness, which can lead to pain.

Stretching regions such as the lower and upper back, shoulders, and neck can be the most beneficial. This back stretcher from amazon has been great in helping with lower back mobility.

The acupressure device helps relieve tension held in the hand.

You don't need any added things to help you stretch, they may be helpful but here are a few things you can do all on your own:

• Side Neck Stretch

  • Remember to keep your spine neutral — don’t lean forward or back. Relax your shoulders and arms, letting your arms hang naturally.

  • Lower your right ear toward the same shoulder. Extend your left arm toward the floor on the opposite side of your body and stretch your fingers out. Repeat on the other side.

• Chin Tuck

  • Pull your head and chin straight back until you feel a stretch at the top of your neck. Don’t bend your neck backwards or tip your chin up. Just pull straight back. (almost as if you were getting a double chin)

• Downward Dog

  • Form a loose A-frame with your body, place your hands about shoulder-width apart, with your knees about hip-width apart. Your spine should be neutral.

  • Lift your hips to straighten your legs, but don’t lock your knees.

  • As you do this, press your hands into your mat to lengthen your arms.

  • Think of putting your body into an A position. As you stretch, lengthen your spine and try to reach your heels toward the floor.

The massage machines are just a nice bonus. In addition to the cold and the heat, it can be helpful to have a massage to relieve the tension. Instead of massaging yourself, having the machine do it for you is relaxing. It is a little bit of a splurge but one I consider to be worth it.

The more I learn about migraines I find new tools and methods to help me cope with and relieve the pain. Of course, check with your doctors before you try anything more serious, and make sure your actions don't go against your plan.

However, keep in mind, and it can always be helpful to try something new if your current regimen isn't working.