Balancing Natural and Prescription Treatment

Managing migraine with natural methods is really appealing. It’s the opportunity to get relief without any potential side effects of medications – or the hassle of insurance coverage. That’s my ideal scenario – and maybe it’s yours too. But then there’s the reality of migraine: debilitating pain that sometimes even the strongest of medications can’t touch. Nothing is more frustrating that feeling like you’re out of options during a migraine attack.

That’s why for me, I find it’s the balance between natural and prescription treatments to be most effective in living with migraine. It’s not an either or. I believe it’s the combination of the two that gives us the best chances of reducing the frequency and the intensity of the migraine attacks.

What natural prevention methods have I tried?

Migraine started in elementary school for me – back in the 80s – so there were limited options available, and there was a level of hesitation of what medications would be appropriate for me given my age. That played a big factor in my search to manage migraine as naturally as possible.

What have I tried through the years?

Over the years, I’ve tried all the things – or at least that how it feels! I’ve tried the elimination diet, acupuncture, acupressure, chiropractic care, cranial sacral therapy, specialized pillows, herbs, supplements, cupping, massage, essential oils, yoga, meditation, and countless other treatments.

Did natural treatments work for my migraine?

Did they help?

Yes. Some more than others, but yes, these tools definitely helped to reduce the frequency and intensity of migraine attacks. Of course, the fewer migraine attacks you get, the less likely you are to get another. So that created positive momentum for me.

Which ones worked best for me?

Personally, I’ve found diet changes to be the most effective for me. There are certain foods – chocolate, caffeine, nuts and any artificial sweeteners or coloring - that I know without a doubt, if I consume them, I’ll end up with a migraine attack. So, they’ve lost their appeal. The momentary pleasure of eating these foods is not worth the debilitating pain that follows.

I’ve also found bodywork to be a key component to managing tension that can trigger an attack. This is certainly not a one-time event, to be effective, it has to be something that is maintain over a period of time. I typically range from monthly to quarterly appointments.

These are great tools for prevention.

What prescriptions have I used?

Now, let’s keep it real, those strategies are all well and good, until a full-blown attack comes on. That’s when I am grateful for conventional medicine. The sooner we can treat an attack, the more likely it is to effectively break it. That is where conventional medicine shines and natural options tend to fall short.

I’ll still diffuse my lavender essential oils, take the ginger chews, and keep a constant rotation of cold packs on my head, but that’s really only to help me feel more comfortable and to “cut the edge” of the attack.

I need the medications to get real relief from the pain – and sometimes to manage the nausea and vomiting too. One medication is not necessarily better than another, it’s such a personalized approach here that will be most effective.

Now I’m curious to know, do you find one strategy (natural or conventional) to be most effective for you, or is it the combination that brings you the best short-term and long-term relief? Share below so we can learn from you too!