(Part 2) Top products from r/migraine

Not a migraineur but my wife is. She suffers from chronic migraine and has some level of headache pain 24/7, with it developing into attacks ~3 times a week. This has been like this for years - it's been rough, as I'm sure I don't have to tell you.

It sounds like you are already well down the path of using the best techniques that the medical world has come up with to tackle migraines. Good luck with this! I've pretty much given up on looking online for medical advice (which I realize is not what you were asking for) - it seems for every form of medication available there are a thousand stories of it working miracles, and a thousand stories of it doing nothing at all. If you find something that works, awesome. My wife tried topimax and botox, and we think they were marginally helpful, but the difference was small enough it was hard to say. As a result she still continued to pop her triptans like candy. This past new years / christmas holiday was particularly bad, and it really made us go back to the drawing board and reexamine our migraine approach, as it was clear that life this way is just not sustainable. I'm sure you know the feeling. We were considering aimovig and that class of new drugs, but in our research stumbled upon this book The Migraine Miracle by Josh Turknett. The author is a neurologist who allegedly suffers with migraines himself, and he lays out the case that migraines have their root causes in our diet, and argues that longterm use of abortive medications like triptans cause rebound headaches. Believe me, I know that the idea that just eating differently and going off meds sounds too good to be true (and I really do dislike the book's title - such a lofty promise to print on the front cover), and honestly I'm not sure his method works quite as well as he claims, but I still HIGHLY recommend reading this book and following it up with his blog posts. I also highly recommend making your loved ones read the book - I learned more about the science of migraines and what it's like to suffer from them than I have from any other one source.

For the past 3 months my wife has been on the diet and has gone off all medication, including triptans and NSAIDs. She's improving, slowly but surely - her attacks are less violent and shorter, and slightly less frequent. She still suffers from more or less constant head pain on some level, which we (& Turknett) believe is the rebound headaches, and we expect to see that disappear after six months of being medication-free.

I'm not saying this book will cure you - for us, the jury is still out on whether it's actually the 'miracle' it promises, but there's not doubt we've seen some improvement by following its recommendations. Clearly there are people who respond very well to botox, topimax, the occasional triptan use, and other medicines. We are envious! This book has been absolute paradigm shift for us, and has sent us down a treatment path that so far has been at least as effective as the medication we've been on, and promises to deliver much more. It's not a quick fix and it's definitely not easy, but if you're not making progress with the expensive medications then I HIGHLY recommend reading the book and seeing what you think of it.

Good luck!

To answer your original question, here is my daily routine:

1. Right when I wake up, before doing anything else I take a B multivitamin. This is really helpful for energy, and seems protective against migraine.
   
   
2. About an hour later, before heading to work, I then take a 250mg time released B2, which has been shown in many studies to help protect against migraine (https://www.amazon.com/Vitamin-Release-Natures-Plus-Sustained/dp/B00028MQXO/).
   
   
3. Some people might take Coenzyme Q10/Magnesium at this point as well, there is some evidence they help. If I feel low energy I will sometimes do this, but not consistently. Probably not advisable. Not sure frankly. But I do know that CoQ helps me with energy levels.
   
   
4. Around 3-4pm the B2 starts to wear off and my energy level drops, so I take another time-release 250mg B2 between 3-3:30pm.
   
   
   But other things that are key are sleep hygiene, drinking lots of water, eating regularly (skipping meals is a surefire trigger for me), and getting regular fairly intense exercise. For instance this study suggests exercise is extremely beneficial protector against migraine (http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3236524/).
   
   Unfortunately I still have to take preventative, but it sounds like you do not, so I hope some of this stuff helps! I had a female friend who was in a similar situation and once she got on BC that completely stopped her periods, her menstrual migraines completely went away. She was so happy. I was so jealous. :)
   
   I would be very wary of herbal remedies like feverfew because they are not well understood and they could contain nsaids which can facilitate transition to chronic migraine when used more than 10x a month (when used just once a week they actually seem to protect against the transition to chronic migraine, so it is complicated: use alleve 1x a week, but if you are taking it 2 or more times a week you are courting the transition to chronic migraine). Papers available upon request... lol
   
   Oh, and please let us know, in a month or two, how you are, and what you ended up doing. :)

Thanks! :) That's a really good idea to wait until you are ready as mindset and intention matter quite a bit.

General Information:

/r/Ayahuasca

-http://forums.ayahuasca.com/

-good forum with general knowledge

-https://www.dmt-nexus.me/forum/
while it's mostly dmt centered, this is probably the best entheogen community online. Has some good writeups on Ayahuasca and DMT visuals are often pretty similar to Ayahuasca since it's the same chemical in most brews(n,n dmt). Breakthrough visuals are much more common on DMT but healing is rarer in my experience.

https://ayaadvisors.org/

Great review site for retreat centers. There are more in the US, especially if you look around.

Books:

The Cosmic Serpent

The Ayahuasca Test Pilot's Handbook

As for posts, this one from dmt nexus is a good primer:

https://www.dmt-nexus.me/forum/default.aspx?g=posts&t=8972


Hopefully that's enough to at least get the ball rolling. Feel free to reach out if you have any questions!

Since everyone else seems to have covered the medical aspects of migraine help, might I suggest getting her something like this? You'll want to make sure it's able to be used for warm and cold water, though, since a good portion of the ones on Amazon and elsewhere are only for cold water. The one I have is honestly the best investment I ever made for my migraines. It's lightweight (which was a major problem with hot water bottles; the warmth helped, but the /weight/ of them on my face was painful), it conforms to wherever it's held against (so, like, it'll smoosh against everywhere on her face if her migraines are like mine and hit in the glasses/mask region), and it's flexible for whatever helps alleviate the pain (so if cold helps, she can fill it with ice, but the warmth aspect helps mine the best). If you or she does get one, though, you'll want to make sure that you don't use too hot of water in it, because 1) it's painful against the skin (since it's just a thin rubber-like bag), and 2) it can actually make the bag leak/burst, which would be even more painful. Hot tap water works just fine, with the added bonus of her not needing to stand around waiting for water to heat in the microwave/on the stove/in the kettle, y'know?

Yup. If my neck is in the wrong position I can get a kink or spasm in it when I wake up which turns into the tension headache from hell and sometimes turns into a migraine.

So what can you do? A lot.

• Look up McKenzie therapy. There are books and videos. YouTube has several McKenzie stretches for the neck.
  
  
• Posture is super important. Standing, sitting and lying down. The McKenzie books cover this. There are also YouTube videos on it. You can improve your posture with lumbar supports and neck rolls. You want to watch your posture 24x7, not just when sleeping. This also applies when you're on the computer or on your phone or reading. Driving is another one where we tend to slump and jut our head out at an abnormal angle. A lumbar support will help.
  
  
• Exercise is important. You want to stretch and strengthen your neck, but gently! So again, there are lots of videos and there are some good books. One book I like is this one. Prior to exercising you can warm up your neck with a hot pack or heating pad.
  
  
• When you feel up to it weight training with dumbbells can help your neck. So any exercises for neck and shoulders. Start with light weights and low reps but build up. Your muscles are probably weak and don't have a lot of endurance and this leads to pain. Weights will fix that.
  
  
• Yoga can be helpful but there are a lot of poses you should avoid. Inversions can be very hard on your neck. But there are other moves you can do.
  
  
• Physical therapy can help a lot.
  
  
• Deep tissue massage is also useful. In my case it broke up a lot of scar tissue.
  
  
• Muscle relaxers can be very helpful for pain and spasming.
  
  
• There are lots of cervical pillows. The problem is that this is very individual. Something that is lovely for me is hell for someone else, and vice versa. I have a contoured Tempur-pedic sized for my height, but it's not working for me anymore. I recently got a Tri-Core pillow and it's pretty good. I also have a Jordan neck roll and a McKenzie neck roll. I also have a sleeping wedge which can be placed vertically for sitting up in bed. That with the Tri-Core makes for a very comfortable reading in bed position. Depending on how my neck feels determines which pillow I sleep with. Sometimes I switch pillows in the middle of the night. Memory foam can be very comfortable but because it is temperature sensitive it's too hard in winter and too soft in summer.

Hey! Have you tried any of the preventatives that people tend to recommend here: Magnesium, Riboflavin, Coq10? I've been taking magnesium and coq10 steadily for a few months. The frequency of my migraines hasn't really diminished, but the severity definitely has. I can now be a functional member of society while having a migraine...if I have to.

I know how awful it is. I also know how misunderstood it is. I try to keep friends around me who understand. Those who don't I just have to remind myself, "This is really about them and not me." If a friend thinks I'm flaky because I cancel plans due to a migraine, I let them think that.

As for jobs...have you considered going into something where you can freelance or set your own hours? That's what I do. It helps me feel more normal. Most of my friends are graphic designers or web designers, and they tend to have more sympathy than my friends who have 9-5 desk jobs.

And as for hormones. I get both hormonal migraines and wtf-whenever-migraines. Are you on birth control? I stopped taking hormonal bc years ago to work on balancing my hormones on my own. This book has been amazing. Over the course of a year, it helped me identify a hormone problem that is causing at least some of my migraines.

That's all I've got. Don't let the bastards grind you down.

If you are talking about your migraines triggering extreme feelings of isolation, I can't say I have that particular symptom, but I have gotten euphoria and extreme feelings of wellbeing for 10-30 minutes before I detect a visual aura.

Migraines can manifest in different ways in different people, at different points in their life. Oliver Sacks wrote a book on the subject. It's a fascinating read, and I recommend it to anyone who asks about migraines.

TENS 7000. Amazon. $26.

I love it.

I'd also purchase these pads. Amazon. Ebay.

And I like using electrode gel for a better attachment. Amazon.

I highly recommend reading The Migraine Miracle or checking out the My Migraine Miracle website. Dr. Turknett talks about keto diets, but it's more than just that. If you aren't dealing with other issues (rebound headaches, medication overuse, etc), it won't help. I just read the book and am part of a group on Facebook, and there's been many people who've had success with this.

Edit: words

Sure, I actually use a roller and a regular oil container (not really a dropper, not sure what to call it?).

The roller scent is peppermint plus lavender and some other stuff (I think)-it's a bit sweeter smelling and could pass for perfume or lotion, so it's my first choice, just so people around me don't start asking questions (I don't like when people know I have a migraine if I can avoid it).

If the roller fails or just isn't strong enough, then I go to the straight peppermint oil. Just dab on neck/chest. I keep a bottle in my purse, my desk drawer and at home. Warning: this will cause a pretty intense "icy hot" like sensation at the point of application. A little goes a long way.

Roller here

Straight peppermint oil here

Edit: looks like the peppermint oil link grabbed the whole page. This is the one I use.

Edit 2: I will also add that I have found some citrus oils (specifically grapefruit and lemon oils) to be helpful as a "reset". However, these would not be my first recommendation because they are not as effective, and can actually trigger migraines in some people. But if peppermint or lavender don't work, you might get those.

Yay! I'm so happy to find someone I can help with this! Here's what I use - http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00028MKRQ.

You can do what I said above or use an oil diffuser by your bed when you lie down.

I don't know what was in Head On, but have you ever tried Tiger Balm? Or Origins Peace of Mind?

I have had sun sensitivity since I was a kid. Just going outside without sunglasses gives me a headache.

Cheap black safety glasses.

My husband gets them from his work for me, but these are pretty close. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0006PJHM6/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_njreAb510KAKM

https://www.amazon.com/Headache-Migraine-Relief-Cap-comfortable/dp/B07DG2Z1NH/ref=mp_s_a_1_1_sspa?keywords=migraine+hat&pd_rd_r=94763c2b-d0fd-4279-bbb4-37828292cc17&pd_rd_w=iUYAr&pd_rd_wg=6msEA&pf_rd_p=801e52f8-2f92-4121-a10a-a677634e995d&pf_rd_r=6STY39E8F69YBABN221J&qid=1565239261&s=gateway&sr=8-1-spons&psc=1

I have a bunch on my wishlist, but I just found this one. I also like an ice pack in the back as well!

These help me a lot!
Migraine Headache Glasses:... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B004XLVZQ0?ref=yo_pop_ma_swf

I prefer those to this other pair I've tried:
(These didn't help me at all)
Classic TheraSpecs Migraine... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00F8QIKF8?ref=yo_pop_ma_swf

Hope this helps!

I agree... something might be messing with the vestibular system. Sinus problems could do it. Or might be a blood pressure issue instead.
You probably need to see a doctor.

also, if you dont mind, I've got a few ideas on making those chores more tolerable. you could get a plastic tub to set on the counter and keep dirty dishes in. When you're ready to load the dish washer, grab a step stool, set your tub on the ground, and sit by the dishwasher. (same could be done in reverse with clean dishes. load, move to counter, sort.)
as for picking stuff up, one of those grabber sticks could probably cut down on a fair amount of bending. Getting a basket and sitting down to pick up localized messes might also work. (if you want to get your older kids to clean up after themselves better, you could always do something like 'what goes in the basket goes a way for a week')

If people really pay attention, you can tell if someone is having a migraine. People who know me well have often said they can tell there's been a "change" and, knowing about my migraines, assume that's the cause. My mom could tell my dad would have a migraine or cluster attack before his headaches happened just by looking at him.

I'm trying alternative therapies like essential oils and magnesium supplements. One gal I know rubbed a blended essential oil on my head during a migraine attack. Within 4 hours, it was reduced by 1/2 and eventually went away without me using meds. I've also been reading books like The Magnesium Solution for Migraine Headaches I'm ordering the essential oil to see if I can repeat success or if it was just a fluke.

So glad you're getting relief!

Cefaly has two kinds of pads: sensitive skin and normal. I have extremely sensitive skin, but I can tolerate the normal ones. The adhesive on the normal ones lasts much longer than the sensitive skin ones.

https://www.amazon.com/Spectra-PAR12-02-Parker-Laboratories-Electrode/dp/B00AMGUZ70/ref=sxts_sxwds-bia?keywords=electrode+gel&pd_rd_i=B00AMGUZ70&pd_rd_r=427264b0-0b38-4d64-88a7-4d70c271165f&pd_rd_w=4suD7&pd_rd_wg=ocpeO&pf_rd_p=fa9c8d46-49c0-42f7-8c84-f27f6d48cc96&pf_rd_r=JEWR5SC5XZG631RGYAFK&qid=1555285227&s=gateway

I bought this from Amazon. When the adhesive gets dull I apply very sparingly and it refreshes it.

Ask your doctor if they have samples of the pads. My doctor gives me samples pretty much every visit and I haven't had to buy more in years.

this is the one I use, and it’s worked great for me

• Liquid magnesium gluconate: link
  
  
• feverfew tincture: link
  
• liquid vitamin B2: link
  
• Liquid CoQ10: link

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07V814ZK5/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_eicwDbDPCR0RS

This is the one I use because I'll often need to work through migraines and have to not have it covering my eyes like many types do.

I invested in an ice bag, and then pin a cloth diaper onto it. Really much colder than normal ice packs, and lasts forever. 10/10, would recommend.

I think the theraspecs are FL-41.

Edit: confirmed they are: https://www.theraspecs.com/fl-41-glasses/

Btw you can get a non-prescription pair of theraspecs for $100 on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00F8QIKF8/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_fIt9Bb0Y7DTHY

Dr. Gabor Maté’s book “When the Body Says No” talks about the link between trauma (particularly abuse - emotional or physical) and migraines and IBS and I was FLOORED. I suffer from both and am also in the boat of thinking my childhood wasn’t that bad. In reality, I suppose I didn’t recognize how greatly my family’s issues and struggles affected me and I’ve likely buried some memories so deep down that I don’t remember them super clearly. Sometimes I worry that something worse happened and I blocked the memory.

The enneagram and Boundaries have helped me slowly start to identify my personal weaknesses and needs. Still have migraines and IBS though so maybe therapy is in order too!

Edit: The Boundaries book is super Christian but that’s how I was raised (maybe that was the trauma, haha) so it explains a lot for me.