How to Relieve Migraine Pain

Unlike tension headaches, migraine pain has the power to stop you in your tracks. While your doctor can help, you can also try to get some relief on your own and control your migraine before it controls you.

Acetaminophen (TYLENOL®):
An effective pain reliever, acetaminophen belongs to a class of drugs that is known to reduce pain and relieve fevers.¹ One key benefit of acetaminophen is that it doesn’t irritate the stomach.

Caffeine:
TYLENOL® Ultra Relief contains the trusted pain relief of TYLENOL® combined with caffeine to provide superior relief. Clinical studies have proven that an acetaminophen and caffeine combination relieves headache pain more effectively than acetaminophen alone.

Natural remedies to relieve migraines:
As an alternative solution to relieving your migraine pain, you can also try natural remedies. There are a number of herbal medicines that might be able to offer the relief you want.

For example, feverfew (a perennial plant belonging to the daisy family) is a popular herbal remedy that is used to prevent migraines. However, it will not relieve migraines once they have begun.²

Other tips and practices:
Lastly, there are several home-remedy treatments that can help alleviate your pain. Here are some ways you can find relief:

Lie down in a dark room. Migraines can worsen or be triggered with bright light and high volumes of noise.³ At the first sign of a migraine, relax in a dark and quiet place - and if possible, meditate, take a nap or at the very least, rest your eyes.

Massage the headache away. Massaging your temples is a great way to not only ease the pain, but to distract you from it as well.

Place your index fingers on each side of your temples. Apply steady pressure and hold your fingers in this position for 10-15 second durations. Massage the area in a circular motion until the pain starts to gradually disappear.

Why is this method effective? Massaging this area will release a chemical called, serotonin. Low serotonin levels are common among migraine sufferers.⁴

Apply a cool compress to the back of your neck. This is an effective way to decrease swelling, ease tension and numb the blood vessels surrounding your brain that is causing pain.⁵ To maintain your comfort level throughout this process, apply the compress for 15-20 minutes on and off.⁶

 

¹medicinenet.com/acetaminophen/article.htm

²migrainetrust.org/factsheet-feverfew-and-migraine-10904

³emedicinehealth.com/types_of_headache-health/article_em.htm

⁴achenet.org/resources/serotonin_and_headache/

⁵migraine.com/complimentary-and-alternative-therapies/cold-therapy/

⁶everydayhealth.com/columns/paging-dr-gupta/how-do-you-know-when-to-apply-heat-or-cold-to-relieve-pain/