Migraines can be debilitating. Especially if they start in the morning or while you're at work. It will throw off your entire day! Sometimes, your migraine might get so severe that you have to call out of work or cancel the plans you've been looking forward to. That's the worst! While going to a chiropractor or getting a massage is a great solution, sometimes that's not always an option. 

Here are a few steps you can take to alleviate your migraine eliminate that intense pain from the comfort of your home.

1. Use a heating pad or warm towel. 

Putting something warm on the back of your neck can help increase blood flow to that area, and often times migraines are caused by pressure built up in the blood vessels. Lay on your back and put a heating pad (not too hot!) behind your neck. If you don't have a heating pad, warm up a towel, roll it up, and put it behind your neck as you lay on your back. This will help with the curve in your neck and alleviate neck pain and neck tension as well.

2. Get rid of any pressure on your head or neck.

This means take out your ponytail, remove any headbands, change any clothes that may be heavy and causing tension on your head or neck. Avoid wearing headphones, and especially avoid looking down at your phone or a screen. Looking down will cause additional pressure on your head and neck. In  rare instances, a head full of too much heavy hair can also contribute to a migraine, so take that into consideration as well.

3. Drink some caffeine, like green tea or coffee.

As mentioned above, migraines are often caused by vascular pressure. Caffeine acts as a vasodilator, which means it naturally opens up the blood vessels to allow more blood flow. Drinking a natural source of caffeine like organic green tea, or organic black coffee without any added cream or sugar. It's very important to get a clean, organic brand of coffee without additives or toxins. 

4. Lay in a warm bath with the lights off.

Fill up your bathtub with warm water, turn the lights down, and relax. This is an easy way to allow your head and neck muscles to relax, and to increase blood flow. Lay in the tub for 15-30 minutes. Another option is to check out a local float tank. Float tanks are very relaxing and meditative. You climb into an enclosed tub full of salt water that you can float in, so you are able to let go of all of your muscles and have your body float. It's extremely peaceful and relaxing and allows the muscles in your head and neck to calm down. It also helps increase blood flow, so you are alleviating your migraine through multiple factors.

If you are suffering from migraines, these steps above can help relieve the pain temporarily. If you are ready for a more long-term solution for your migraines, getting your neck in proper alignment can help. As mentioned, migraines are often caused by a vascular issue, and seeing an upper cervical chiropractor can help improve blood flow naturally and gently. At Performance Chiropractic, we don't do any twisting, cracking, or popping. We are highly skilled chiropractors who focus on the alignment of your spine so that your body can function properly.

if you are interested in learning more about how we can help you regain your life from migraines and heal naturally without drugs or surgery, please give us a call for a complimentary consultation. 303-425-4444.