Ever puzzled why folks with migraine usually put up images of themselves carrying a bizarre “hat” on their heads? The reality behind the “ice hat” is definitely one based mostly on science. In actual fact, two of essentially the most ceaselessly used “pure” therapies for migraine assaults are sizzling and/or chilly remedy. Also referred to as temperature remedy, making use of one thing sizzling or chilly to your head, neck, or shoulders can assist relieve migraine assault or headache dysfunction signs for some folks. The excellent news is that it’s cheap, drug-free, and can be utilized with or with out prescription drugs and medical units. Cold and hot remedy instruments will be actually useful choices to have in your migraine toolbox. So let’s dig a bit deeper!
The Science Behind Ice & Warmth Remedy for Migraine Aid
In response to science, there are numerous advantages to utilizing ice or warmth to assist scale back complications or migraine assault ache. Utilizing both might scale back not solely the severity of the assault, but in addition the period in some circumstances:
1. Ice Remedy for Migraine Assaults
Ice remedy for migraine constricts blood vessels, serving to to cut back irritation. It could possibly assist numb migraine ache and funky you down if you happen to expertise sweating or sizzling flashes throughout an assault. It could possibly additionally relieve sinus ache and strain.
There are other ways to use chilly remedy:
- A migraine hat
- An ice pack
- A chilly compress
- A chilly bathe
The migraine hat will be worn on the pinnacle or pulled down over the eyes or face. When pulled down, many migraine sufferers discover the cap’s compression, or comfortable feeling, comforting and even considerably pain-relieving by itself. The benefit of migraine hats is that they are often worn wherever, so long as you don’t thoughts folks asking you about it!
To alleviate ache you may also place a chilly compress or ice pack in your brow, over your eyes, or on the again of your neck. You possibly can even put it on the edges of your neck, focusing on the carotid arteries for extra aid. Bear in mind although: NEVER place ice instantly in your pores and skin as a result of it will possibly trigger injury.
2. Chilly Water Immersion
Dunking your self in a barrel of ice water is a brand new development within the remedy of complications, migraine, and different persistent circumstances. Athletes have used ice baths or chilly plunges for years to assist sore muscle mass and recuperate from exercises quicker. Some migraine sufferers dunk their faces in ice-cold water to alleviate ache. Lovers imagine that chilly water plunging improves psychological well being and sleep. Nonetheless, little proof exhibits chilly water immersion is an efficient remedy. In actual fact, the shivering attributable to doing this will worsen the ache of an assault for some folks! Earlier than you expose your physique to excessive temperatures, speak together with your physician to make sure that is secure based mostly in your present well being circumstances, and in addition know your individual physique!
3. Warmth Remedy for Migraine Assaults
Tight and tense muscle mass are intently related to migraine assaults and there’s a two-way relationship. Because of this tight neck and shoulder muscle mass can set off an assault, however assaults can also trigger these areas to get tight and painful. Usually there’s a vicious circle that’s arduous to interrupt! Warmth can assist break that circle and loosen up these muscle mass by growing blood stream. Warmth remedy can even assist maintain you heat if you happen to get the chills. Many individuals with migraine don’t prefer to really feel chilly throughout assaults! Methods to use warmth embody:
- Heating pad, wrap, or beanie bag
- A migraine hat (some can be utilized for warmth in addition to chilly)
- Electrical blanket
- Heat compress
- Scorching bathe
Observe: There is no such thing as a scientific proof that soaking your toes in sizzling water is an efficient migraine remedy. Listed here are few different “migraine hacks” or myths you will have heard of.
When & How Ought to I Use Chilly or Warmth Remedy?
You should utilize chilly remedy on the first signal of migraine signs. This can assist cease a migraine assault from worsening, lowering the quantity of acute drugs you want. Ice packs must be used for 15-20 minutes and eliminated for 15-20 minutes earlier than utilizing once more. You may also put a towel beneath your ice pack to keep away from feeling too chilly.
Use warmth remedy everytime you really feel muscle pressure or tightness. You possibly can apply warmth anytime throughout your assault to ease migraine signs or simply make your self extra snug. Comply with the identical 15-20 minute intervals for ice. Please don’t use something too sizzling or go to sleep with a heating pad to keep away from burns.
Which Remedy is Proper For You?
There are a number of components to think about when deciding if ice or warmth remedy are finest in your migraine assaults or different kinds of complications. This will depend on private desire, and varies broadly from individual to individual. In actual fact, some folks with migraine say ice or warmth could cause their signs to worsen. For example, if you happen to sweat throughout an assault, chances are you’ll not need to use warmth remedy. Then again, some folks will put ice on their heads and warmth on their shoulders to get the advantages of cold and hot remedy on the similar time.
Every migraine assault is totally different. Experimenting with each therapies might aid you discover optimum ache aid, or simply uncover whether or not or not these will be just right for you. Try our product overview web page to study our favourite non-pharmaceutical therapies!
Tell us!
Do you utilize temperature remedy to assist handle your migraine assaults? Do you like warmth remedy or chilly?
