Controlling the Pain without Medication

One of the simplest and most effective ways of cutting down on migraine attacks is to avoid the things that set off, or trigger, attacks. But while some triggers may almost always lead to an attack - you may already know a few of your own - others may not bring on an attack every time. Sometimes, the right combination of factors might start an attack.

Regardless of your special situation, spending the time to figure out the less obvious triggers can really pay off. Changing your diet, for instance, can help. Some find that eliminating or cutting back on red wine, chocolate, or aged cheeses works. Stress can also be a powerful headache trigger, so try to avoid overly stressful situations whenever possible. Too little or too much sleep can increase the chances that stress will get to you, so try to maintain a regular sleep schedule. Go to bed and get up at the same time every day, including weekends. If you're still sleepy, you can always go back to bed later. Try biofeedback. By controlling certain electrical signals within your body you can begin to control certain functions, such as body temperature, heart rate, and blood pressure, that are normally controlled subconsciously.

If you pay close attention to your body, you can identify your own set of migraine triggers within several months. Once your personal list is compiled, you'll probably find that the time and effort spent in putting it together was a small price to pay for a lifetime with fewer migraine attacks. Click here for a list of common migraine triggers.