Alternative Treatments

Alternative Treatments		For more information:
Magnesium Supplements Magnesium supplements have been shown to reduce the total number of migraines experienced. They do not reduce the severity or duration of migraine. Side effects include diarrhea and gastric upset. It is believed that Magnesium works by decreasing the response of the blood vessels to serotonin, and by decreasing the likelihood of cerebral vessel spasms, which is another cause of migraine. Low Fat Diet Reducing fat intake to less than 20 grams of fat per day results in a significant decrease in headache severity, duration and in total number of migraine attacks. A low fat diet seems to limit platelet aggregation, which changes the amount of serotonin in the blood. Feverfew Feverfew is a plant, and it is widely believed that taking extractions from feverfew prevent migraine. Studies have not been conclusive one way or the other. Feverfew should not be taken during pregnancy. Biofeedback Biofeedback is done by using relaxation techniques while monitoring your body's responses. Often, this is done by measuring the temperature of your hands. Biofeedback has been shown to reduce the need for medication by 90%, and is linked to an almost 50% decrease in headache onset. Chiropractic Spinal Manipulation There is limited evidence that chiropractic spinal manipulation can help to relieve migraine pain as well as that of other headaches. Due to the nature of chiropractic - a rapid movement of the bones of the neck and spine - it is important to find a reputable doctor of chiropractic who will evaluate each patient's needs and risks individually and direct you to the best treatment possible. There are many other alternative treatments. For more information, please check some of the additional resources to the right. Last updated April 3, 2003 by Shannon Mewha	Migraine Info	Migraine information at MEDline MAGNUM awareness group Migraine Trust - information and support International Headache Society Migraine Canada AboutHeadaches.com
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