8 Short and Long Term Remedies for Moms Who Suffer Migraines

A migraine can feel like the final straw on an already full plate. It arrives regardless of school runs, extracurriculars, business meetings, deadlines or dinner plans — sometimes without a warning. Your head is pounding, the light is hurting, but you still have people depending on you. Thankfully, relief is available, and there are ways to manage both the pain and its frequency over time.

Short-Term Migraine Remedies for Busy Moms

Most migraines go away on their own within 72 hours, but as a mom, you don’t always have the luxury of waiting them out. Below are four short-term remedies that can provide quick relief to help you get through the day.

1. Cold Compress

Place an ice pack or cold cloth on your forehead, temples, the back of your neck or any location you feel pain during a migraine attack. The cold can ease your pain immediately, which is helpful if you’re short on time. Consider keeping a reusable cold pack in the freezer or buying a cold-gel headband, so it’s ready when you need it.

2. Dark Glasses and Earplugs

Light and sound can be your worst enemies during a migraine. Research shows that 75.4% of people with migraines experience light sensitivity, and 76.5% have sound sensitivity. Ideally, you may want to go to a dark and calm room to reduce discomfort, but that’s not always realistic for moms. The best alternative is to wear dark glasses to block harsh lighting both indoors and outdoors. Earplugs or noise-canceling headphones can soften loud sounds and make it easier to get through the day.

3. Hydration

Hydration and migraines have a two-way relationship. Dehydration can trigger migraines, but migraines can also cause dehydration due to nausea or vomiting. It’s always a good idea to keep a reusable bottle with you throughout the day or set reminders to stay hydrated. During an attack, sip water slowly. Adding electrolytes can also be helpful if you’ve been sweating or vomiting.

4. Over-the-Counter Pain Reliever

You can take an over-the-counter pain reliever at the first sign of a migraine to help reduce pain. Among the most common choices is ibuprofen at 400 milligrams, but naproxen and aspirin may also work well. However, it’s important not to rely on pain medication too often, as overuse can actually cause more headaches. If you find yourself reaching for medication more than a couple of times a week, it might be time to check in with your doctor.

Long-Term Migraine Remedies That Help Reduce Attacks

If your migraines happen often or regularly derail your days, then you may consider long-term remedies to help reduce how frequently they show up and how intense they feel.

1. Botox Injection

Facial wrinkles aren’t the only things Botox can reduce. Doctors also recommend it for migraine if you experience attacks on 15 or more days each month. The treatment involves injections into muscles across the forehead, scalp, neck and shoulders to calm highly active nerves and block pain signals before they reach your brain. For many people, it can improve daily functioning and reduce reliance on medications.

2. Acupuncture

If nothing seems to work for your migraines, acupuncture may be worth exploring. This ancient Chinese medicine may reduce headache days and lead to shorter, less intense migraines. Some recommendations suggest 16 sessions over one and a half to two months, at a frequency of three times per week, for the best results.

3. Preventive Medication

Pain relievers can ease symptoms during an attack. However, if you experience four or more migraines per month or headaches that interfere with daily activities, preventive medication may be an option. You can take these medications regularly to reduce how often migraines happen and how severe they are. Most of these medications were initially developed for other conditions, such as high blood pressure or epilepsy. Topiramate and divalproex sodium are FDA-approved options, but your doctor can help determine what’s right for you.

4. Lifestyle Changes

Sometimes, you’re too busy taking care of other people that you forget to take care of yourself. This can contribute to migraines. Try to improve your sleep routines, eat healthier meals and exercise regularly to reduce migraine frequency and intensity.

Finding What Works for You

Remember that there’s no single solution that works for every migraine or every mom. It’s essential to be patient with yourself, keep track of patterns and don’t hesitate to ask for medical guidance. You deserve relief, rest and the ability to show up for your life without constant pain getting in the way.