Can Migraine Be Controlled with Exercises?

Yes, Migraine headaches can be controlled successfully with exercises. Below we have discussed some exercising forms that can help in managing migraine attacks:

Gentle cardiovascular workouts:

You can get involved in cardiovascular activities like swimming, cycling or walking. Performing these activities regularly will decrease severity of the migraine headaches. These workouts will promote production of endorphins and thus helps in reducing migraine pain.  However make sure that you use these exercises only as preventive measures. Migraine pain can worsen due to physical activities; so never exercise when you are anticipating a migraine attack and experiencing related symptoms.

Meditation: 

 

As meditation does not involve physical movements, it is regarded as a perfect exercise for migraine relief. According to the experts, meditating during migraine attacks can reduce the pain effectively. The patient will need to sit in an upright position in a dark and quiet room and attempt to calm down his mind. There are several techniques of meditation that you can follow; consult an expert for suggestion on the most effective techniques.

Neck stretch:

This exercise can be done even when the migraine pain is at its peak. Neck stretching generally starts with 5 to 10 repetition of neck stretches, both in the forward and backward direction. This should be followed by gentle neck stretches on the left and right side; one should perform 5 to 10 repetitions of these side stretches. If you are doing the stretches in the right manner, you will feel it along your entire neck. Once the stretches are done, you will have to perform 5 to 10 repetitions of head rotations, from left to right.

Yoga:

You can also perform yoga. Yoga reduces migraine pain by relaxing the mind of the patient and relieving sensory overload. There are several yoga poses that can be done for getting rid of migraine pain; you can perform the easy mountain pose or the comparatively complex triangle pose. Remember, yoga asanas should never be done during rigorous migraine pain; they should be performed as the initial signs of migraine appears.


Disclaimer: The information provided here is not intended to diagnose, treat or provide a second opinion on any health problem or disease. It is meant to support, not replace, the relationship that exists between an individual and his/her clinician.