Many migraine headache sufferers rely on both over-the-counter (OTC) and prescription painkillers to relieve pain. While migraines cause considerable suffering, it is important to seek out healthy, conservative pain management options and avoid drug use whenever possible.
There are a number of pain medications commonly used to treat migraine headache pain. These may include non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), triptans, anti-nausea drugs, butalbital combinations (a sedative combined with aspirin, acetaminophen, or caffeine), and opiates. Of these, at least three options (NSAIDs, opiates, and butalbital) are known to cause rebound headaches, a phenomenon in which the drug that brings relief may actually cause another headache. NSAIDs cause ulcers or gastrointestinal bleeding when used in the long term, while opiates are known for their additive properties.
Physicians who are specialists in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (Physiatrists) work by treating the cause of migraine headache pain, thereby reducing the need for medications. The treatment plans offered by the Physiatrists at Monmouth Pain and Rehabilitation focus on using the most conservative methods first. These might include physical therapy, chiropractic care, massage therapy, and acupuncture. When these options have been exhausted, and migraine headache pain persists, our Physiatrists may use Trigger Point Injections, which address the myofascial trigger points that often lead to migraine headache pain.
