migraine heat/cold

[stanford.designer]

Hi,
I don't have much info on this client until I call her back but had a question before I do. She says she has had a migraine for 3 days and the doctor recomended massage. I've read the threads here but none reference if heat/cool applied to the neck area would be a good or a bad thing. She asked in the message....sorry I don't have more info..
Thanks, Karen

 

[Jessica F]

Simplybee,
I believe that cold is the "traditional" way to treat it. You may be able to find more information here:
Oxford Journals - Evidence based Complimentary and Alternative Medicine
Cold Therapy in Migraine Patients: Open label, Non-controlled, pilot study
http://ecam.oxfordjournals.org/cgi/content/abstract/3/4/489

Also from WomensHealth.gov, this is a nice quote:

http://www.4woman.gov/faq/migraine.htm#15

"How can I treat a migraine at home?

Work with your doctor to come up with a home treatment plan to manage your headaches. Sometimes, at the onset of a migraine, lying down in a dark room with a cold pack can help. Stress management techniques, such as relaxation and massage, can help limit pain. They may also make attacks happen less often. Keep over-the-counter pain killers handy. In your headache diary, make a list of home treatment methods that work for you in different situations."

 

[Misc Tech Advice]

Here's a home treatment that uses a combination of heat & cold to relieve migraines:

The person with the migraine should sit in a comfortable chair. Their friend/family member should then prepare a foot bath with very hot water. (Not hot enough to burn -- but hot enough that you'll need to ease each foot slowly into the water.) At the same time, friend/family member should place an ice pack at the base of migraine-sufferer’s neck . Relax in this position for at least 15 minutes. The combination of hot and cold therapy is very effective in balancing the blood flow imbalance that can cause migraines.

 

[Alexandra D]

Interesting, thanks a zillion. I've honestly never treated anyone with a migraine. Why???? I dunno. :?: I'll call her back and give her your suggestions.
Maestra: I LOVE your signature!!!!!

 

[Shazia]

Here's a home treatment that uses a combination of heat & cold to relieve migraines:

The person with the migraine should sit in a comfortable chair. Their friend/family member should then prepare a foot bath with very hot water. (Not hot enough to burn -- but hot enough that you'll need to ease each foot slowly into the water.) At the same time, friend/family member should place an ice pack at the base of migraine-sufferer’s neck . Relax in this position for at least 15 minutes. The combination of hot and cold therapy is very effective in balancing the blood flow imbalance that can cause migraines.

Perfect. This method works very well.

On a table, keep in mind that the migraineur may not be able to lay down flat. Flat= excruciating escalation of symptoms. Use a wedge or prop the client up with pillows. Try sidelying.

Massage during migraine is rarely helpful unless the "migraine" is really a combination session or has been set off by muscle tension, (which really = tension headache that acts like migraine.) Room should be quiet and dark, air should be cool, but body should be warm. In a real migraine, many people can't regulate their own body temperature well, so cool air and layered blankets helps.

Getting heat on the feet/legs/sacrum, can be helpful. If you find "the spot", stay with it. Keep in mind that your massage may only end up being a diversion from the pain, but this is very valuable. In an extended migraine, you can feel like you're going insane, but 30 minutes of pain relief can get you through until the migraine cycle breaks.

Last: Contraindications. If the client has had migraine for 3 days, and this is widely outside of their usual pattern, do not treat. If the client has never had a migraine, and this is the first. do not treat. Both of these situations need further evaluation by a specialist.

If the migraine is similar to other headaches, just lasting longer, proceed cautiously, massage is not C/I. If the migraine came on after an injury (such as auto accident,) and the patient has been thoroughly checked out, massage is not C/I, though you may want to have a doctor's script in hand.

People often self-refer for migraine. Don't assume all "migraines" are actually migraine. Headaches are very complex, and it's good to take a complete description of the type of pain, location, onset, what helps, what worsens, how long they last, etc. Find out if they are taking medication specifically to treat the headaches, ask how long they have had headaches in general? Is this from childhood? Three years ago? Last week? Any other symptoms? (nausea, vomiting, hot/cold/sweating, visual disturbances, speech aphasia, tingling in arms or fingers, tender scalp, facial pain, teeth hurting, or?)

The best time to treat a migraine is when they are not happening. Sadly, most of us who suffer from them like to pretend they don't exist between episodes. Or, even worse, we become so afraid of setting off another one we will put off treatment because we don't want to chance destabilizing.

 

[James Zaworski]

Stacey, I wish you didn't know so much about migraines...I feel bad that you suffer with them. Wish I could help...but anyway, thanks for the info!

 

[sid1258]

This is what I found out. It's hereditary throughout her family on her mom's side and has had them since childhood. Her Grandmother got rid of them when she hit menopause. She gets them 4 out of 7 days a week but is normally on medication to prevent them. She can't take medication right now because she's having ear surgery Jan 4th. At the migraine's worst she loses her peripheral (no clue how to spell that) vision. She seems to continue to function with them. She has a spot up toward her occiput that "burns when you push it but she can feel it all the way to her forehead in a good way". I couldn't feel anything though but that could be me. I told her I honestly didn't have much knowledge or experience with migraines but she was ok with a regular massage since she's a stressed college student. (She used to get regular massage so she's familiar with it) I didn't make any promises but I used the cold pack on her neck and the rice eye pad on her eyes. I don't think I did anything for her head but she felt better in general. It was educational for me and she knew that. I just thought I'd update you guys since you were such a huge help. I REALLY appreciate it.
If anyone has any further info that would be great.

 

[Cyber Ninja]

P.S. I was at an expo a few months ago and had some Biofreeze samples on the table. I had two women come by the table and tell me that you can rub a spot on your temples and it's supposed to help with headaches. I gave her a few packets but didn't make any promises on that. lol Anyone else heard this?

 

[Buddhist Objectivist]

After being hit by a bus at the age of ten I suffered migraines for almost a decade. I now get cluster headaches but haven't had a migraine for a long long time.
I do remember being a kid and floating in the pool when a migraine came about. I would also be floating near where the water was filling the pool....who knew that the cool water was the thing which helped.
Looking back, the cooling or a dark room with no noise was the only thing that helped.
Robyn

 

[dapple]

Simplybeemassage wrote: I was at an expo a few months ago and had some Biofreeze samples on the table. I had two women come by the table and tell me that you can rub a spot on your temples and it's supposed to help with headaches. I gave her a few packets but didn't make any promises on that. lol Anyone else heard this?

I haven't heard that about biofreeze, but I have had clients tell me peppermint oil works the same way. I did some quick research online & found this information from the Encyclopedia of Alternative Medicine: http://health.enotes.com/alternative-medicine-encyclopedia/peppermint

Peppermint's pain-relieving effects on headaches have been known for many years. The first documented review to link peppermint and headache relief was published in 1879. A more recent study took place in Germany in 1996. In this double-blind study, researchers found that an ethanol solution containing 10% peppermint oil was as effective in relieving headache pain as 1,000 mg of acetaminophen. In another study, 32 people with headaches massaged peppermint oil on their temples. The results showed that the peppermint oil significantly relieved their pain.

When applied to the skin, peppermint reduces sensitivity and relieves pain. Rubbed on the temples, across the forehead, and behind the neck, peppermint oil helps to ease digestive-related headaches and migraines by generating a cooling effect on the skin and relaxing cranial muscles.

I know Biofreeze doesn't contain peppermint, but maybe the menthol has a similar cooling effect?

 

[i wish i was a baller. <3]

My niece has also had migraines from childhood on and has a similiar family history to the client you described. She has had many tests & treatments done, but has rarely found much relief. There are a wide range of causes, from allergies, constipation, stress, liver malfunction, sleep imbalances, emotional & hormonal changes to name just a few. Low blood sugar is often a factor, the lower it is the more severe the attack may be.

The hot footbaths & cold packs to the neck do help, as well as all the other techniques other practitioners gave you. Some people find relief with the use of an herb called feverfew, others who have acupuncture have often found it helpful as well.

Some folks who have migraines find they are triggered by certain food sensitivities like sulfites, MSG, etc.

There are a number of books with simple self-help acupressure techniques you might refer her to:

Acupressure's Potent Points by Michael Reed Gach is a favorite of mine as it is easily used by lay people, and practitioners too. Another favorite reference book I adore & think everyone should have in their office & at home is
Prescription for Nutritional Healing by Phyllis Balch, CNC
Its just come out in its 4th edition...I should get royalties myself for all the times I've recommended both of these books over the years !

 

[Noe diaz- weaver]

Stacey, I wish you didn't know so much about migraines...I feel bad that you suffer with them. Wish I could help...but anyway, thanks for the info!

Thanks Mick. I get by. On the plus side, many of my clients suffer from headache, and even if we can't "fix" them, there's something to be said for understanding exactly what they are saying...

I've been receiving combination sessions of reflexology/myofascial release. It has done more to decrease frequency of my headaches than anything else besides chiropractic adjustments. Between the MT and the chiropractor I can go weeks without a bad headache episode.

 

[manutd_4_life]

In my personal experience, other migraine triggers include hormonal imbalances, rapid changes in air pressure / weather patterns, chocolate [DARN!], and certain smells.........

Migraines suck the very life energy out of you and make you wish for a padded room where you can just bash the pain out of your head!!!!!

 

[CanineTruth]

People often self-refer for migraine. Don't assume all "migraines" are actually migraine.

I agree with this. I have run across a number of people over the years that just don't really understand the pain of a migraine and call any "bad headache" a migraine.

I also get them. I have the familial history, have found that as I have gotten older they have decreased in frequency. I can't aprticularly function when I get one. I get the nausea, vomiting and tunnel vision.

Smells can make my migraines much worse, so you may consider not burning any scents if you have a client like this. Also, even the slightest noise about kills me (so ask if music is desired) and lights pretty much do me in (you may want to keep the room as dark as possible while working on the client if they are in the throws of one). Sometimes I can make the drive home; but I have been known to try and sleep it off at the office. I have been known to drive home at night with sunglasses on - to keep the glare down.

I generaly take an older medication that can work in anywhere from 4-10 hours. I have tried Imitrex and it will knock mine down to a dull roar pretty quick. But I prefer the older medication (Midrin), even though it takes longer - it doesn't make me want to puke (quite important for me).

Massage can be a real benefit. I have worked on migraine clients with a migraine at the time and those who are looking to decrease the frequency.

During the episode, I've found you have to work very very very very very slow. Make every move quadruple as slow as a normal move - and then some.

For decreasing frequency, I have found the cervical occipitals regularly factor into the muscular patterns.

Oh, and I have found that for myself, I can eat choch and orange juice in more than modeation before one hits if it is seperate. BUT, if I take these two in combination in moderate to heavy doses - I'll have a migraine coming on every time. Also, too flowery perfumes will kick one off immediately. If someone is near me with something like this, I run!

Last - I am sure you know these are debilitating enough for people to commit suicide because of the pain (unfortunately I am in knowledge loop of one such case). So if you have a client who feels you are giving them any sort of relief at all, consider to yourself - a job well done.

And, what the question was all about: Ice always helps me!

 

[Bonkers]

People often self-refer for migraine. Don't assume all "migraines" are actually migraine.

I agree with this. I have run across a number of people over the years that just don't really understand the pain of a migraine and call any "bad headache" a migraine.

Just like people call every little stomach bug "flu".

This thread serves to remind me how lucky I am, and to be kinder, more forgiving...

 

[Allan]

People often self-refer for migraine. Don't assume all "migraines" are actually migraine.

I agree with this. I have run across a number of people over the years that just don't really understand the pain of a migraine and call any "bad headache" a migraine.

I also get them. I have the familial history, have found that as I have gotten older they have decreased in frequency. I can't aprticularly function when I get one. I get the nausea, vomiting and tunnel vision.

Smells can make my migraines much worse, so you may consider not burning any scents if you have a client like this. Also, even the slightest noise about kills me (so ask if music is desired) and lights pretty much do me in (you may want to keep the room as dark as possible while working on the client if they are in the throws of one). Sometimes I can make the drive home; but I have been known to try and sleep it off at the office. I have been known to drive home at night with sunglasses on - to keep the glare down.

I generaly take an older medication that can work in anywhere from 4-10 hours. I have tried Imitrex and it will knock mine down to a dull roar pretty quick. But I prefer the older medication (Midrin), even though it takes longer - it doesn't make me want to puke (quite important for me).

Massage can be a real benefit. I have worked on migraine clients with a migraine at the time and those who are looking to decrease the frequency.

During the episode, I've found you have to work very very very very very slow. Make every move quadruple as slow as a normal move - and then some.

For decreasing frequency, I have found the cervical occipitals regularly factor into the muscular patterns.

Oh, and I have found that for myself, I can eat choch and orange juice in more than modeation before one hits if it is seperate. BUT, if I take these two in combination in moderate to heavy doses - I'll have a migraine coming on every time. Also, too flowery perfumes will kick one off immediately. If someone is near me with something like this, I run!

Last - I am sure you know these are debilitating enough for people to commit suicide because of the pain (unfortunately I am in knowledge loop of one such case). So if you have a client who feels you are giving them any sort of relief at all, consider to yourself - a job well done.

And, what the question was all about: Ice always helps me!

Ditto everything said here. Lucky for me I don't have the food or scent triggers, (mostly, some perfumes and most artificial room deodorizer/"fresheners" can put me in an episode very quickly.)

I'd especially like to point out the comment in bold. I have a very cheerful disposition and am quite positive IRL. (I know it doesn't always show here. I'm just as opinionated IRL, just a bit more circumspect with those opinions.) But about twice a year I get a migraine that is so out of control I have to make someone come to the house to take me to the hospital and have the doc knock me out. The second reason, which I don't usually mention, is that the pain can be so intense the only thought that gets through is how nice the whole bottle of medicine looks. A few minutes of pain relief can buy me hours of normal (non-suicidal) thinking. This is the only time I have ever had thoughts like that. It makes me wonder how many people out there who have attempted to end their lives, do so ONLY because they can't cope with another minute of pain?

 

[lena]

Good suggestions here. I feel helpless with my migraine clients, especially if they don't do alot of stress prevention.

I used to get migraines, and it is the only time in my life I thought I was dying. Seriously, the pain was so bad I would think "this is it, I'm having an aneurism and I'm going to die". The only thing (non-drug) that would help was complete darkness, complete quiet (not even relaxing music or nature sounds), repeatedly pulling my hair and holding it taught, and placing my face/forehead on the cold tile bathroom floor/toilet. I don't think I could have tolerated a massage during one.

My doc at the time prescribed Maxalt, which if taken as soon as symptoms began would subside the headache in about 30 minutes.

I was never able to pinpoint a trigger, but I know it was stress related. Haven't had one in about 2 years - it is a main reason I support relaxation and stress relief massages so much.

 

[NoBodyyy]

Here's a home treatment that uses a combination of heat & cold to relieve migraines:

The person with the migraine should sit in a comfortable chair. Their friend/family member should then prepare a foot bath with very hot water. (Not hot enough to burn -- but hot enough that you'll need to ease each foot slowly into the water.) At the same time, friend/family member should place an ice pack at the base of migraine-sufferer’s neck . Relax in this position for at least 15 minutes. The combination of hot and cold therapy is very effective in balancing the blood flow imbalance that can cause migraines.

I want to tell you all again, how much I love this site. I have learned so much here already. As for the the above recommended treatment, I had someone who called me for help with a migraine she had had for days. She had gotten the shot like she usually does, but the pain was still unbearable. Her friend recommended she come for massage. Thanks to my having just read this, I did the hot and cold for the 1st half of her session and then massaged her scalp and neck for the remainder. She could feel a major difference in the pressure even then and called me the next day to say the pain was gone. I know it won't always happen that way, but it sure made me smile that it did this time.

 

[Keith]

Being that I too am a migraine sufferer of long term and a massage therapist I thought I would post some information and thoughts.

Yes, most severe forms of migraines are hereditary. Migraines are found to be of late a "disease" not just a "headache". Some of them can be standard with the light, sound, smell sensitivity. But others are more severe and cause seizures not uncommon to epilepsy. Those seizures can lead to TIA (transient ischemic attacks) or strokes.

I suffer from the latter more severe form of migraine. Mine tend to last for several days, sometimes weeks. They cause the seizures and yes I have unfortunately suffered the occasional TIA. I have also suffered one mild stroke.

The unfortunate side is that right now there is no "cure" for migraines. Massage does indeed help.

Cold applications are better than heat as it constricts the blood vessels and lowers the blood pressure especially if applied around the base of the neck at the occipital ridge. You can also apply small cold stones to the eyes, during your sessions.

I would recommend cranio-sacral work as it allows for the opening of the cranial spaces. I would also recommend reflexology with aromatherapy used. I use a lot of bergamot, and sandalwood family during my migraines as it calms the nervous system. Things that are cooling and calming to the nervous system without the stimulation of the sense of smell work well.

As for the bio freeze unfortunately I am not a fan. Yes, I have been a therapist for some 10 years but it contains plastic co-polymers that I have found are linked to carcinogenic agents. I am opposed to the use of carcinogens in my practice. I use a product called Nature's Gel instead. It gives the same effect but has eucalyptus oil, aloe vera oil, and cayanne pepper.

I do hope that you are able to assist your client as I know all too well how dibilitating migraines can be. I wish you and your client all the best.