Exercise and Progressive Muscle Relaxation May Be Helpful, a New Study Reports

Do you experience migraine headaches?  If you do, you certainly are not alone!  These headaches are extremely painful, and can even be debilitating.  A new research study, however, shows individuals who experience migraine headaches may be able to achieve natural pain relief through exercise and relaxation.

Migraine Headaches

Migraine headaches are extremely painful, and while some individuals get a warning sign that they are coming, known as an aura, according to Yahoo Health, most individuals get migraine headaches unexpectedly.  Those who do get auras may experience a “pins and needles” sensation or numbness in the face, hands, and arms, and/or see wavy lines, flashes of light, or sports up to 30 minutes before the migraine begins.

Migraine symptoms include the following:

· Nausea and/or vomiting
· Pulsating or throbbing headache on one side of the head
· Sensitivity to sound, light, and sometimes to smells
· Headache intensity ranging from moderate to severe
· Headache may get worse with normal physical activities

New Research

In a recent research study, published in the Clinical Journal of Sports Medicine in July researchers wanted to determine if exercise and relaxation would help migraine pain.  In the study the researchers divided a group of 30 women who suffered with migraine headaches into two groups.  In one group, women continued with the migraine treatment they were currently on whereas in the other group, women were instructed to engage in an exercise and relaxation program. 

Women who participated in the exercise and relaxation program did 45 minutes of aerobic exercise and 15 minutes of progressive muscle relaxation twice each week. 

After six weeks, women who participated in the exercise program reported less painful headache intensity than those who did not.  In addition, while the general psychological well-being between women in the exercise program and those who were not was not significantly different, those who exercised reported feeling less symptoms of depression than women who stuck with their usual migraine treatment. 

The authors of the study admit that they do not know which was effective in reducing headache intensity – exercising or progressive muscle relaxation.  More research needs to be done in order to better understand what treatments can naturally relieve migraine headache pain. 

Exercise

If you are interested in trying aerobic exercise for your migraine headaches, check your local gym, health clubs, and/or YMCA.  These places typically have several aerobic exercise classes you can attend as a member of the gym. 

Progressive Muscle Relaxation

Progressive muscle relaxation is a common relaxation exercise where you progressively tighten, then relax each muscle group in your body.  For specific instructions on progressive muscle relaxation, please visit About.com: How to Do Progressive Muscle Relaxation.

Sources:

Yahoo Health: Migraine Headaches: Symptoms

My Migraine Connection: Exercise Plus Relaxation May Lessen Migraine Pain

About: How to Do Progressive Muscle Relaxation