Migraines...what helps you?

[Keysnurse2008]

Hi,

I am kinda at my wits end.I am a RN and I have had a cervical fusion in this past year.The spacer the doc used was a lil too large and NOW I have this thing called cervical facet syndrome.My bones pop/crackle all the time.I also have some horrendous tension migraines that are located only in the occipital area(back of head).I have tried pain meds,whirlpool baths, ice massage...meds like celebrex and Vioxx and Bextra with no great effect seen.I am at my wits end.Do you guys have any suggestions?I am contemplating accupuncture.The migraines are so severe that when they strike they I cannot function...they are severe.The neurosurgeon said Id eventually become somewhat desensitized to them(learn to live with them)....but it hasnt happened yet.Any other homeopathic type suggestions?Thanks ! .

[talaxandra]

I also see a massage therapist every two weeks (after four WorkCover injuries I wouldn't be working without him, and I've had no serious back pain since then). I also kept a headache diary - the only trigger I found was stress, so now I make sure I eat well, get exercise, do yoga, and spend a couple of minutes before I go to sleep concentrating on slowing my breathing and my pulse. You can practice with a pulse oximeter!

I know a lot of people swear by chiropracters, but after we had three patients in a fortnight stroke out within a couple of hours of their appointments, nurses on my ward decided to pass.

[Kyriaka]

I had really bad migraines a few years ago, and my dr gave me samples of some type (wish I knew the name). It was a pill that dissolved on your tongue, and it only worked w/ migraines. I found that when I first felt the headache coming on,

_________________

That would be Maxalt--MLT

rizatriptan benzoate

10 mg

Want some??

*I get cluster headaches. If I get one usually just have to knock me out.

[missmercy]

Accupuncture was a God-send for me!! Our insurance even covered it ( 'til we switched insurance coverages) -- Maxalt melts are very helpful -- except for the MEGA MIGRAINES that just knock me on my prat no matter what I try. We have tried every thing from anaprox to Dilantin, to neurontin to ..... My "needle man" was the best I was once carried into the office w/ a killer migraine -- had 2 half hour treatments w/ stim and left under my on power, laughing, talking and hungry!! (a whole different person). I'd give it try! What have ya got to loose?

[erikanursenurse]

:angryfire :angryfire :angryfire

I have sufffered with chronic migraines since I was 13. I am 31 now. I have tried it all!! Believe it or not I find relief using Excedrin Migraine. It is very effective. Imitrex made me sick on the stomach. I tried Imitrex pills and nasal spray. Excedrine Migraine is my answer. I keep it with me at all times.