Treating Migraines Without Painkillers

March 6, 2006 — -- For many people, a nagging migraine means turning to an over-the-counter pain pill like acetaminophen, or, in some cases, a prescription medication like Imitrex.

But recent advances in nondrug treatments, such as biofeedback and neurofeedback, have opened more options for headache suffers. And something as seemingly unrelated as heart surgery may hold the solution for some people.

Here's a look at some nondrug alternatives to headaches.

Biofeedback is a safe, drug-free alternative for the treatment of migraines, tension type headaches, chronic pain, sleep disorders and more. Receiving feedback from a computer, patients are trained to adjust physical features like skin temperature, muscle tension, heart rate or blood flow -- changes that can lead to decreased pain and stress.

"Biofeedback reduces the stress response and brings stability and calmness to the nervous system," said Dr. David Biondi, a neurologist and consultant in headache management at Massachusetts General Hospital. "I think it's very effective for migraines. Studies have shown that biofeedback can be just as effective as some of the preventive medications we use."

How well does it work? According to Dr. Barry Schwartz, director of the Headache Center in New Orleans, about 85 percent to 90 percent of patients with chronic headaches respond positively to biofeedback.

"Biofeedback also serves as an excellent bridge in assisting patients wean off medications," he said.

It's a method that worked for migraine patient Elizabeth Poe of New Orleans. She said she had suffered from about two migraines a week for the last 30 years. Her remedy used to be 12 tablets of ibuprofen a day, with the occasional prescription painkiller.

"After I started biofeedback, almost immediately I stopped having the headaches. Now I haven't had a headache in three years," she said. "Biofeedback got me off all the pills I was taking and taught me techniques that can help me relax and avoid headaches. I feel 1,000 percent better. "