Biofeedback & Migraine Treatment

Biofeedback is a promising alternative way of dealing with several types of chronic pain, including tension-type headaches and migraines. Biofeedback helps a patient learn how to voluntarily control some body functions like heart rate and body temperature.

Goal

• According to The US Headache Consortium, learning how to relax when under the stress of a migraine can often ease migraine pain. Biofeedback is a quick way to learn how to relax the nervous system, thought to be responsible for contributing to migraine pain.

Identification

• Patients are hooked up to a computer monitor. When the monitor shows the patient has the desired result, the patient can memorize how she feels at that moment and know that sensation is what she is working toward.

Types

• Although there are several types of biofeedback therapies, "Menstrual Migraine" notes that being able to voluntarily control body temperature works best for people with migraines.

Caution

• The Mayo Clinic points out that people with mental illness or diabetes should not use biofeedback until cleared by their doctor. The American Headache Society indicates that many migraine patients have depression or anxiety.

Time Frame

• "Menstrual Migraine" notes that it can take as many as 12 visits to a certified biofeedback specialist before the patient has learned how to consciously control body temperature.