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Migraine Headache Exercises

Migraine headaches can be caused by psychological stress. Unfortunately, these headaches seem to strike when a migraine victim is finally able to relax. Migraines are caused by the initial tightening of blood vessels in the brain, followed by an abnormal widening of these same vessels. The pain that these headaches create also causes people to get sick, dizzy and even pass out. Exercise is one technique that you can use to help relieve the pain of migraine headaches.

  1. Exercise Before the Migraine

    • According to Bastyr Center for Natural Health, having a weekly exercise routine can reduce the amount of migraines and lessen the intensity of a migraine. Working out three times each week can significantly reduce the amount of migraines that you have. Start with a 10-minute warm up, followed by 20 minutes of aerobic exercise, and then end with a 10-minute cooling down period. Following this routine should produce positive results. If you are having a migraine, do not complete an aerobic exercise workout. Working out each week raises the amount of endorphins in the body, which may play an important role in reducing migraines.

    Exercise During Migraines

    • Intense exercise will not help during a migraine, but there are other techniques you can use. If you are unable to move when you have a migraine, it is recommended that you do not attempt to exercise during an attack.
      Doing yoga during a migraine can help alleviate some of the pain. Start with forward-backward movements. Begin by exhaling and moving your head forward. Try to touch your chin to your collar bone. Then, exhale and tilt your head as far back as you possibly can. Let yourself feel the stretch in your neck. Then repeat this exercise nine more times.

      After completing 10 rounds of the forward-backward motion, try right-left bends. Tilt your head to the right, and try to touch your ear to your shoulder. Exhale as you do this. Then inhale to bring your head back center. Exhale and then tilt your head to the left. Also do 10 rounds of this exercise.

      The last exercise that can be beneficial is to do right and left turns. Close your eyes, and with your head not tilted to the side, exhale and turn your head to the right. Your chin should be in line with your shoulder. Then, inhale and bring your head back to the center. Exhale, and do the same on the left side. Also do this 10 times.

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