Pain Relief Options for Chronic Migraines and Headaches

New survey reveals almost 1 in 4 people have experienced suicidal feelings or have self-harmed linked to their migraine/headache condition

Headaches and migraines are among the most common health complaints in the world. Around 1 in 5 women and 1 in 15 men will regularly have headaches and migraines. Using a TENS unit for headaches and migraines is one of the most common uses. Whilst TENS machines won’t tackle the root of the headaches you can use a TENS machine for pain relief without any of the nasty side effects

Firstly, what's the difference between migraines and headaches

In order to get the relief you want from a TENS unit, we have to first understand if you are getting headaches or migraines. Hopefully, you know the difference between your migraines and headaches. Migraines and headaches are often treated as if they are the same thing. Migraines are a much more severe type of headache.

Headaches are typically felt across the head but also can be on the side or behind the eyes like a migraine. Most people who get headaches don’t typically get all the symptoms that come with migraines.

Migraines are a type of severe headache that can be on one or both sides of the head and it's also common to have the pain behind the eyes.  Some chronic migraine sufferers often have aura’s that come before the headache and some will have a migraine “hangover”. It is important for those who don’t suffer from headaches to understand the variety of symptoms that can come along with head pain. Nausea, sensitivity to light, smells, heat and the weather are just some of the side effects of the migraine.

Migraines are split into several groups. Chronic migraines, episodic migraines and random or occasional migraines.

Those most at risk of developing mental health issues are those who have chronic migraines. That level of sporadic or continuous pain can have a heavy impact on people’s mental well being.

Types of migraines and headaches.

There are many different types of headache. Here are some of the most common types: 

1. Migraines

2. Cluster headaches 

3. Tension headaches

4. Exertional headaches

5. Hypnic headaches 

6. Medication overuse headaches 

7. Sinus headaches

8. Caffeine headaches 

9. Menstrual headaches 

10. Head injury headaches 

11. Hangover headaches

Reading all of the different types might give you a headache! 

It's handy to know that the different types of headaches listed above can come with its own side effects and symptoms. Some will be easier to deal with (Hangover headaches = stop drinking) others will be a lot harder. 

Think about the frequency in which the headaches or migraines come. If you have chronic migraines then dealing with your headaches will be a lot harder than dealing with someone who just gets them after their night out at the town.

Jotting down some notes about your migraines is important. Keeping a journal will help you to understand what's causing your type of headache so then we can find a solution before using a TENS machine or taking medication. The first steps for discovering whether a TENS machine can help you with your headache or migraine is discussing your symptoms with your doctor.

Among the “pounding” sensation found with migraines, other symptoms such as nausea, vomiting and sensitivity to light are very common. Some migraine patients decide to use their medication to get rid of the other symptoms associated whilst using the tens machine as the primary source of pain relief.

Pain Relief Options for Migraines 

So many chronic migraine sufferers have a tense relationship with their doctors due to the prescription of medicines. With 97% of migraine patients being dealt with by the GP in the UK, there need to be more trained healthcare professionals who deal with chronic migraine patients.

Some of the most common pain relief options are pain killers, triptans, acupuncture, anti-sickness medicines, opioid drugs and TENS machines

 The chronic migraine community uses social media as a way of connecting, supporting and sharing helpful tips about living with migraines. Those community members often speak about the unhappiness about being prescribed drugs that are anti-depressants or the drugs themselves causing headaches. 

As you may know, what works for some people’s headaches won't work for others and this is true for many drugs and natural pain relief alternatives.

TENS provides you with the ability to use a proven pain relief device without having to worry about whether your medication is going to give you a rebound headache. Save time and money on those expensive trips to the pharmacy. 

Stress, anxiety and worry are very common triggers for many people who suffer from migraines. The workplace can be a very stressful place for many people and it's often a breeding ground for those vicious migraines. All TENS machines are more effective when the headache or migraine is caught in the early stages. Dealing with headaches and migraines is tough and sometimes the medications can’t fully reach the spot. By getting a TENS unit, you will be able to easily and discreetly deal with your headache in the workplace or the comfort of your home.