Exercise is a valuable component of migraine management, offering potential benefits such as alleviating symptoms, enhancing overall health, and providing a non-drug treatment option. This evidence-based approach highlights the effectiveness of exercise in reducing the frequency, intensity, and duration of migraines.
The Importance of Exercise for Migraine Patients
Reduction in Migraine Symptoms
Incorporating aerobic exercise into a routine can significantly decrease the frequency, intensity, and duration of migraine attacks. Studies on migraine relief emphasize how regular physical activity improves quality of life for those with chronic or episodic migraines.
Non-Pharmacological Treatment Options
As a natural remedy for migraines, exercise is recommended by headache societies as part of a holistic migraine treatment plan. This approach complements pharmacological treatments, providing patients with an alternative that minimizes reliance on medications.
Physical and Mental Health Benefits
Regular physical activity reduces stress, improves mental well-being, and enhances physical fitness. These benefits make exercise a crucial lifestyle change for managing migraines and preventing their recurrence.
Behavioral and Lifestyle Changes
Establishing a routine that includes exercise for migraine prevention encourages positive lifestyle habits, such as improved sleep hygiene and stress management. These changes can lead to long-term migraine reduction.
Safe and Effective Therapy
Exercise therapy is a safe and effective intervention for most migraine patients, with minimal risks and a high potential for improvement. Adherence to prescribed intensity levels ensures positive outcomes without adverse effects.
Recommended Exercises for Migraine Management
Based on clinical practice guidelines, the following exercise modalities are highly effective in managing migraine symptoms:
Moderate-Intensity Continuous Aerobic Exercise: Activities like brisk walking, jogging, or cycling at 12–16 on the Borg Scale have been shown to improve headache frequency and reduce the severity and duration of attacks.
Yoga for Migraine Relief: This mind-body practice decreases pain intensity and frequency through physical alignment poses, breathing techniques, and mindfulness.
High-Intensity Aerobic Interval Training: Short bursts of high-intensity exercise can positively impact migraine frequency and pain intensity after consistent practice over several weeks.
Relaxation Techniques Combined with Aerobic Exercise: This combination is especially effective in reducing the frequency and severity of episodic and chronic migraines.
Tai Chi and Qi-Gong for Migraine Management: These ancient practices improve balance, reduce stress, and may decrease migraine-related disability.
Evidence Supporting Exercise in Migraine Management
Several studies underscore the effectiveness of exercise in alleviating migraine symptoms:
Herranz-Gómez et al. (2021) identified the combined benefits of exercise and manual therapy for headache management, including tension-type and cervicogenic headaches.
La Touche et al. (2023) presented clinical practice guidelines advocating therapeutic exercise for migraines.
Woldeamanuel & Oliveira (2022) demonstrated that aerobic exercise outperforms strength training in improving migraine outcomes.
Citations
Herranz-Gómez, A., GarcÃa-Pascual, I., Montero-Iniesta, P., La Touche, R., & Paris-Alemany, A. (2021). Effectiveness of exercise and manual therapy as treatment for patients with migraine, tension-type headache or cervicogenic headache: An umbrella and mapping review with meta-meta-analysis. Applied Sciences, 11(15), 6856. https://doi.org/10.3390/app11156856
La Touche, R., et al. (2023). Prescription of therapeutic exercise in migraine: An evidence-based clinical practice guideline. The Journal of Headache and Pain, 24, 68. https://doi.org/10.1186/s10194-023-01571-8
Woldeamanuel, Y.W., & Oliveira, A.B.D. (2022). What is the efficacy of aerobic exercise versus strength training in the treatment of migraine? A systematic review and network meta-analysis of clinical trials. The Journal of Headache and Pain, 23, 134. https://doi.org/10.1186/s10194-022-01503-y
Statement:
Any third-party content and/or sources provided on this page (such as articles or journals) are authored and published by persons and entities unaffiliated with Backed-By-Science. Such content and sources are provided for informational and educational purposes only and are not endorsed or otherwise encouraged by Backed-By-Science.
Always seek a healthcare professional for advice that caters to your specific needs.
The content on this page is provided solely for informational and educational purposes and does not constitute medical or other professional advice. The content on this page does not constitute a call to any form of action, recommendation, or endorsement of any medical, therapeutic, or other professional service or advice. Always seek a healthcare professional for advice that caters to your specific needs.
