by Playfuls Staff |
25th December 2006
Relaxation techniques can help prevent migraine when performed in combination with preventative drug treatment.
"The best studied relaxation technique for a headache is [more] progressive muscle relaxation. It can be beneficial in combination with what is known as biofeedback," says Curt Beil from the Professional Association of German Neurologists in Neuss.
Both techniques are aimed at increasing the body's sense of perception so it is better able to deal with pain.
Progressive muscle relaxation can be taught in a few hours - a relatively short time. There are also books and CDs for people who prefer self-help training. Exercises are carried out either lying down or in a comfortable chair.
Individual muscle groups are strained for a short time one after another before being relaxed again. Beil says the aim of the technique is to teach patients how normal and excessive tension feels. This can help to relieve stress which is an important factor in migraine.
The goal of preventative drug treatment combined with relaxation techniques is to reduce the frequency, duration and intensity of the migraine attack.
Relaxation techniques are worth trying, if migraine occurs more than twice a month. Exercise is also known to have beneficial effects for migraine sufferers; neurologists recommend swimming, Nordic walking and cycling.
© 2006 DPA
