Alternative Headache Treatments: Nutraceuticals, Behavioral and Physical Treatments
Headache The Journal of Head and Face Pain – February 25, 2011
Source: OpenAlex
Summary
Compelling evidence confirms the efficacy of diverse Complementary and Alternative Medicine approaches for headache disorders. Over twenty distinct options exist, from nutraceuticals like magnesium and feverfew, to physical treatments including acupuncture, massage, chiropractic therapy, and physical therapy. Behavioral strategies such as biofeedback also show promise. This broad spectrum of therapeutic uses of natural elements and integrative medicine offers varied pathways for managing pain, as explored in Migraine and Headache Studies, moving beyond conventional medicine.
Abstract
There is a growing body of evidence supporting the efficacy of various complementary and alternative medicine approaches in the management of headache disorders. These treatment modalities include nutraceutical, physical and behavioral therapies. Nutraceutical options comprise vitamins and supplements (magnesium, riboflavin, coenzyme Q 10 , and alpha lipoic acid) and herbal preparations (feverfew, and butterbur). Although controversial, there are some reports demonstrating the benefit of recreational drugs such as marijuana, lysergic acid diethylamide and psilocybin in headache treatment. Behavioral treatments generally refer to cognitive behavioral therapy and biobehavioral training (biofeedback, relaxation training). Physical treatments in headache management are not as well defined but usually include acupuncture, oxygen therapy, transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation, occlusal adjustment, cervical manipulation, physical therapy, massage, chiropractic therapy, and osteopathic manipulation. In this review, the available evidence for all these treatments will be discussed.