Biofeedback for Migraines

Biofeedback has been shown to help some people with migraines. Biofeedback is a technique that can give people better control over body function indicators such as blood pressure, heart rate, temperature, muscle tension, and brain waves. The two most common types of biofeedback for migraines are thermal biofeedback and electromyographic biofeedback.

 

An Overview of Biofeedback for Migraines

There are several different treatment options for migraines. Some, such as migraine medications, are considered part of standard care. There are also a number of alternative or complementary treatment options available for migraine relief. One of these options for migraines is biofeedback.
 
Biofeedback is a technique that involves reducing the effects of pain and stress on your body by learning how your body reacts to pain and stress. Biofeedback does this through monitoring instruments that can detect and display internal bodily function. This can give people better control over body function indicators such as blood pressure, heart rate, temperature, muscle tension, and brain waves. Biofeedback is a type of complementary and alternative medicine known as mind-body therapy.
 
Biofeedback for migraines may be coupled with relaxation therapy. Relaxation therapy teaches a variety of relaxation strategies for reducing tension and stress throughout the body.
 

Types of Biofeedback for Migraines

The two most common biofeedback methods of migraine treatment are:
 
  • Thermal biofeedback
  • Electromyographic (EMG).
     
A typical biofeedback session lasts between 30 minutes and 60 minutes. Multiple training sessions over several months are needed to train migraine sufferers. People also need to practice biofeedback on their one to realize the benefits.
(Biofeedback for Migraines Continued: Page 2)
Add this article to your Favorites     Email this article     Print
Written by/reviewed by: Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Arthur Schoenstadt, MD