In the U.S. alone, migraines affect nearly 38 million people adults, and of the those 38 million, nearly 3 million of those are chronic migraine sufferers. If you experience migraines infrequently or if you’re a chronic migraine sufferer, you know how debilitating a migraine can be. First there’s the onset (also known as a migraine aura), which comes with different sensations like smells, bright dots, or zig zag patterns, and then comes the actual headache, which can last for between 4-72 hours. During this time, many sufferers experience nausea and extreme sensitivity to light and sound compounded with their headache pain. With symptoms like this, it’s no wonder why migraine sufferers want quick and effective treatment, but this is perhaps the worst part about migraines: treatment can be hard to come by.
A new study, however, published in Current Medical Research and Opinion suggests that taking certain vitamins may help in reducing migraines.
Vitamin D3 and the Reduction of Migraines
Researchers at Aalborg University in Denmark conducted research into whether supplementation with vitamin D3 was associated with the reduction of migraine days for patients. The study was a randomised, double-blind study which assigned a group of male and female participants, ages 18-65, to take 100 ug/day of vitamin D3 or a placebo. Researchers then took blood samples and administered headache questionnaires, and quantitative sensory tests. Self-reported diaries were also used to asses migraine reduction. What researchers found was a noticeable reduction in the number of headache days compared to the placebo. This study does well to offer patients other possibilities for reducing migraines.
Can Supplements Help to Reduce Migraines?
This newest research studying the effects of supplements in preventing migraines is one of many that have been done in the past. Other research has suggested the magnesium carbonate or magnesium oxide can be used to prevent the frequency of migraines. One study found that patients taking between 400 to 500 milligrams a day were able to reduce the frequency of their migraines by nearly 41 percent. Unfortunately, magnesium, along with many other natural supplements, can come with side effects, and can also interact with other medications. Before taking any supplements to help with migraines, patients should speak with their doctor about possible interactions.
Drug-free Headache Treatment
If you’ve been struggling with frequent headaches, jaw pain, and even vertigo, it’s possible the cause of your headaches may be related to temporomandibular joint disorder or TMJ. Although the relationship between TMJ, headaches, and migraines requires further study, the temporomandibular joint shares a complex relationship between the muscles, tendons, and nerves within the skull, and any dysfunction of this joint can be felt in many other parts of the body. We also know that for many people, TMJ treatment leads to a reduction in migraine severity or frequency.
If you’ve been experiencing jaw pain and headaches, your dentist can provide drug-free treatment options which may reduce the severity of your symptoms.
To schedule your TMJ evaluation, please call (803) 781-9090 or email Smile Columbia Dentistry in Columbia, SC today.
