Will a Bath Help a Migraine? Can It Stop Pain Signals?

Most migraines can last for 4 hours. The severe ones can go on for more than 3 days. Will a bath help a migraine?

The saddest part is that no matter how advanced our world is, doctors still don’t know the cause of it.

They know that it’s related to the changes in the brain.

Currently, doctors think that it starts when nerve cells overreact by sending out signals that trigger the trigeminal nerve. This causes a sensation to your face and head.

As a result of the signals, the body releases serotonin and calcitonin gene-related peptides (CGRP). Upon release, the blood vessels in the brain’s lining swell.

It causes inflammation. And then pain.

Will a Bath Help a Migraine? 

Taking a shower or a bath at the first sign of a migraine may help.

Showers and baths are forms of heat therapy for this kind of situation. A warm shower or bath may help in stopping pain signals from going to the brain.

This remedy may increase blood flow to soothe the muscles.

To maximize the benefits of a hot bath, make sure to consider the following:

Temperature

A hot bath sounds good if you’re in pain. If you don’t have a bathtub, a hot shower will also work.

The hot temperature relaxes the pain in the head and the body. Thus, you need to submerge your entire body and head into the water.

However, it may not be the best option if your migraine is accompanied by dizziness.

You may consider a cool shower, instead. This, too, may help in decreasing nausea feeling.

But if you have tense muscles, you may warm up the temperature so the muscles won’t stiffen up even more.

Although a warm bath is good, make sure that it’s not too hot as it will cause scalding.

Scents

Adding scents to the bath can loosen the intense headache. This study found that adding eucalyptus and peppermint can help in battling headaches.

Lavender is also ideal, according to this study.

So, before you get into the water, put a few drops of eucalyptus or peppermint essential oil into the tub. The scent will permeate throughout the tub through the steam.

You may also use a body way with stimulating aromas to give you long-lasting effects.

On the other hand, if you feel sick from any sort of scent, you may choose a fragrance-free soap.

Relax

The warm water can work wonders for your migraines. If you have sinus headaches, you can also benefit from a hot bath.

It’s better to close the door and allow the steam to fill your body.

Relaxing in the tub will also help you fall asleep easier. It is a welcome event when your migraine strikes.

In addition to adding scents to the tub, you may also consider adding Epsom salts. They have magnesium. This is a mineral that may have the potential to alleviate headaches.

Hot or Cold Bath 

cold temperature to reduce the pain

Either method will work. But it depends on how your body responds to the therapy.

I’ve already talked about warm therapy through a hot bath. If you don’t like a warm bath, though, you may try a cold bath.

Cold therapy has been proven to alleviate headaches. The cold temperature numbs the nerves to reduce the pain.

The cold also provides anti-inflammatory effects.

This is the reason applying this weighted eye mask can help treat your migraine fast.

However, some people experience migraine attacks when they submerge their heads in cold water. If you are this type of person, you should only expose your body and not the head to the cold temperature.

Doing so will still help you obtain the anti-inflammatory benefits of a cold bath.

Sadly there’s no definite way to tackle migraines. Each person is different. One sufferer will be relieved by simply taking a hot or warm bath. Another person finds sleep as a way to relieve the pain.

The most important thing when it comes to finding the best way to heal the pain is to know what triggers it.

For instance, if it attacks after a lack of sleep, then consider regulating your sleep. Maintain a regular sleeping pattern. It may help lower your risk of a migraine attack.

There are various solutions to optimize your sleep cycle. If you have difficulty falling asleep, a weighted eye mask may help.

Diet may also contribute to the pain. Alcohol, for instance, is a known trigger.

Any drink or food that changes the physiology of the body can trigger an attack.

Some people experience migraine attacks if they don’t eat enough food throughout the day. If you have tried eating one meal a day and a migraine hits you every time, then consider changing your eating pattern. Intermittent fasting is beneficial but it’s not for you.

Take a Break 

Stress is one of the triggering factors of migraine. When you feel the sign of migraines, you should stop what you’re doing.

Relax and take a break. You may go to a dark room to take a nap. But this is an issue if you’re working in your office.

You may talk to your HR or your colleagues about your condition so they’ll understand how you’re feeling when the pain starts.

Can Migraines Be Treated? 

There’s no known cure for it. However, medications can prevent and stop them.

But there’s good news. Even though migraines are debilitating, they are not fatal.

There’s no evidence that a migraine can trigger a stroke. But it happens, although rarely.

Some sufferers think that they are a symptom of brain cancer or tumor. But it rarely happens.

If the migraine is sudden and the pain won’t stop after taking meds and using some of the remedies mentioned above, you should talk to your doctor.

It may be a symptom of a more serious condition. Get immediate medical attention. You may be having a stroke or aneurysm.

If your migraine is associated with a stiff neck, vomiting, weakness in the limbs, or trouble speaking, go to the emergency room immediately.

The Pain of Having Migraines 

When you’re someone who experiences frequent attacks, it’s hard to deal with life.

You can’t just stop the world from revolving. It’s also not easy to stop what you’re doing, especially if people rely on you.

What’s more frustrating is if you don’t know what triggers the attack. The pain can get so bad you can’t handle it any more that you have to go to the ER.

Will a bath help a migraine? It may help you. And if you experienced positive effects, please let me know in the comments below.

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