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When a migraine announces itself, one knows that the next few hours or even days will be incredibly painful, even more so if it's accompanied by vomiting or light sensitivity.

Migraine is one of the 10 most disabling medical illnesses, according to the World Health Organization. More than 140 million people around the world suffer from migraine headaches, and fewer than 5% have received accurate diagnoses or obtained appropriate care.

In recent years, more and more scientists have put their efforts into understanding migraine and finding a treatment for people who suffer from it. One of the most revolutionary therapies that may be effective in treating or at least alleviating the symptoms of this debilitating condition is biofeedback, a technique that promotes self-awareness to manipulate physiological reactions at will. But does biofeedback for migraines really work? You'll find the answer below.

Key Takeaways

• Biofeedback therapy is an effective non-pharmaceutical approach for managing migraine. It helps patients become more self-aware of the physiological reactions that may trigger migraine attacks and then regulate them to improve symptoms.

• Techniques like EMG biofeedback, thermal biofeedback, HRV biofeedback, and neurofeedback have shown success in managing migraines.

• Biofeedback is most effective when combined with medications, relaxation techniques, cognitive behavioral therapy, exercise, and a healthy lifestyle.

• It is extremely important to work with a qualified biofeedback professional to get the best results and avoid any possible side effects. It is not recommended to do biofeedback at home by yourself using consumer-grade devices without talking to your doctor.

Is Biofeedback Useful for Migraine?

Biofeedback is a therapeutic approach that utilizes electrical sensors to help individuals become more aware of and regulate otherwise involuntary physiological processes, such as heart rate, muscle tension, and pain perception. Therefore, it may be quite useful to treat migraine attacks and tension-type headaches.

Biofeedback methods can also be combined with migraine medications, and lifestyle changes for better outcomes compared to using medication alone. This approach not only reduces headache frequency but also enhances the overall quality of life for migraine sufferers.

But how exactly does biofeedback work? Let's find out!

How Does Biofeedback Work?

As mentioned above, biofeedback is done by placing sensors on different body parts. These sensors measure various physiological responses and then a software translates the accumulated data into real-time feedback. This enhances the patients' self-awareness and teaches them how to control these responses to improve their overall health or achieve a specific health goal.

There are various forms of biofeedback, each targeting specific physiological functions:

• Heart rate variability biofeedback focuses on regulating heart rhythms.

• Electromyography (EMG) biofeedback monitors muscle tension and is commonly used to manage chronic pain and tension headaches.

• Thermal biofeedback tracks skin temperature and can help reduce stress and muscle tension.

• Electrodermal activity biofeedback measures sweat gland activity, which can be beneficial for managing anxiety and pain.

• Breathing biofeedback assesses breathing patterns through sensors placed on the chest and abdomen.

• Electroencephalography (neurofeedback) monitors brainwave activity and is often used to help individuals with conditions like ADHD and anxiety.

For example, if the therapy involves monitoring skin temperatures, the sensors will be attached to the fingers. If it focuses on breathing patterns, the sensors will be positioned on the chest and stomach.

This method is rooted in a learning principle called operant conditioning, where behaviors are reinforced through their outcomes—the better the outcome, the higher the likelihood of us repeating that behavior.

Many of the above-mentioned methods can be beneficial for people with migraine attacks. Although they may not directly reduce these headaches, they can help address other issues that may be causing them, such as stress, depression, anxiety, or other health problems. Below, we'll discuss more about how each biofeedback technique may help people with migraine.

EMG Biofeedback

EMG biofeedback is a technique that provides immediate feedback on muscle tension, helping users learn to control and reduce tension levels in specific areas. It is particularly beneficial for monitoring muscle tension in regions associated with migraine headaches, such as the forehead, jaw, and shoulders.

This method is particularly effective for individuals whose migraine headaches are triggered by physical stress and muscle tightness, especially because they are usually not sensing those tight muscles. Thus, the immediate feedback helps them become aware of what happens behind the surface, so they can focus on relaxing targeted muscles through various methods. This can also reduce stress levels and promote mental clarity.

Thermal Biofeedback

Thermal biofeedback focuses on skin temperature and teaches patients to control their stress responses by warming their extremities during relaxation. According to the American Migraine Foundation, "headache patients who learned to raise the temperature of their hands using biofeedback had fewer or less severe headaches when they practiced this skill regularly." But why exactly does thermal biofeedback work?

The thing is that when people are stressed or nervous, the blood vessels in their fingers narrow, driving blood away from the extremities. When they are relaxed, the blood vessels dilate (or expand), and the hands get warmer. Thermal biofeedback measures the temperature on one's hand or fingers and assesses how stressed that person is.

Stress is a migraine trigger for nearly 70% of individuals who experience this type of headache. That's why this method can be incredibly useful in reducing stress levels and thus reducing the frequency and/or intensity of migraine attacks.

Moreover, thermal biofeedback and relaxation training combined can lead to even better results.

Heart Rate Variability (HRV) Biofeedback

Heart rate variability (HRV) biofeedback is another powerful tool in migraine management. HRV refers to the variation in time intervals between heartbeats, reflecting the autonomic nervous system’s regulation of heart function.

Monitoring HRV helps patients gauge their stress levels and emotion regulation. They can learn how to intentionally adjust breathing and heart rate through HRV biofeedback to help their bodies relax and reduce stress. This method also helps patients develop strategies to improve their stress response—which yet again, as mentioned above, can reduce the frequency of migraine attacks, as stress is a major trigger.

Furthermore, since migraine may also be caused by cardiovascular issues, HRV can also help support heart health, thus indirectly reducing migraine occurrence if it is caused by this medical condition.

Electrodermal Biofeedback

Electrodermal biofeedback primarily measures sweat gland activity, which is also linked to the body's stress and arousal levels.

It is mainly used for anxiety and pain management, so it's not the most common biofeedback method recommended for migraine. EMG and thermal biofeedback are usually better than electrodermal biofeedback for this goal, but it can still be useful in reducing stress levels, especially if sweating is a major symptom of anxiety for you.

Breathing Biofeedback

Breathing biofeedback teaches patients how to regulate their breathing patterns. This can be incredibly useful for those whose migraine headaches are triggered by stress or anxiety.

This biofeedback technique helps regulate autonomic nervous system activity and therefore reduce sympathetic nervous system activity and stress. It can also help improve oxygen flow and circulation, which can also help with migraine.

Furthermore, controlled breathing can encourage the release of endorphins, which are natural pain relievers.

Neurofeedback

Neurofeedback is an advanced biofeedback technique that targets brain function. It can help reduce stress, promote relaxation, and boost cognitive performance.

A study conducted in 2010 showed that neurofeedback, alongside thermal biofeedback, can be incredibly helpful for people with migraine. 37 migraine patients participated in the study. They underwent 40 neurofeedback sessions combined with thermal biofeedback. All of them were on at least one migraine medication. They kept daily headache diaries for two weeks before the treatment and throughout the treatment.

The results have shown that "of the 37 migraine patients treated, 26 patients or 70% experienced at least a 50% reduction in the frequency of their headaches which was sustained on average 14.5 months after treatments were discontinued."

Moreover, neurofeedback may also be used as a complementary therapy for depression, anxiety, PTSD, and other mental health conditions that can trigger migraine attacks.

Neurofeedback may also be a valuable tool for people with migraine, but results can vary from person to person. That’s why it’s important to consult a doctor before starting neurofeedback or any other form of biofeedback. Additionally, overtraining the brain can sometimes trigger headaches, making it essential to undergo neurofeedback under the guidance of a qualified specialist.

Combining Biofeedback with Other Treatments

When it comes to managing migraine, biofeedback therapy works best when combined with other treatments, like medication, relaxation techniques, and lifestyle adjustments. While biofeedback alone can be incredibly effective, research shows that pairing it with:

• Progressive muscle relaxation

• Deep breathing exercises

• Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)

• Mindfulness

• Regular exercise

• A healthy diet

...can lead to even greater improvements in terms of migraine frequency and severity.

Additionally, it is important to check whether the migraine headaches are not caused by a physical issue. Common health conditions that can cause migraine include:

• Sleep disorder

• Hormonal imbalances

• Chronic pain

• Nutrient deficiencies

• Heart conditions

• High blood pressure

• Fibromyalgia

• Depression

• PTSD

• Irritable bowel syndrome

• Restless legs syndrome

If you suspect your migraine attacks stem from any of the above, it is important to address the root cause to reduce the frequency and intensity of migraine.

Getting Started with Biofeedback Therapy

If you want to use biofeedback for migraine, you should do so at a specialized clinic. It is best to find a qualified professional who has experience in using biofeedback to reduce migraine frequency and intensity. Moreover, biofeedback may not be recommended for some individuals, especially if they have certain medical conditions that can make them more sensitive to side effects.

The training duration and frequency depend on the type of biofeedback you will try. However, most people need at least 8-12 sessions to notice visible results because biofeedback is a long-term commitment that requires consistency.

Once you start biofeedback training, make sure to track your progress. It's important for you to feel free to talk to your therapist if you notice any side effects because the training intensity or frequency may need to be adjusted. Tracking your progress can also help you notice more subtle changes in your stress levels and sleep quality that otherwise would go unnoticed.

After you finish your biofeedback sessions at the clinic, your therapist may recommend an at-home biofeedback device to continue your wellness practice. For example, if you're advised to continue with neurofeedback training, you can try the Mendi device, which utilizes functional near-infrared spectroscopy to strengthen your prefrontal cortex. This brain region plays a crucial role in emotion regulation, stress response, focus, and other cognitive abilities.

Therefore, by strengthening your prefrontal cortex, you may be able to consolidate your biofeedback results, as this can help you manage stress more effectively, control your emotions better, and boost your overall cognitive performance.

Final Thoughts

Migraine sufferers know all too well the debilitating impact these headaches can have on daily life. While medications and lifestyle changes play a crucial role in managing symptoms, biofeedback offers a promising, science-backed approach that empowers individuals to take control of their physiological responses. By learning to regulate muscle tension, heart rate, stress levels, and brain function, patients may be able to reduce the migraine frequency and intensity, at the same time improving their overall well-being.

What makes biofeedback particularly valuable is its adaptability. It can be tailored to a patient's specific triggers and needs. While results may vary from person to person, many migraine sufferers can find biofeedback a powerful tool for managing their migraine attacks.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is biofeedback good for migraine?

Biofeedback therapy can be effective for migraine because it helps individuals become more aware, monitor, and change their physiological responses, thereby reducing stress, muscle tension, anxiety, and other migraine triggers.

Which therapy is best for migraine?

There are different therapies that work for migraine, among which are biofeedback, acupuncture, meditation, and cognitive behavioral therapy.

How does biofeedback therapy work?

Biofeedback therapy operates by delivering real-time feedback on physiological functions, allowing individuals to identify and control stressors that may lead to migraines. This empowering method facilitates better self-regulation and stress management.

What types of biofeedback are used for migraine treatment?

Biofeedback techniques such as EMG biofeedback, thermal biofeedback, HRV biofeedback, and neurofeedback are commonly employed in the treatment of migraine. These methods focus on helping patients gain better control over physiological functions that can mitigate migraine symptoms.

Can biofeedback therapy be combined with other treatments?

Biofeedback therapy can be effectively combined with medications and relaxation techniques to enhance treatment outcomes. This integrative approach can lead to better overall results for patients.

Are there any side effects of biofeedback therapy?

Biofeedback therapy is generally safe; however, it may pose risks for individuals with specific medical conditions. Therefore, consulting a healthcare provider prior to beginning therapy is crucial.