Listening To Music During a Migraine: What the Research Says
More than 37 million Americans suffer from migraines. If you are one of the millions suffering from painful migraine attacks, your primary concern is probably finding relief from the symptoms. Dr. Ivan Stein and Dr. Allan Stein of Headache & TMJ Center of New Jersey specialize in helping patients find relief from migraine symptoms. Here, the talented doctors discuss migraines and what research says about listening to music for migraine relief.
What Is a Migraine?
A migraine is a type of headache. A person suffering from a migraine may experience throbbing pain, typically concentrated on one side of the head. People who are experiencing a migraine often experience nausea and sensitivity to light and noise. A person suffering from a migraine may experience symptoms that last a few hours or a few days.
There is currently no cure for migraines. However, there are a number of solutions that may help to limit migraine symptoms. Medication is one of the most popular ways to prevent and treat migraines. Healthy lifestyle choices like sufficient hydration, regular exercise, a nutritious diet and ample sleep may also help to lessen or stave off migraines. In addition to medication and lifestyle choices, one of the most surprising solutions to migraine headaches may be music.
Can Music Soothe Migraine Symptoms?`
If you suffer from migraines, you probably know that loud noises and music can trigger a migraine. However, you may be surprised to learn that music can also soothe migraine symptoms. A number of studies have been conducted and suggest that music may alleviate migraine symptoms.
A recent study looked at the impact of patient-controlled music intervention on migraine headaches. During the three-month study, patients had one to two music sessions per day. They underwent at least 15 of these music sessions per month. Patients in the study reported a significant reduction in the frequency of migraine attacks.
Another study looked at whether music medicine in addition to medical therapy reduces the severity and duration of an acute attack of moderate to severe migraine. The study found that when treating migraine patients there is a decreased duration and severity of pain when music medicine is added to conventional medical therapy.
Keep in mind that not all music is created equal. This means that only certain types of music may actually provide migraine relief.
Learn More About Your Options for Migraine Relief
You don’t have to live with migraine symptoms. Schedule a consultation with Dr. Stein and Dr. Stein at their office in West Orange, New Jersey to learn more about your options for migraine relief. Fill out our contact form or call 855-TMJ-DOCS today.
