How to Get Rid of a Migraine Right Now

12 simple things to try to help get rid of a migraine right now, some familiar suggestions, some new things to try!

I’ve been dealing with migraines since I was 11 or 12. I remember my first migraine came on the day of the 5th grade winter dance, I was on the decorations committee and I had to call my mom to come get me. She brought me home, gave me ibuprofen and then I laid in the dark with a washcloth on my head, thinking surely this is what it feels like to die. I remember thinking my head might feel better if I just slammed it into the wall.

Aaaand I’ve probably thought about slamming my head into a wall hundred or more times again since then.

Migraines are MISERABLE. And chances are if you’re reading this, you understand. I’m so sorry you suffer with them too.

I have googled “how to get rid of a migraine” so many times, when my head was throbbing, and have been frustrated that so many results say “limit stress” or “don’t eat fatty foods,” when what I really wanted was actual ways to get rid of a migraine RIGHT NOW.

I’ve discovered some tricks and tips to help get rid of my migraines quicker. Sometimes my migraine prescription works on its own, and sometimes it needs a little boost from one or more of the following tips to really knock it out.

So now, when I get a migraine, I take my medicine and then try one or two (or as many as I need!) things to try to get my migraine to go away. I hope they’re helpful for you too!

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Things to try to get rid of a migraine right now

Gatorade

A headache is a common sign of dehydration so it would make sense that if we treat for dehydration, it may lessen a migraine. In my experience, chugging a Gatorade or another electrolyte drink when my head is killing me can really help a ton.

Epsom salt bath

A hot epsom salt bath is one of my go-to tricks for knocking out a migraine. Scientists are seeing that an increase in sodium can reduce the frequency of migraines and headaches. Epsom salt baths are a great way to absorb salt and magnesium, which is also used in treating migraines. Plus, the heat and the soothing qualities of a bath can do wonders to help you relax and release any tension which may be contributing to your migraine.

Caffeine

Occasionally caffeine can cause migraines, but they can also help kick a migraine. Caffeine is a common ingredient in migraine medication for good reason. It works. Just make sure to not overdo it.

Sleep

Sometimes just going to sleep is the only way I can get rid of my migraines. I’ll take a Benadryl or other sleep aid, and just give up and go back to bed. Often its exactly what my body needed.

Cold face mask

These cooling eye masks can be incredible for soothing migraines. I will keep it over my eyes, and then switch it to the back of my neck. Its the longer lasting equivalent to the cold wash cloth your mom would give you to help dull the pain.

Hot towel around neck

Many of my migraines are tension related, which means that I can feel them at the base of my skull and the back of my neck. A super hot towel or rice bag draped over my shoulders feels so good and often relieves the tension.

Pressure massage

If you can get someone to massage your temples and the back of your neck, it can help get rid of your migraine quickly. Massage can help you relax and the focusing on the pressure points in your temples and the back of your neck can be really beneficial.

Dark room

If you can’t go back to sleep, a few minutes in a dark quiet room is really helpful in calming migraines. The reduced sensory input is calming and gives your body a chance to come back to baseline.

Meditation

This suggestion is a newer one, but there are many meditations that can help with pain management. Its interesting to think about meditation to help head pain, because we use our brains to focus on our thoughts. YouTube has quite a few good guided meditations for migraine relief options

Yoga

Along the same lines as meditation for migraines, yoga can also help to relieve a migraine by relaxing and stretching. Yoga with Adriene has a beautiful video of yoga for migraines.

Hot shower

Sometimes a nice hot shower is perfect for helping to get rid of my migraine. Heat therapy is often used in the treatment of tension headaches, so it may be beneficial for other types of headaches, like migraines as well.

Peppermint Oil

I’m not big into essential oils, but peppermint has long been suggested as a natural way to relieve headaches. I add a few drops to a hot bath or massage it into my temples or the back of my neck.

Hopefully one of these tips helps and your head can start feeling better soon!