I was just reading a special report on migraine by Patrick Holford and noted this quick tip, which might help you avoid the painkillers:
“It is possible that a lack of B vitamins may contribute to headaches. Vitamin B2, when supplemented, has been shown to decrease incidence of headaches. Niacin, vitamin B3, may also relieve migraines, according to a review of nine trials.
Whether this happens because niacin is a vasodilator, and makes you blush for about 15 minutes, or because we can make serotonin from niacin, is unknown. People who experience visual changes or auras during migraines have been shown to have lower serotonin levels. Supplementing 5-hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP) has been shown to help relieve migraines. Some migraine drugs are based on this effect.
I take a niacin tablet, plus 100mg of 5-HTP at the first signs of a migraine, which I now get very rarely since identifying and avoiding dairy products, to which I am allergic.”
Notice he makes mention of food allergy/intolerance, the biggest cause of migraine in my experience. A study done by Migraine Action in July 2011 found that:
“over two thirds of members affected by frequent migraine attacks believe that certain foods could be the cause. The survey revealed that 85 percent of people affected by debilitating migraines had their symptoms reduced, and quality of life improved, when their food triggers were discovered and avoided.”
85% improved! Check out the food intolerance page for more info on how to test effectively and I hope the migraine treatment tip helps you too.