Nonpharmacologic Treatments for Migraine and Tension-Type Headache: How to Choose and When to Use
Abstract
Opinion statement There are a variety of nonpharmacologic treatments for headache. Educating patients about headache and its management, identifying and managing triggers (via diaries), modifying lifestyles, and understanding the importance of adopting and adhering to interventions (either pharmacologic or nonpharmacologic) are relevant to all persons with headache. In addition, specific nonpharmacologic treatments can be used either alone or in conjunction with ongoing pharmacologic intervention. Strong candidates for nonpharmacologic treatment include individuals with significant headache-related disability, comorbid mood or anxiety disorders, difficulty managing stress or other triggers, medication overuse, and patients who prefer a specific treatment. Behavioral treatments (relaxation, biofeedback, and cognitive-behavioral therapy) possess the most evidence for successful headache management. They have a long history of randomized trials showing efficacy and are considered first-line preventive options. Among complementary and alternative treatments, recent positive findings from randomized trials using acupuncture provide evidence of its potential as a first-line intervention. Other complementary and alternative techniques do not have a consistent base of research to recommend them for headache prevention, but they may be used if the patient prefers this approach or when other first-line interventions (nonpharmacologic or pharmacologic) have not provided adequate results. Among "natural" treatments, both butterbur extract and vitamin B2 have shown efficacy in more than one randomized trial and are thus potentially useful first-line preventive interventions.
Integrity signals
Registry
Cites
Statistics
Claims the paper makes
Claims other papers make about this one
Each is checked against this paper’s own text: does it say what the citing paper says it does?
The efficacy of stress-oriented psychotherapeutic interventions, such as acceptance and commitment therapy and mindfulness, has been shown to be poor.
“the efficacy of stress-oriented psychotherapeutic interventions, such as acceptance and commitment therapy and mindfulness, has been shown to be poor [8–18]”
From Protocol and methods for testing the efficacy of well-being therapy in chronic migraine patients: a randomized controlled trial. (2018) · cites this paper as [11]
Current evidence on the efficacy of psychological interventions remains limited and unsatisfactory.
“Current evidence on the efficacy of psychological interventions remains limited and unsatisfactory [8–18]”
From Protocol and methods for testing the efficacy of well-being therapy in chronic migraine patients: a randomized controlled trial. (2018) · cites this paper as [11]
Cites
2 retracted
Non-invasive physical treatments for chronic/recurrent headache
Brønfort, G., Haas, M., Evans, R., Goldsmith, C. H., Assendelft, W. J., & Bouter, L. M. (2014) · Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews · doi:10.1002/14651858.cd001878.pub3 · Cited by 170 · see citing works
RetractedNon-invasive physical treatments for chronic/recurrent headache
Brønfort, G., Nilsson, N., Haas, M., Evans, R., Goldsmith, C. H., Assendelft, W. J., & Bouter, L. M. (2004) · Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews · doi:10.1002/14651858.cd001878.pub2 · Cited by 153 · see citing works
RetractedMigraine prevalence, disease burden, and the need for preventive therapy
Lipton, R. B., Bigal, M. E., Diamond, M., Freitag, F., Reed, M. L., & Stewart, W. F. (2007) · Neurology · doi:10.1212/01.wnl.0000252808.97649.21 · Cited by 2,337 · see citing works
Self-citationThe Triggers or Precipitants of the Acute Migraine Attack
Kelman, L. (2007) · Cephalalgia · doi:10.1111/j.1468-2982.2007.01303.x · Cited by 871 · see citing works
Epidemiology of Tension-Type Headache
Schwartz, B. S. (1998) · JAMA · doi:10.1001/jama.279.5.381 · Cited by 762 · see citing works
Global prevalence of chronic migraine: A systematic review
Natoli, J. L., Manack, A., Dean, B. B., Butler, Q. R., Turkel, C., Stovner, L., & Lipton, R. B. (2009) · Cephalalgia · doi:10.1111/j.1468-2982.2009.01941.x · Cited by 693 · see citing works
Self-citationAcupuncture for Patients With Migraine
Linde, K., Streng, A., Jürgens, S., Hoppe, A., Brinkhaus, B., Witt, C. M., Wagenpfeil, S., Pfaffenrath, V., Hammes, M. G., Weidenhammer, W., et al. (2005) · JAMA · doi:10.1001/jama.293.17.2118 · Cited by 636 · see citing works
Wolff’s Headache and Other Head Pain
(2009) · Archives of Neurology · doi:10.1001/archneurol.2009.17 · Cited by 588 · see citing works
Effectiveness of high‐dose riboflavin in migraine prophylaxis A randomized controlled trial
Schoenen, J., Jacquy, J., & Lenaerts, M. (1998) · Neurology · doi:10.1212/wnl.50.2.466 · Cited by 548 · see citing works
Chronic migraine in the population
BIGAL, M. E., Serrano, D., Reed, M. L., & Lipton, R. B. (2008) · Neurology · doi:10.1212/01.wnl.0000323925.29520.e7 · Cited by 488 · see citing works
Self-citationHolroyd, K. A., O'Donnell, F. J., Stensland, M., Lipchik, G. L., Cordingley, G. E., & Carlson, B. W. (2001) · JAMA · doi:10.1001/jama.285.17.2208 · Cited by 457 · see citing works
Diener, H., Kronfeld, K., Boewing, G., Lungenhausen, M., Maier, C., Molsberger, A. F., Tegenthoff, M., Trampisch, H. J., Zenz, M. W., & Meinert, R. (2006) · The Lancet Neurology · doi:10.1016/s1474-4422(06)70382-9 · Cited by 419 · see citing works
Acupuncture in patients with tension-type headache: randomised controlled trial
Melchart, D., Streng, A., Hoppe, A., Brinkhaus, B., Witt, C. M., Wagenpfeil, S., Pfaffenrath, V., Hammes, M. G., Hummelsberger, J., Irnich, D., et al. (2005) · BMJ · doi:10.1136/bmj.38512.405440.8f · Cited by 415 · see citing works
Diamond, S., BIGAL, M. E., Silberstein, S. D., Loder, E., Reed, M. L., & Lipton, R. B. (2006) · Headache The Journal of Head and Face Pain · doi:10.1111/j.1526-4610.2006.00631.x · Cited by 413 · see citing works
Self-citationEfficacy of coenzyme Q10 in migraine prophylaxis: A randomized controlled trial
Sándor, P. S., Clemente, L. D., Coppola, G., Saenger, U., Fumal, A., Magis, D., Seidel, L., Agosti, R. M., & Schoenen, J. E. (2005) · Neurology · doi:10.1212/01.wnl.0000151975.03598.ed · Cited by 371 · see citing works
Biofeedback : a practitioner's guide
Schwartz, M. S. (1987) · Cited by 359 · see citing works
Precipitating and Aggravating Factors of Migraine Versus Tension‐type Headache
Spierings, E. L. H., Ranke, A. H., & Honkoop, P. C. (2001) · Headache The Journal of Head and Face Pain · doi:10.1046/j.1526-4610.2001.041006554.x · Cited by 354 · see citing works
The epidemiology, burden, and comorbidities of migraine
Bigal, M. E., & Lipton, R. B. (2009) · Neurologic Clinics · doi:10.1016/j.ncl.2008.11.011 · Cited by 285 · see citing works
Self-citationJohn, P. J., Sharma, N., Sharma, C. M., & Kankane, A. (2007) · Headache: The Journal of Head and Face Pain · doi:10.1111/j.1526-4610.2007.00789.x · Cited by 279 · see citing works
Biofeedback Treatment for Headache Disorders: A Comprehensive Efficacy Review
Nestoriuc, Y., Martin, A., Rief, W., & Andrasik, F. (2008) · Applied Psychophysiology and Biofeedback · doi:10.1007/s10484-008-9060-3 · Cited by 273 · see citing works
Self-citationPetasites hybridusroot (butterbur) is an effective preventive treatment for migraine
Lipton, R. B., Göbel, H., Einhäupl, K. M., Wilks, K. L., & Mauskop, A. (2004) · Neurology · doi:10.1212/01.wnl.0000147290.68260.11 · Cited by 253 · see citing works
Self-citationThe Stress and Migraine Interaction
Sauro, K. M., & Becker, W. J. (2009) · Headache The Journal of Head and Face Pain · doi:10.1111/j.1526-4610.2009.01486.x · Cited by 252 · see citing works
Psychological Risk Factors in Headache
Nicholson, R., Houle, T., Rhudy, J., & Norton, P. J. (2007) · Headache · doi:10.1111/j.1526-4610.2006.00716.x · Cited by 193 · see citing works
Self-citationA Combination of Riboflavin, Magnesium, and Feverfew for Migraine Prophylaxis: A Randomized Trial
Maizels, M., Blumenfeld, A. M., & Burchette, R. J. (2004) · Headache The Journal of Head and Face Pain · doi:10.1111/j.1526-4610.2004.04170.x · Cited by 179 · see citing works
Grazzi, L., Andrasik, F., D’Amico, D., Leone, M., Usai, S., Kass, S. J., & Bussone, G. (2002) · Headache The Journal of Head and Face Pain · doi:10.1046/j.1526-4610.2002.02123.x · Cited by 172 · see citing works
Self-citationTOWARD A RATIONAL UNDERSTANDING OF MIGRAINE TRIGGER FACTORS
Martin, V. T., & Behbehani, M. M. (2001) · Medical Clinics of North America · doi:10.1016/s0025-7125(05)70351-5 · Cited by 172 · see citing works
Physical Treatments for Headache: A Structured Review
Biondi, D. M. (2005) · Headache The Journal of Head and Face Pain · doi:10.1111/j.1526-4610.2005.05141.x · Cited by 167 · see citing works
Diener, H., Rahlfs, V. W., & Danesch, U. (2004) · European Neurology · doi:10.1159/000076535 · Cited by 142 · see citing works
A randomized, controlled trial of massage therapy as a treatment for migraine
Lawler, S., & Cameron, L. D. (2006) · Annals of Behavioral Medicine · doi:10.1207/s15324796abm3201_6 · Cited by 141 · see citing works
Behavioral Management of Migraine Headache Triggers: Learning to Cope with Triggers
Martin, P. R. (2010) · Current Pain and Headache Reports · doi:10.1007/s11916-010-0112-z · Cited by 139 · see citing works
An expanded view of psychological aspects in head pain: the biopsychosocial model
Andrasik, F., Flor, H., & Turk, D. (2005) · Neurological Sciences · doi:10.1007/s10072-005-0416-7 · Cited by 116 · see citing works
Self-citationBehavioral medicine for migraine
Buse, D. C., & Andrasik, F. (2009) · Neurologic Clinics · doi:10.1016/j.ncl.2009.01.003 · Cited by 113 · see citing works
Self-citationEffectiveness and Tolerability of Acupuncture Compared With Metoprolol in Migraine Prophylaxis
Streng, A., Linde, K., Hoppe, A., Pfaffenrath, V., Hammes, M. G., Wagenpfeil, S., Weidenhammer, W., & Melchart, D. (2006) · Headache The Journal of Head and Face Pain · doi:10.1111/j.1526-4610.2006.00598.x · Cited by 104 · see citing works
(2007) · Headache The Journal of Head and Face Pain · doi:10.1111/j.1526-4610.2007.00928.x · Cited by 97 · see citing works
Homeopathic Prophylaxis of Headaches and Migraine? A Systematic Review
Ernst, E. (1999) · Journal of Pain and Symptom Management · doi:10.1016/s0885-3924(99)00095-0 · Cited by 86 · see citing works
Effectiveness of high-dose riboflavin in migraine prophylaxis
Yee, A. J., & Schoenen, J. E. (1999) · Neurology · doi:10.1212/wnl.52.2.431-a · Cited by 85 · see citing works
Neurostimulation approaches to primary headache disorders
Bartsch, T., Paemeleire, K., & Goadsby, P. J. (2009) · Current Opinion in Neurology · doi:10.1097/wco.0b013e32832ae61e · Cited by 83 · see citing works
Seng, E. K., & Holroyd, K. A. (2010) · Annals of Behavioral Medicine · doi:10.1007/s12160-010-9223-3 · Cited by 76 · see citing works
Holroyd, K. A., France, J. L., Cordingley, G. E., Rokicki, L. A., Kvaal, S. A., Lipchik, G. L., & McCool, H. R. (1995) · Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology · doi:10.1037//0022-006x.63.2.327 · Cited by 74 · see citing works
Holroyd, K. A., Labus, J. S., & Carlson, B. (2009) · Pain · doi:10.1016/j.pain.2009.02.019 · Cited by 61 · see citing works
“Natural” or Alternative Medications for Migraine Prevention
Evans, R. W., & Taylor, F. R. (2006) · Headache The Journal of Head and Face Pain · doi:10.1111/j.1526-4610.2006.00473.x · Cited by 56 · see citing works
Holroyd, K. A., France, J. L., Cordingley, G. E., et al. (1995) · Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology · doi:10.1037/0022-006x.63.2.327 · Cited by 55 · see citing works
A Self‐Administered Behavioral Intervention Using Tailored Messages for Migraine
Nicholson, R. A., Nash, J. M., & Andrasik, F. (2005) · Headache The Journal of Head and Face Pain · doi:10.1111/j.1526-4610.2005.00236.x · Cited by 46 · see citing works
Self-citationChronic Headache: The Role of the Psychologist
Nicholson, R. A. (2010) · Current Pain and Headache Reports · doi:10.1007/s11916-009-0087-9 · Cited by 36 · see citing works
Self-citationBhatia, R., Dureja, G. P., Tripathi, M., Bhattacharjee, M., Bijlani, R., & Mathur, R. (2007) · PubMed · Cited by 31 · see citing works
Patent foramen ovale and migraine: Association, causation, and implications of clinical trials
Tepper, S. J., Cleves, C., & Taylor, F. R. (2009) · Current Pain and Headache Reports · doi:10.1007/s11916-009-0037-6 · Cited by 23 · see citing works
Can behavioural therapy influence neuromodulation?
Andrasik, F., & Rime, C. (2007) · Neurological Sciences · doi:10.1007/s10072-007-0764-6 · Cited by 19 · see citing works
Self-citationRelaxation Techniques and Guided Imagery
Rime, C., & Andrasik, F. (2011) · Elsevier eBooks · doi:10.1016/b978-1-4377-0721-2.00132-x · Cited by 7 · see citing works
Self-citationRelaxation Techniques and Guided Imagery
Rime, C., & Andrasik, F. (2007) · Elsevier eBooks · doi:10.1016/b978-0-7216-0334-6.50127-8 · Cited by 6 · see citing works
Self-citationBiobehavioral, Complementary and Alternative Treatments for Headache
Whitmarsh, T., & Buse, D. C. (2011) · Springer eBooks · doi:10.1007/978-88-470-1700-9_52 · Cited by 3 · see citing works
Self-citation
Flagged first, then by citations
Cited by
Sorted by citations
Dodick, D. W. (2018) · The Lancet · doi:10.1016/s0140-6736(18)30478-1 · Cited by 562 · see citing works
Orofacial pain management: current perspectives
Romero‐Reyes, M., & Uyanik, J. M. (2014) · Journal of Pain Research · doi:10.2147/jpr.s37593 · Cited by 303 · see citing works
“118,158 Pharmacological approaches, such as the use of NSAIDs as well as tricyclic antidepressants in addition to botulinum toxin injections, have proved useful.”
Chronic migraine—classification, characteristics and treatment
Diener, H., Dodick, D. W., Goadsby, P. J., Lipton, R. B., Olesen, J., & Silberstein, S. D. (2012) · Nature Reviews Neurology · doi:10.1038/nrneurol.2012.13 · Cited by 160 · see citing works
Self-citationPhysical therapy for headaches
Fernández‐de‐las‐Peñas, C., & Cuadrado, M. L. (2015) · Cephalalgia · doi:10.1177/0333102415596445 · Cited by 106 · see citing works
“It seems that individuals exhibiting neck musculoskeletal impairments, comorbid anxiety or mood states, problems for managing stress, significant headache-related disability or medication overuse may particularly benefit from these non-pharmacologic approaches (7,8).”
BackgroundFeuille, M., & Pargament, K. (2015) · Journal of Health Psychology · doi:10.1177/1359105313508459 · Cited by 101 · see citing works
“There is evidence to support the use of several kinds of non-pharmacological strategies in the treatment of migraine, including relaxation training, biofeedback, and coping skills training (Gauthier et al., 1996; Holroyd et al., 1995; Nicholson et al., 2011).”
BackgroundIntegrated multidisciplinary care of headache disorders: A narrative review
Gaul, C., Liesering‐Latta, E., Schäfer, B., Fritsche, G., & Holle, D. (2015) · Cephalalgia · doi:10.1177/0333102415617413 · Cited by 93 · see citing works
“Beside drug treatment and physiotherapy, behavioral therapy has been shown to be efficient in headache treatment to reduce frequency of headache attacks and lower burden of disease (44).”
BackgroundKindelan-Calvo, P., Gil‐Martínez, A., Paris‐Alemany, A., Pardo-Montero, J., Muñoz‐García, D., Angulo, S., & Touche, R. L. (2014) · Pain Medicine · doi:10.1111/pme.12505 · Cited by 77 · see citing works
Connective tissue, Ehlers–Danlos syndrome(s), and head and cervical pain
Castori, M., Morlino, S., Ghibellini, G., Celletti, C., Camerota, F., & Grammatico, P. (2015) · American Journal of Medical Genetics Part C Seminars in Medical Genetics · doi:10.1002/ajmg.c.31426 · Cited by 67 · see citing works
“Among the various psychological approaches, behavioral treatments, including relaxation, biofeedback and cognitive-behavioral therapy, are the most promising for various forms of headache [Nicholson et al., 2011].”
BackgroundFernández‐de‐las‐Peñas, C., Florêncio, L. L., Plaza‐Manzano, G., & Arias‐Buría, J. L. (2020) · International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health · doi:10.3390/ijerph17114126 · Cited by 62 · see citing works
“Another clinical reasoning would be that headache patients presenting with musculoskeletal impairments of the neck may particularly benefit of non-pharmacologic bottom-up approaches [98].”
BackgroundGrazzi, L., Toppo, C., D’Amico, D., Leonardi, M., Martelletti, P., Raggi, A., & Guastafierro, E. (2021) · International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health · doi:10.3390/ijerph18041503 · Cited by 52 · see citing works
Hallmarks of primary headache: part 2– Tension-type headache
Pan, L. H., Ling, Y., Wang, S., Al‐Hassany, L., Chen, W., Chiang, C., Cho, S., Chu, M. K., Coppola, G., Pietra, A. D., et al. (2025) · The Journal of Headache and Pain · doi:10.1186/s10194-025-02098-w · Cited by 50 · see citing works
Behavioral Therapy for Chronic Migraine
Pistoia, F., Sacco, S., & Carolei, A. (2012) · Current Pain and Headache Reports · doi:10.1007/s11916-012-0304-9 · Cited by 46 · see citing works
Reuter, U., Israel, H., & Neeb, L. (2014) · Therapeutic Advances in Neurological Disorders · doi:10.1177/1756285614562419 · Cited by 44 · see citing works
“This view is supported by the observation that nonpharmacological treatments using muscle relaxation, sports or biofeedback techniques can reduce the frequency of attacks [Nicholson et al. 2011].”
BackgroundAn update on behavioral treatments in migraine - current knowledge and future options
Kropp, P., Meyer, B., Meyer, W., & Dresler, T. (2017) · Expert Review of Neurotherapeutics · doi:10.1080/14737175.2017.1377611 · Cited by 37 · see citing works
Psychological Interventions for Headache in Children and Adolescents
Sieberg, C. B., Huguet, A., von Baeyer, C. L., & Seshia, S. S. (2012) · Canadian Journal of Neurological Sciences / Journal Canadien des Sciences Neurologiques · doi:10.1017/s0317167100012646 · Cited by 39 · see citing works
Physical Therapy in Tension-Type Headache: A Systematic Review of Randomized Controlled Trials
Repiso-Guardeño, Á., Moreno-Morales, N., Armenta-Pendón, M. A., Rodríguez-Martínez, M. D. C., Pino-Lozano, R., & Armenta-Peinado, J. A. (2023) · International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health · doi:10.3390/ijerph20054466 · Cited by 38 · see citing works
Update on Chronic Daily Headache
Couch, J. R. (2010) · Current Treatment Options in Neurology · doi:10.1007/s11940-010-0104-7 · Cited by 38 · see citing works
Maternal stress and childhood migraine: a new perspective on management
Esposito, M., Gallai, B., Parisi, Roccella, M., Marotta, R., Lavano, Gritti, Mazzotta, & Carotenuto, M. (2013) · Neuropsychiatric Disease and Treatment · doi:10.2147/ndt.s42818 · Cited by 36 · see citing works
“…who are more likely to benefit from behavioral therapy include those with chronic or refractory migraine, psychiatric comorbidities such as anxiety and mood disorders, and poor coping strategies, 52 highlighting the relevance of coping in the management of headache in the developmental age group.”
Psychologische Therapie der Migräne
Fritsche, G., Kröner‐Herwig, B., Kropp, P. A., Niederberger, U., & Haag, G. (2013) · Der Schmerz · doi:10.1007/s00482-013-1319-9 · Cited by 33 · see citing works
Chronic hepatitis C and antiviral treatment regimens: Where can psychology contribute?
Evon, D. M., Golin, C. E., Fried, M. W., & Keefe, F. J. (2013) · Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology · doi:10.1037/a0029030 · Cited by 32 · see citing works
Huguet, A., McGrath, P. J., Wheaton, M., Mackinnon, S. P., Rozario, S., Tougas, M. E., Stinson, J., & MacLean, C. (2015) · JMIR mhealth and uhealth · doi:10.2196/mhealth.3879 · Cited by 30 · see citing works
“Diaries can help individuals understand headache patterns and identify triggers [7], which is a basic treatment strategy for headaches [8,9].”
BackgroundThe role of psychological flexibility in migraine headache impact and depression
Almarzooqi, S., Chilcot, J., & McCracken, L. M. (2017) · Journal of Contextual Behavioral Science · doi:10.1016/j.jcbs.2017.04.004 · Cited by 31 · see citing works
Perlini, C., Donisi, V., & Piccolo, L. D. (2020) · BMC Health Services Research · doi:10.1186/s12913-020-05172-y · Cited by 29 · see citing works
Real-Time Assessment of the Effect of Biofeedback Therapy with Migraine: A Pilot Study
Odawara, M., Hashizume, M., Yoshiuchi, K., & Tsuboi, K. (2015) · International Journal of Behavioral Medicine · doi:10.1007/s12529-015-9469-z · Cited by 28 · see citing works
“All patients with headache could benefit from the following non-pharmacological treatments: education about headache and its management, identification of headache triggers via headache diaries, trigger management, lifestyle modification, and knowing how and when to use headache medication to optimize its efficacy [12…”
BackgroundBiagianti, B., Grazzi, L., Usai, S., & Gambini, O. (2014) · BMC Neurology · doi:10.1186/s12883-014-0181-4 · Cited by 27 · see citing works
“individually-tailored and multi-disciplinary approach that targets the residual clinical symptoms or psychiatric comorbidities and incorporates both symptomatic and prophylactic polytherapies, and psychotherapeutic approaches [29,30].”
BackgroundAcupuncture for Psychological Disorders Caused by Chronic Pain: A Review and Future Directions
Lin, L., Li, H., Yang, J., Hao, X.-W., Yan, S., Wang, Y., Yu, F.-T., Shi, G., & Liu, C. (2021) · Frontiers in Neuroscience · doi:10.3389/fnins.2020.626497 · Cited by 26 · see citing works
“The prevalence of use of acupuncture and other complementary and alternative medicine approaches in chronic headaches was 62%, and the results were promising, particularly in patients with mood or anxiety disorders caused by headache (Nicholson et al., 2011; Kristoffersen et al., 2012).”
BackgroundForecasting Migraine Attacks and the Utility of Identifying Triggers
Turner, D. P., Lebowitz, A. D., Chtay, I., & Houle, T. T. (2018) · Current Pain and Headache Reports · doi:10.1007/s11916-018-0715-3 · Cited by 25 · see citing works
Acupuncture as treatment for nervous system diseases
Hsieh, C. (2012) · Biomedicine · doi:10.1016/j.biomed.2012.04.004 · Cited by 23 · see citing works
The impact of midlife on migraine in women: summary of current views
Pavlovic, J. M. (2020) · Women s Midlife Health · doi:10.1186/s40695-020-00059-8 · Cited by 22 · see citing works
“Though time and resource consuming, formal relaxation training and thermal or EMG biofeedback training, is often appropriate and needed in conjunction with medication therapy [58].”
BackgroundBehavioural management of migraine
Weatherby, S. J., Brown, H., Newman, C. G. J., & Noad, R. (2012) · Annals of Indian Academy of Neurology · doi:10.4103/0972-2327.100018 · Cited by 21 · see citing works
“Although data suggests that, in certain circumstances, behavioural and cognitive approaches can be effective viable alternatives to pharmacological measures.[13,31-36] this does not mean they are mutually exclusive.”
BackgroundBiofeedback no tratamento de transtornos relacionados ao estresse e à ansiedade: uma revisão crítica
Lantyer, A. D. S., Viana, M. D. B., & Padovani, R. D. C. (2013) · Psico-USF · doi:10.1590/s1413-82712013000100014 · Cited by 22 · see citing works
Vekhter, D., Robbins, M. S., Minen, M. T., & Buse, D. C. (2020) · Current Pain and Headache Reports · doi:10.1007/s11916-020-00899-z · Cited by 19 · see citing works
Self-citationMigrende Tamamlayıcı ve Alternatif Tedavi Yöntemlerinin Kullanımı
Göksel, B. K. (2013) · Nöro Psikiyatri Arşivi · doi:10.4274/npa.y6809 · Cited by 18 · see citing works
“Several studies have reported that CBT was effective for migraine, with studies showing that 40% to 50% of individuals experience 50% or greater reduction in headache frequency (Level I) (20, 36).”
BackgroundInfluentialMukhtar, N. B., Meeus, M., Gürşen, C., Mohammed, J., Pauw, R. D., & Cagnie, B. J. (2021) · Evaluation & the Health Professions · doi:10.1177/0163278720983408 · Cited by 17 · see citing works
“This is not surprising because aerobic exercises were considered as a new approach for migraine prevention and treatment (Nicholson et al., 2011).”
BackgroundHypnotic Relaxation Vs Amitriptyline for Tension‐Type Headache: Let the Patient Choose
Ezra, Y., Gotkine, M., Goldman, S., Adahan, H. M., & Ben‐Hur, T. (2011) · Headache The Journal of Head and Face Pain · doi:10.1111/j.1526-4610.2011.02055.x · Cited by 17 · see citing works
“triggers, medication overuse, and patients who specify a desire for this treatment.(20) Treatment of chronic TTH with hypnotherapy”
Donisi, V., Mazzi, M. A., Gandolfi, M., Deledda, G., Marchioretto, F., Battista, S., Poli, S., Giansante, M., Geccherle, E., Perlini, C., et al. (2020) · Toxins · doi:10.3390/toxins12090577 · Cited by 17 · see citing works
Disentangling the Intricacies of Migraine: A Review
Girotra, P., Singh, S. K., & Saini, D. (2014) · CNS & Neurological Disorders - Drug Targets · doi:10.2174/1871527313666140414120956 · Cited by 15 · see citing works
“It activates the insular and frontal cortex regions of the periaqueductal gray matter through central mechanisms, which is believed to be the strongest center for suppression of pain [136].”
BackgroundEffect of Prayer on Intensity of Migraine Headache
Tajadini, H., Zangiabadi, N., Divsalar, K., Safizadeh, H., Esmaili, Z., & Rafiei, H. (2016) · Journal of Evidence-Based Complementary & Alternative Medicine · doi:10.1177/2156587215627551 · Cited by 15 · see citing works
“05% (alpha), the sample size would be 36 in each group (total 82).(13) For increasing power of our finding we obtained 92 samples for present study.”
BackgroundWang, S., Tian, L., Ma, T., Wong, Y. T., Yan, L. J., Gao, Y., Zhang, D., Hui, S. S., & Xie, Y. J. (2022) · Evidence-based Complementary and Alternative Medicine · doi:10.1155/2022/2089139 · Cited by 13 · see citing works
“Referring to other complementary treatments [25], Tai Chi training was expected to reduce one migraine attack each month.”
BackgroundSiahaan, Y. M. T., Hartoyo, V., & Hariyanto, T. I. (2022) · Clinical and Experimental Pharmacology and Physiology · doi:10.1111/1440-1681.13700 · Cited by 13 · see citing works
“Some proportions of patients can be successfully managed by nonpharmacologic treatment such as avoiding migraine-specific triggers and by taking a nap.(4) Meanwhile, other patients needs additional interventions such as ingesting drugs to relieve their pain.”
BackgroundKhazraee, H., Bakhtiari, M., Kianimoghadam, A. S., & Hajmanouchehri, R. (2023) · Life · doi:10.3390/life13010131 · Cited by 13 · see citing works
“In addition to pharmacological therapies, other treatment options exist, including psychological interventions [26].”
BackgroundMansueto, G., De Cesaris, F., Geppetti, P., & Cosci, F. (2018) · Trials · doi:10.1186/s13063-018-2944-5 · Cited by 10 · see citing works
Roslyakova, T., Falco, M.-A., & Gauchet, A. (2021) · Psychology & Health · doi:10.1080/08870446.2020.1856844 · Cited by 10 · see citing works
Ohlsen, B. A. (2012) · Journal of Chiropractic Medicine · doi:10.1016/j.jcm.2012.02.003 · Cited by 10 · see citing works
The role of acupuncture in the treatment of migraine
Molsberger, A. F. (2012) · Canadian Medical Association Journal · doi:10.1503/cmaj.112032 · Cited by 10 · see citing works
“, relaxation, biofeedback, and cognitive-behavioural therapy).(1) Riboflavin and coenzyme Q10 significantly decreased the frequency of migraine attacks, and the prophylactic efficacy of magnesium, particularly for children and migraines related to menstruation, has been substantiated.”
BackgroundDerakhshan, A., Manshaei, G., Afshar, H., & Goli, F. (2016) · International journal of body, mind and culture · doi:10.22122/ijbmc.v3i1.55 · Cited by 9 · see citing works
Moore, C., Leaver, A. M., Sibbritt, D. W., & Adams, J. (2019) · Chiropractic & Manual Therapies · doi:10.1186/s12998-019-0254-y · Cited by 9 · see citing works
Barchakh, Z., Valandani, Z. M., & Khorvash, F. (2021) · Practice in Clinical Psychology · doi:10.32598/jpcp.9.1.740.1 · Cited by 8 · see citing works
Recent Approaches and Development of Acupuncture on Chronic Daily Headache
Liu, Y., & Yu, S. (2015) · Current Pain and Headache Reports · doi:10.1007/s11916-015-0535-7 · Cited by 8 · see citing works
Bibliometric Analysis of 100 Most Highly Cited Publications on Acupuncture for Migraine
Song, X., Wang, J., Bai, L., & Zou, W. (2023) · Journal of Pain Research · doi:10.2147/jpr.s396909 · Cited by 7 · see citing works
Marupuru, S., Almatruk, Z., Slack, M. K., & Axon, D. R. (2023) · Clinics and Practice · doi:10.3390/clinpract13030051 · Cited by 6 · see citing works
“According to the US headache consortium, using dietary supplements such as vitamin B12 has a grade I recommendation and Coenzyme Q10 has grade II [38,39].”
MethodMigraine Prevalence and Academic Impact on Medical Students at Alfaisal University
Szabó, A., Mahamud, G., & Ahsan, F. (2024) · Brain and Behavior · doi:10.1002/brb3.70072 · Cited by 5 · see citing works
He, Y., Wu, Y., & Li, X. (2024) · Journal of Pain Research · doi:10.2147/jpr.s489296 · Cited by 5 · see citing works
Pneumothorax after acupuncture.
Huisma, F. F., Konrad, G., & Thomas, S. (2015) · PubMed Central · Cited by 5 · see citing works
Shabani, M., نجات, ح., & Saffarian, M. R. (2019) · International journal of basic science in medicine · doi:10.15171/ijbsm.2019.13 · Cited by 5 · see citing works
He, Y., Wang, X., Liu, M., Li, L., Han, T., Wu, Y., & Li, X. (2025) · Journal of Pain Research · doi:10.2147/jpr.s527987 · Cited by 4 · see citing works
“36,37 Since 2008, the domain of acupuncture for migraines has advanced.”
Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) approaches to headache
Preter, M., & Lieblich, S. (2013) · Cambridge University Press eBooks · doi:10.1017/cbo9781139206952.013 · Cited by 4 · see citing works
The Relationship of Mental Health, Life Satisfaction and Perfectionism with Migraine Headache
Savari, K. (2013) · Cited by 4 · see citing works
Integrated headache care at the outpatient headache center of the University Hospital of Munich
Rohling, S., Funk, A., Ruscheweyh, R., Schankin, C. J., Straube, A. M., & Kamm, K. (2018) · Clinical and Translational Neuroscience · doi:10.1177/2514183x18786844 · Cited by 4 · see citing works
“It is effective in terms of reducing the frequency of headache attacks and lowering the burden of disease.(27) The reduction of headache activity is even substantial over multiple years.”
Laube, J., Araujo, T. S., & Taw, L. B. (2020) · Global Advances in Health and Medicine · doi:10.1177/2164956120905817 · Cited by 3 · see citing works
“Mind–body approaches for CM and CTTH have been increasingly studied and supported, specifically cognitive behavioral therapy, stress management training, and biofeedback.(21,22) The efficacy of these approaches may be because many CDH patients also suffer from psychiatric comorbid diagnoses including anxiety, depressi…”
MethodPsychologische Therapie der Migräne: Systematische Übersicht
Fritsche, G., Kröner‐Herwig, B., Kropp, P. A., Niederberger, U., & Haag, G. (2013) · Der Schmerz · Cited by 3 · see citing works
Management of medication overuse headache
D’Amico, D., Grazzi, L., & Tepper, S. J. (2024) · Handbook of clinical neurology · doi:10.1016/b978-0-12-823357-3.00026-4 · Cited by 2 · see citing works
Effectiveness of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy in Adolescents
Sagar, R., Mehta, M., & Sahu, A. (2015) · Springer eBooks · doi:10.1007/978-81-322-2241-5_19 · Cited by 1 · see citing works
Lysk, S., Pach, D., Tissen‐Diabaté, T., Scholler, S., & Witt, C. M. (2025) · Headache The Journal of Head and Face Pain · doi:10.1111/head.70009 · Cited by 1 · see citing works
Behavioral approaches to headache: A practical guide for non-mental health providers
Gittleman, M. (2012) · Techniques in Regional Anesthesia and Pain Management · doi:10.1053/j.trap.2012.11.009 · Cited by 1 · see citing works
Psychological Approaches to Headache
Seng, E. K., & Baskin, S. M. (2015) · Elsevier eBooks · doi:10.1016/b978-0-12-800901-7.00019-7 · Cited by 1 · see citing works
Dodick, D. W., & Silberstein, S. D. (2016) · doi:10.1093/med/9780199793617.003.0009 · Cited by 1 · see citing works
Rajabi, S., & Abbasi, Z. (2015) · Cited by 1 · see citing works
Common Pitfalls in the Evaluation and Management of Headache: Case-Based Learning
Loder, E., Burch, R. C., & Rizzoli, P. B. (2014) · Cited by 1 · see citing works
The organizations of specialized medical care for patients with headache
Baiushkina, L. I. (2019) · Journal of clinical practice · doi:10.17816/clinpract102108-113 · Cited by 1 · see citing works
“Оно эффективно в отношении уменьшения частоты приступов головной боли и снижения бремени болезни [33].”
Martelletti, P. (2022) · Springer eBooks · doi:10.1007/978-3-030-97359-9_4 · Cited by 1 · see citing works
Mirror, Mirror On the Wall: What effectiveness research shows us about headache care
Ahn, A. H., & Kairalla, J. A. (2011) · Pain · doi:10.1016/j.pain.2011.03.009 · Cited by 1 · see citing works
“Because these alterations are typically more challenging than medical prophylaxis, successful treatment requires multiple disciplines to work closely [7], and can include physical therapy, nutrition, psychology, psychiatry, otolaryngology, endodontic dentistry, sleep medicine, gynecology, pain medicine, and neurosurge…”
BackgroundSonty, N. (2013) · Cambridge University Press eBooks · doi:10.1017/cbo9781139206952.011
Headache Triggers and Causality Editorial: A Research Roadmap and Clinical Caution
Seng, E. K. (2013) · Headache The Journal of Head and Face Pain · doi:10.1111/head.12073
Varkey, E. (2012)
Bernstein, C. A., Bernstein, C. A., & Bernstein, C. A. (2012) · Springer eBooks · doi:10.1007/978-1-4419-7113-5_8
Pitfallsin nonpharmacologic treatment of headache
Loder, E., Burch, R. C., & Rizzoli, P. B. (2014) · Cambridge University Press eBooks · doi:10.1017/cbo9781139519335.010
Gonzalez, R. A., Watson, E. C., Denton, F. N., Steinberg, T. C., & Hua, W. (2016) · Open Medicine Journal · doi:10.2174/1874220301603010113
“[105] Nicholson RA, Buse DC, Andrasik F, Lipton RB.”
BackgroundFermo, O. P., & Rosenberg, J. D. (2016) · doi:10.1002/9781118777374.ch5
Efficacy of the Comprehensive Headache Clinic at the Bangkok Hospital: The First 6 Months’ Report
Jindawong, N., & Vongvaivanich, K. (2013) · THE BANGKOK MEDICAL JOURNAL · doi:10.31524/bkkmedj.2013.02.005
Mayhami, K., Moradi, O., Dadgar, M., & Ezatpour, E. E.-D. (2019) · Shenakht Journal of Psychology and Psychiatry · doi:10.29252/shenakht.6.2.27
Psychophysiological Features of Primary Headache: New Findings and Some Confirmation
Pruneti, C. A. (2020) · Archives in Neurology & Neuroscience · doi:10.33552/ann.2020.08.000676
“Despite the limitations, important methodological and design indications are obtained and, therefore, the development of further research on the population characterized by primary headache is suggested in which, in addition to considering more representative samples from the numerical point of view, the inclusion cri…”
BackgroundBruni, O. (2020) · Springer eBooks · doi:10.1007/978-3-030-54359-4_12
Taylor, F. R., Cooper, W. M., Kaniecki, R. G., Ward, T. N., & Roberts, J. (2015) · Headache The Journal of Head and Face Pain · doi:10.1111/head.12520
Martelletti, P. (2023) · Springer eBooks · doi:10.1007/978-3-031-20894-2_1
Editorial: Cognitive schemas in primary headache disorders
Özge, A., Valeriani, M., Uludüz, D., & Guidetti, V. (2023) · Frontiers in Neurology · doi:10.3389/fneur.2023.1240559
Advances in migraine treatment - a review
Słychan, K., Frańczuk, A., Makłowicz, A., Szpulak, A., Kopczyńska, E., Głoskowska, J., Grzelka, M., Kuleta, K., Łęska, A. E., & Kejna, P. (2024) · Quality in Sport · doi:10.12775/qs.2024.21.54055
A Randomized Trial of Cervical Stabilization Exercise Training Via Telerehabilitation for Migraine
Düşgün, E. S., Karahan, N., & Celenay, S. T. (2025) · Pain Management Nursing · doi:10.1016/j.pmn.2025.08.001
- Authors
- Nicholson, R. A., Buse, D. C., Andrasik, F., & Lipton, R. B.
- Affiliations
- Saint Louis University (US)
- Albert Einstein College of Medicine (US)
- University of Memphis (US)
- Corresponding author
- Nicholson, Robert A.
- Venue
- Current Treatment Options in Neurology
- Published
- 2010-11-16
- Volume
- 13
- Issue
- 1
- Pages
- 28-40
- ISSN
- 1092-8480 (ISSN-L)
- 1534-3138
- OpenAlex
- W2079068522
- Cited by
- 88
- References
- 50
- Citations by year
- 2025: 4 · 2024: 4 · 2023: 6 · 2022: 3 · 2021: 4 · 2020: 9 · 2019: 4 · 2018: 4 · 2017: 2 · 2016: 5 · 2015: 11 · 2014: 7 · 2013: 11 · 2012: 11
- FWCI
- 5.46
- Type
- journal article
- Language
- en
- Open access
- closed
- Licence
- www.springer.com/tdm (tdm)
- Locations
- Current Treatment Options in Neurology (publishedVersion)
- PubMed (publishedVersion)
- Topics
- Health Sciences › Medicine › Psychiatry and Mental health › Migraine and Headache Studies
- Health Sciences › Health Professions › Complementary and Manual Therapy › Temporomandibular Joint Disorders
- Health Sciences › Medicine › Epidemiology › Traumatic Brain Injury Research
- Keywords
- migraine, tension-type headache, non-pharmacological treatment, headache prevention, behavior therapy, biofeedback, relaxation training, cognitive behavioral therapy, acupuncture, complementary and alternative medicine, riboflavin, medication overuse headache, headache triggers, lifestyle modification, patient education, medication adherence
About these checks
Registry, retraction, Cites and statistics results are computed, not judged, with one exception: a printed reference that no index lists is read once by a model before it counts as a citation error. Claims are extracted by a model and kept only when their quote appears verbatim in the text; each cited source is then checked, with a model’s help, for whether it says what the claim relies on. Those verdicts can be wrong — read the claim’s quote and the cited source before relying on one.
Statistics and arithmetic are recomputed, not judged.
Confidence bands are shown only for fields calibrated on our annotated test set. None is calibrated yet, so no band is shown.
What counts as a claim ›How we measure confidence ›How we check this ›
Are you an author, or do you see a problem with this page? Request a review
