By Maureen Williams, ND

Moderate aerobic exercise reduces the frequency, intensity, and duration of migraine headaches in people who have migraines without aura, according to a study published in Cephalalgia (2003;23:972–6).

People with migraines suffer episodes of severe headache, nausea, and sensitivity to light and sound. Visual disturbances or unusual head sensations, known as an aura, often occur before head pain in a migraine episode; however, some people experience migraines without aura. Migraines may be caused by rapid changes in the blood flow to the head; the aura is believed to be associated with narrowing of the blood vessels in the head, and the widening of the blood vessels may influence head pain, nausea, and sensitivity to light and sound.

Migraine treatment includes the use of pain relievers and medicines that affect the openness of the blood vessels. Although these medications can provide immediate migraine relief, long-term frequent use can result in additional headaches, known as medication overuse headaches, which are far more difficult to treat than common migraines. Furthermore, the use of these medicines can pose problems for people with stomach and heart conditions, as well as in pregnant or breast-feeding women.

Several studies have suggested that regular aerobic exercise might be helpful in migraine management, but exercise during a migraine episode can worsen symptoms. In a recent controlled trial, people with a history of migraines who participated in an aerobic exercise program had significantly fewer migraines—and those they did have were of less intensity and shorter duration—than did people with a history of migraines who did not exercise. Exercise increases levels of endorphins as well as other body chemicals that might reduce the number of episodes and the symptoms of migraine. Endorphins are body chemicals that are associated with reduced pain.

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