Is Viral Video of Cold Therapy Effective for Migraines?
A recent viral video introduced a quick pain-relief hack for migraines, which involves placing a cold towel on the head and a hot towel on the back and neck. This method, shared by a woman in the video, claims to provide instant relief from migraine pain, characterized by throbbing headaches, sensitivity to light and sound, and nausea.
Understanding the Technique
In a follow-up video, Dr. Kunal Sood explained the reasoning behind this hack. He noted that the cold towel can offer immediate pain relief, while the hot towel on the back and neck helps relax muscles and improve blood circulation. By increasing oxygen delivery and eliminating toxins, this approach helps mitigate migraine pain.
Expert Insights on Cold Therapy
Dr. Sheetal Goyal, a Neurologist at Wockhardt Hospitals in Mumbai Central, discussed the effectiveness of cold therapy for migraines. “Cold therapy is an age-old, easily accessible remedy for alleviating migraine pain,” she said. The application of cold induces vasoconstriction, reducing blood flow and swelling. It also slows nerve conduction, easing pain and reducing metabolic activity, thus lowering the demand for adenosine triphosphate (ATP), a chemical involved in migraine headaches.
Evidence Supporting Cold Band Therapy
Citing a 2020 study, Dr. Goyal added that applying a cold band to the forehead can significantly alleviate pain and enhance overall well-being during a migraine attack. She recommended the home remedy of a cold towel for the head and a hot towel for the neck and back. This balanced approach can manage migraines by reducing pain and inflammation on the forehead with cold therapy and relaxing neck and back muscles with hot therapy, potentially reducing tension-related triggers.
Conclusions
While this method is not a substitute for professional medical treatment, it offers a practical and immediate measure that can bring significant relief.
Source: Inputs from various media SourcesÂ
