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Magnesium & Migraines. Does Magnesium help migraines? Magnesium is inexpensive and readily available, but does it assist with migraine management and are there any side effects?
Magnesium is an essential mineral that our bodies require to function correctly. Magnesium can improve bone health, stabilise blood pressure and maintain healthy heart and nerve function.
The estimated amount of people who don’t get enough magnesium through their diets experience symptoms of fatigue, nausea, muscle cramping/contraction and headache/migraine.
Magnesium oxide treats low magnesium and, most importantly, migraine.
Can magnesium prevent migraine attacks, and how does it work?
According to multiple scientific studies, the American Headache Society, and the American Academy of Neurology, the answer is yes. Not every clinical trial has shown magnesium to be effective at preventing migraine headaches, but there’s enough evidence that it helps that it’s an excellent option to consider.
Studies have shown that people who suffer from migraines tend to have lower magnesium levels than those who don’t. It’s believed that this nutrient block signals in the brain that leads to migraine with aura or menstrual migraine and can also stop certain chemicals that cause pain.
Magnesium also regulates serotonin production, which, when dysfunctional, can lead to sensitisation of brain areas involved in migraine attacks.
Magnesium’s role in preventing muscle cramping and contraction is well known. Recent evidence suggests that musculoskeletal dysfunction in the upper neck can lead to sensitisation of the brainstem and migraine.
Where do we get magnesium from?
Many foods are rich in magnesium, including spinach, whole grains, legumes and nuts such as almonds and cashews. The recommended dose to combat migraine is about 400-500 mg daily, which is challenging to get from your diet alone.
Vitamin supplements containing magnesium oxide, B vitamins, and Coenzyme Q10 are commonly prescribed for managing migraine.
Are there possible side effects?
The most common side effects of magnesium supplementation are abdominal cramping and diarrhea.
It’s worth consulting a doctor before commencing magnesium supplementation if you are taking diuretics, antibiotics, osteoporosis medication or proton pump inhibitors.
The final word
Given the supporting evidence for magnesium as a method for preventing migraine, its availability, and its relatively inexpensive, it could be a fantastic support for those suffering.
The benefits of migraine can take a while to show up, so it’s work waiting 2 – 3 months before giving up.
At the Melbourne Headache + Migraine Group (within WHL), our approach is based on the Watson Headache® Approach.
The hands-on treatment approach specifically treats headaches and migraines by identifying and treating issues in the upper neck that can lead to brainstem sensitisation and migraine, so if you’re ready to make a meaningful change to managing your headaches and migraines, book online now.
