Biofeedback

Biofeedback is a non-medicinal method of significantly reducing the pain and occurrence of headaches and migraines. It is essential for treating headaches in children and other patients sensitive to medication. Biofeedback is especially effective when combined with other treatment methods. Biofeedback focuses on controlling bodily functions by closely monitoring heart rates, blood pressure, and muscle tension. There are two biofeedback techniques, temperature and EMG, through which patients can learn to alter their body functions.

Temperature

A finger thermometer measures the temperature of the blood flow through your fingers. The blood vessels are especially sensitive and contract when the body is in stress, such as during a migraine. Patients learn to control body temperature in order to relax the blood vessels and thereby relieve the headache.

Electromyograph (EMG)

An EMG, or electromyography, is used to measure muscle tension in the forehead by measuring the muscles' electric energy. The amount of energy will be high in patients suffering from tension headaches. Patients will go on to learn how to relax their facial muscles and relieve headache-related tension.