Headaches: Overview for Clinicians

An Integrative Approach to Recurring Headaches

Determine if headaches are from medication overuse

• Create a plan for discontinuation of pain medication.
• Possible bridge therapy-
  • Naproxen Sodium or Meclofenamate Sodium or Prednisone
  • Acupuncture
  • Raskin protocol-most effective for severe rebound headaches

Identify and remove headache triggers:

• Headache diary
• Headache elimination diet
• Stress reduction
• Biofeedback

Initiate preventive therapy (raise the headache threshold):

• Assess myofascial tension in neck and shoulders; refer for body work as needed.
• Initiate trial of supplements
  • Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin). 400 mg qd
  • Magnesium. 600 mg qd
  • Feverfew. 25 mg bid
  • CoEnzyme Q-10. 150 mg a day, for adults; 1-3 mg/kg/day for children.
  • Fish oil/olive oil. Fish oil: 756 mg qd EPA; 498 mg qd DHA and olive oil 1,382 mg oleic acid daily
  • Butterbur (Petasites). Petadolex 50-100 mg bid
• Medicate for concomitant conditions. See Pearls for Clinicians below for details.
• Initiate mind/body approaches.
  • Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction
  • Breathing Exercise
  • Guided Imagery
  • Self-Hypnosis
• Consider craniosacral therapy for headaches that result from cranial trauma.

Please see the downloads section for more detailed clinician and patient information.

Disclaimer: This information is for general education. Please work with your health care practitioner to use it in the best way possible to promote your health.