11 Types of Migraine Products to Help With Everyday Life

The symptoms and triggers of episodic migraine can change as you get older. For some people, that means they happen less often. For others, the pain might feel different: showing up in a new spot, at a different time of day, or with a different intensity. The good news is that there are plenty of affordable products – some as simple as ginger candy from the grocery store – that may make day-to-day life more manageable. Remember, always check with your doctor if you notice any new symptoms or changes, just to rule out anything more serious.

Lidocaine is a numbing medication that works by blocking pain signals before they reach your brain. You can buy it over the counter as a spray, cream, patch, or gel. Some studies have shown that lidocaine nasal spray in particular can ease migraine pain in as little as five minutes. To use it, lie down and insert the spray tip into the nostril on the side where you feel the migraine. Spray once and keep your head flat for about 30 seconds. If your migraine affects both sides, repeat the process in the other nostril. You can also apply lidocaine cream using a cotton swab. For the best results, always follow the instructions on the label.

Cold therapy is one of the oldest tricks in the book for easing migraine pain because it has a numbing effect. A popular option is a cooling cap: a wearable ice pack that wraps around your head and sometimes your neck. Some styles look like headbands while others resemble hats. Wearing one for about 30 minutes can bring short-term relief, but it won't prevent migraines over the long term.

Up to 9 in 10 people have light sensitivity during a migraine. Even dim light can make the pain worse. Wearing an eye mask can help block out light and make it easier to rest. Some masks come with extra features – like cooling effects or weight that applies gentle pressure or massage – that may give you more relief. Just make sure to avoid scented versions, since strong smells can sometimes make symptoms worse.

TENS, which stands for transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation, is a device that sends mild electrical pulses through the surface of your skin to stimulate nerves and block pain signals. Some models are specifically designed for migraines, targeting nerves in the forehead or back of the head. Look for an FDA-approved option, some of which you can get without a prescription.

Some types of migraines can make you sensitive to sound, along with light or smell. Wearing earplugs can help block out noise, which may ease some of your symptoms. Look for earplugs with a noise reduction rating, which tells you how well they can filter sound. The higher the rating, the more they block. Comfort matters, too, so choose a style you can wear for longer periods. Foam earplugs, for example, are often more comfortable and block more noise than silicone ones. 

Dehydration can cause your brain to shrink temporarily. When this happens, it can put pressure on the nerves around your skull and trigger a migraine. If you notice symptoms, drinking water mixed with electrolytes can help you rehydrate quickly and ease some discomfort. Electrolyte pouches usually contain salt and essential minerals that support your cells. Keep in mind that different brands have varying amounts of electrolytes, and some are even considered supplements, which aren't regulated by the FDA, so always check the label.

Ginger has long been used as a home remedy for upset stomachs and may also help with nausea that can sometimes come with a migraine. Some studies suggest that taking ginger may even ease migraine-related pain after about two hours. You can try it in several forms – fresh ginger, ginger tea, ginger capsules, or even ginger candy – to see what works best for you.

Applying heat to your neck or shoulders can help relax tense muscles, which may relieve tension that can trigger migraine pain. You can use a heating pad specifically designed to wrap around your shoulders or a hot water bottle. Apply heat for 15 minutes at a time. Just be careful not to overdo it – using too much heat may cause burns or more discomfort. If you don't have a heating pad on hand, taking a hot shower or bath may also help.

At the first sign of a migraine, it's a good idea to pause what you're doing and lie down in a dark, quiet room if possible. If you tend to get migraines during the day, hanging blackout curtains in your bedroom can help you rest more comfortably. They can also help with light sensitivity, which is a common trigger that can make migraines worse.

Different colors of light have different wavelengths, and the shorter ones – like blue, indigo, and violet – are most likely to trigger migraines. That's because the surface of the eye has many nerve endings, some of which are easily activated by these shorter wavelengths. Migraine glasses use tinted lenses that can filter out or even block certain types of light. The most common type, which uses an FL-41 lens, has a pinkish tint. Wearing these glasses may help reduce how often you get migraines, but they don't work as well once a migraine has already started. More research is needed to confirm how well migraine glasses really work.

You can also find glasses that specifically filter out blue light – the type emitted by your computer and smartphone screens. There isn't enough evidence to show whether blue light glasses prevent migraines. But using an anti-glare computer screen may help with eyestrain, which can sometimes trigger one. Better yet, taking breaks and limiting your screen time can go a long way when it comes to keeping your symptoms in check.