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Around 10 percent of the global population are known to be afflicted with migraine. While different medications, and options are available to help manage the condition, a small section of users are known to consider alternative solutions, that may not often be supported scientifically. One such belief is the effects of piercings that have been claimed to help reduce pain and symptoms of migraine. Following subsections offer a detailed look at the question – do daith or tragus piercings help with migraines? Information includes an overview of migraine and treatment options that are known to actually work.

What is migraine?

Migraine is essentially one type of headache characterized by intense, throbbing or pulsing pain, often on one side of the head. This is typically a chronic condition causing significant discomfort and disruption to daily activities. In addition to headache, migraines may also cause other symptoms, including nausea, vomiting, sensitivity to light/sound/smell, and visual disturbances – flashing lights or blind spots. Apart from the above, individuals are known to experience a tingling sensation or numbness in the face or hands, in addition to overall fatigue.

Migraines are known to last anywhere between 4 to 72 hours and for a section of people, can be debilitating in nature. The exact cause of migraines is not well understood, but is assumed to be related to changes in the brain and surrounding blood vessels.

What is the treatment for migraine?

The treatment for migraine depends on the severity and frequency of the migraines, as well as the individual’s lifestyle and medical history. Common treatments for migraine that are known to be effective include the following:

#1 Pain-relieving medications: OTC pain relievers, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen, can relieve headache. For more severe migraines, stronger pain relievers, such as triptans are often prescribed, after proper diagnosis by a medical specialist.

#2 Preventative medications: Medications belonging to the category of beta-blockers, calcium channel blockers, and anticonvulsants, can help to reduce the frequency and severity of migraines.

#3 Lifestyle modifications: Changes to dietary intake, sleep and exercise routines can help to prevent migraines. There is a clear need to stay hydrated, and avoid triggers such as caffeine, alcohol, and foods, and managing stress levels.

#4 Behavioral therapies: Relaxation techniques, such as deep breathing, progressive muscle relaxation, and meditation, can help reduce stress and this may also prevent migraines.

#5 Complementary therapies: Certain complementary therapies, such as acupuncture and massage therapy are also known to help a small section of patients.

#6 Sumatriptan nasal spray: This fast-acting medication is known to be effective in treating acute migraine.

Patients are to seek specialist assistance to determine the best treatment plan, as some treatments may not be suitable for everyone and may cause side effects. In some cases, a combination of treatments may often be necessary to effectively manage migraines.

Do daith or tragus piercings help with migraines?

It is now time to answer the above question. The idea that daith or tragus piercings can help with migraines is not supported by scientific evidence. There is no reliable scientific evidence that suggests that piercing these areas of the ear can provide a significant reduction in either the frequency or severity of migraines. While some individuals may experience a reduction in migraine symptoms after getting a daith or tragus piercing, this is likely due to coincidental improvements in the condition, and may not be related to the piercing.

Before considering a piercing to help with migraines, it is important to assess treatment options that are evidence-based and proven to be effective in reducing migraine symptoms, such as preventative medications, behavioral therapy, and lifestyle changes.

What is daith piercing?

This is a type of body piercing performed on the innermost cartilage fold of the ear, near the ear canal. This has become popular in recent years due to the belief that it can help to alleviate symptoms of migraines and other chronic pain conditions. However, as outlined above there is currently no scientific evidence to support the claims of relief.

What is tragus piercing?

This is a type of body piercing that involves the placement of a jewelry in the tragus, which is the small, rounded cartilage flap that projects out from the face of the ear and partially covers the ear canal. These have become a popular form of body modification for their visual appeal and the wide range of jewelry styles that can be worn in this area. These piercings do not have any known therapeutic benefits for migraines or other pain conditions, and there is no scientific evidence to support the claims that this can help alleviate symptoms.

Before any tragus piercing, it is important to find a reputable and experienced piercer, and ensure sterilization and safety procedures to minimize the risk of infection and other complications. Individuals need to be aware of the potential risks and side effects of body piercings.

Possible side effects of daith or tragus piercings

Similar to all body piercings, tragus and daith piercings can have some potential risks and side effects, including the following:

Infection: Piercing the skin creates a small wound that can become infected if proper hygiene and aftercare practices are not followed. Symptoms of infection include redness, pain, swelling, and discharge from the piercing site.

Allergic reactions: The development of an allergic reaction cannot be ruled out to the metal in the jewelry, that may cause redness, itching, and swelling.

Keloid scarring: A section of individuals are prone to keloid scarring, that occurs when scar tissue forms excessively at the piercing site, leading to a raised, thick, and sometimes painful scar.

Bleeding: Piercing the tragus or daith can cause some bleeding, especially if the piercing is not performed correctly or if proper aftercare practices are not followed.

Cartilage damage: Cartilage can be damaged if the piercing is not performed correctly, leading to pain, swelling, and scarring.

Migration: Piercing the tragus or daith can cause the jewelry to migrate, or move away from its original position, over time. This can cause discomfort and may lead to the piercing closing up completely.

Rejection: In some cases, the body may reject the piercing and push it out, leading to scarring and discomfort.

The best option is to look at piercings only as body art and not as therapeutic or beneficial in terms of health conditions. This will help prevent any unwanted and additional complications.