Since I started my in vitro cycle, and subsequently after I found out I was pregnant, I had been advised not to take any medications, including over-the-counter drugs like Excedrin or Alleve. Unfortunately, I am prone to tension headaches and occasionally get a particularly bad migraine. On Saturday afternoon, I felt a tension headache coming on. Knowing that I would not be able to to turn to drugs as a remedy, I decided to try stretching.

I bought the book, Instant Relief: Tell Me Where it Hurts and I’ll Tell You What to Do months ago, but it’s been sitting on my shelf, collecting dust. The premise of this book is that by stretching the proper muscles, you can effectively reduce or eliminate your pain. I thought it was worth a try, so I dusted off the book and began doing the stretches recommended for tight neck and shoulder muscles.

After about 10 minutes, I felt significantly better, and avoided a tension headache that could have kept me from dinner with friends.

Perhaps I should keep that book on my nightstand and practice the stretches daily. If it can keep my muscles loose, maybe I can avoid migraines altogether. That would be wonderful.

Trackback URI | Comments RSS