Migraine is a common neurological condition that causes repeated attacks of moderate to severe headache, often throbbing and on one side, usually with feeling sick or sensitivity to light and sound. Some people also get an aura, such as flashing lights, before the headache. Migraine is diagnosed and managed medically, usually by a GP, and regular exercise and healthy routines can be a helpful part of overall management.
Also known as migraine headache, migraine with aura, migraine without aura
Symptoms
- Moderate to severe throbbing or pulsing headache, often on one side
- Feeling sick or vomiting
- Sensitivity to light, sound or smells
- Pain made worse by physical activity
- Visual aura, such as zigzag lines or flashing lights, in some people
- Neck stiffness or ache before or during an attack
Causes and risk factors
- Genetic tendency, as migraine often runs in families
- Hormonal changes, such as around periods or the menopause
- Triggers such as poor sleep, stress, missed meals or dehydration
- Overuse of painkillers, which can lead to more frequent headaches
- Some people notice triggers such as bright light or certain foods
What the evidence says helps
- NICE guidance sets out medicines for treating attacks, such as a triptan with an anti-inflammatory or paracetamol, and preventive medicines for frequent migraine. These are prescribed and reviewed by your GP or specialist.1
- NICE recommends keeping a headache diary to record how often attacks happen, how severe they are and how you respond to treatment. Written information and details of support organisations should also be offered.1
- Network meta-analyses suggest that regular aerobic exercise and strength training may reduce how often migraine attacks happen, but the quality of the evidence varies and is sometimes very low.34
- Many people with migraine have neck pain, but evidence that neck-focused physical therapy changes migraine itself is uncertain. Hands-on care is not a recognised treatment to prevent migraine.5
- Using painkillers on many days a month can cause medication overuse headache. NICE advises this is managed with GP support by stopping the overused medicines.1
Things you can try at home
- Keep a migraine diary, including possible triggers, sleep, meals, periods and medicines
- Aim for regular sleep, meals and fluids, as changes in routine can trigger attacks
- Build up regular exercise gradually, such as walking, cycling or strength work
- Rest in a quiet, dark room during an attack if it helps
- Speak to your GP or pharmacist about the right medicines and how often to use them
When to get urgent help
Contact your GP urgently, call NHS 111, or call 999 in an emergency if you have:
- Call 999 for a sudden, severe headache that peaks within about 5 minutes
- Call 999 for weakness or numbness on one side, a drooping face, slurred speech or confusion, even if you have had aura before
- Get urgent help (NHS 111 or A&E) for headache with fever, a stiff neck or a rash
- See a GP urgently if your aura lasts more than an hour or is different from usual
- See a GP urgently for a new headache after a head injury, or one triggered by coughing, sneezing or straining
- See your GP if your attacks change, become much more frequent, or start for the first time after age 50
How Apollo can help
We do not treat or prevent migraine, which should be diagnosed and managed by your GP or a specialist. Our osteopaths can assess neck and shoulder problems that you may also be experiencing, explain how they relate to your symptoms, and provide care for those musculoskeletal issues. We can also support you to build a gradual, sustainable exercise routine, and we will signpost you to your GP if your symptoms need medical review.
No GP referral needed. Clinics in Sheringham, Coltishall and Norwich.
Related reading
Frequently asked questions
Can exercise help with migraine?
Research suggests regular aerobic exercise and strength training may reduce how often migraine attacks happen for some people, although the evidence is still limited. It is best to build up gradually, as sudden intense exercise can trigger attacks in some people.
Can an osteopath treat migraine?
Osteopathy is not a recognised treatment to prevent migraine, and migraine should be managed by your GP. An osteopath can assess and help with neck or shoulder problems you may have alongside migraine, and support you with exercise.
When should I see a doctor about migraine?
See your GP if migraines are frequent, affecting your life, or if painkillers are not helping. Get urgent help for a sudden severe headache, weakness, speech problems or an aura that is unusual or long-lasting.
References
- National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (2012, last updated 2025). Headaches in over 12s: diagnosis and management (CG150). NICE. View source
- Stovner LJ, Hagen K, Linde M, Steiner TJ (2022). The global prevalence of headache: an update, with analysis of the influences of methodological factors on prevalence estimates. The Journal of Headache and Pain. View source
- Woldeamanuel YW, Oliveira ABD (2022). What is the efficacy of aerobic exercise versus strength training in the treatment of migraine? A systematic review and network meta-analysis of clinical trials. The Journal of Headache and Pain. View source
- Reina-Varona Á, Madroñero-Miguel B, Fierro-Marrero J, Paris-Alemany A, La Touche R (2024). Efficacy of various exercise interventions for migraine treatment: a systematic review and network meta-analysis. Headache. View source
- Amons AL, Castien RF, De Hertogh W, et al. (2026). Efficacy of cervical physical therapy on pain sensitivity in patients with migraine compared to no treatment, sham treatment or usual medical care: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Journal of Manual & Manipulative Therapy. View source
This page is general information, not a diagnosis or a substitute for medical advice. If you are worried about your symptoms, speak to your GP or a registered healthcare professional. Content prepared from the sources above, November 2026.
