Strength training reduces migraine symptoms, researchers find

BOSTON -  A certain type of exercise may be best for people who suffer from migraines.

Researchers at Stanford reviewed 21 previous studies involving 1,195 patients with migraines and found that strength training is the most effective exercise for reducing migraine symptoms followed by high-intensity and moderate-intensity aerobics. 

Both forms of exercise beat two popular migraine medications, topiramate and amitriptyline. 

It's not completely understood why exercise helps prevent migraines. One theory is that strength training may help by conditioning muscles in the neck and shoulders which can be a source of the pain trigger in migraines.

Mallika Marshall, MD

Mallika Marshall, MD is an Emmy-award-winning journalist and physician who has served as the HealthWatch Reporter for CBS Boston/WBZ-TV for over 20 years. A practicing physician Board Certified in both Internal Medicine and Pediatrics, Dr. Marshall serves on staff at Harvard Medical School and practices at Massachusetts General Hospital at the MGH Chelsea Urgent Care and the MGH Revere Health Center, where she is currently working on the frontlines caring for patients with COVID-19. She is also a host and contributing editor for Harvard Health Publications (HHP), the publishing division of Harvard Medical School.

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