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Why Does Increased Exercise Decrease Migraine?

  • Migraine (R Cowan)
  • Published:
Current Pain and Headache Reports Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Several lines of evidence affirm a positive role for exercise in the management of migraine. This review highlights the latest research supporting this view, covering not only its epidemiologic aspects but also the pain modulatory systems that are likely to be engaged by exercise. Recent research provides broad and consistent evidence indicating that cardiovascular exercise can activate multiple pain modulatory mechanisms, if not the underlying mechanisms that initiate the attack. Specifically, a synthesis of independent lines of recent research would indicate that exercise activates endogenous neurotransmitter signals that could be effective in reducing the intensity of migraine pain, though it may not have a direct effect on its overall frequency or duration.

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References

Papers of particular interest, published recently, have been highlighted as: • Of importance, •• Of major importance

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Andrew H. Ahn reported no potential conflicts of interest relevant to this article.

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This article does not contain any studies with human or animal subjects performed by any of the authors.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. University of Florida College of Medicine, 1275 Center Dr, Box 100159, Gainesville, FL, 32610, USA

    Andrew H. Ahn

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  1. Andrew H. Ahn
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Correspondence to Andrew H. Ahn.

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This article is part of the Topical Collection on Migraine

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Ahn, A.H. Why Does Increased Exercise Decrease Migraine?. Curr Pain Headache Rep 17, 379 (2013). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11916-013-0379-y

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11916-013-0379-y

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