Online Mindfulness vs Progressive Muscle Relaxation vs a Combination of Both as a Treatment of Migraine- Empowering Clients in Their Choice of Treatment to Control Their Chronic Headache

Abstract

Background: It is unclear as to whether online mindfulness or progressive muscular relaxation (PMR) or a combination of both result in the best outcomes for people with chronic headache (Tension, Migraine & Cluster Headaches) Method: An online study which randomised people to one of three treatment groups; PMR, Mindfulness or combined PMR & Mindfulness (approximately 30 in each group). Groups were compared pre- post across 6 weeks of treatment & at one month follow-up across a number of pain, QOL & mental health measures. Findings: Both mindfulness and combined mindfulness with PMR performed significantly better than PMR alone. This effect was repeated across pain interference, medication usage, perceived illness threat and levels of pain catastrophisation. PMR alone was more successful at lowering levels of anxiety than Mindfulness or the combined treatment. Discussion: These initial results suggest that mindfulness alone might be a parsimonious intervention to help chronic headache sufferers to improve their level of pain interference, illness threat, catastrophisation and levels of medication usage. Replications of this study are now needed.