FAQ Episode 71: MSM/DMSO and Migraine

Frequently Asked Questions about Natural Migraine Relief for Women

This post is most specifically for:

-those with migraine headaches, especially of they are complicated or worsened by muscle tension headaches.

-those with migraines who also have associated conditions of fibromyalgia, arthritis pain or neuropathic pain.

Muscle inflammation as a root cause factor promoting migraines

A common and challenging factor that promotes chronic headaches is muscle inflammation. Chronic tension headaches can be a significant root cause that precipitates a migraine headache. If left unattended, this can be a large enough problem to cancel the benefit of other therapy measures you are using.

Much of the time analgesics are used to temper the pain of chronic muscle tension. In this post we are going to discuss a safe and effective non-drug pathway that can assist in healing headache pain caused by chronic muscle tension and inflammation.

Sulfer: a key resource for healing muscle

From a muscle and migraine perspective, the non-prescription nutrients MSM (methylsulfonylmethane) and DMSO (dimethylsulfoxide) are small and efficient molecules that can deliver sulfer into any cell in the body, including the brain.

As you can see below , the two molecules look very much alike:

MSM

DMSO

From a basic chemistry perspective our body uses the 1/3 of the molecule that is the “S” or sulfur portion to make a protein called collagen and an amino sugar called glucosamine. Both compounds help build and maintain healthy bones and joints.

How do MSM and DMSO work?

These molecules reduce muscle pain by:

1. Reducing inflammation. MSM and DMSO downregulate pathways that are pro-inflammatory, including the NF-κB pathway, interleukin (IL)-1, IL-6, and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α).

2. Moderating vascular tone and vasodilation.

3. Downregulating mast cell activation of immune cell activity as a promotor of inflammation

4. Regulating the balance of oxidative damage and the production of antioxidant enzymes.

5. Increasing levels of glutathione, which is a potent antioxidant.

How to use MSM and/or DMSO to reduce muscular tension as a trigger for migraine

For chronically tight or tender muscles in the scalp or neck, you may want to consider both oral and topical routes. You can take oral MSM with 1000 mg tabs, usually at 1-2 grams per day, although 4-8 grams/day may be required for full effect. Take with food and divide the total between two doses. Alternatively, DMSO in a liquid form is easy to take in a single dose of two teaspoons (10grams) in three to four oz of a fruit drink. I take mine daily in orange juice. Some people find that they have a bit of a garlic odor with higher doses, so be aware of that possibility!

MSM as a topical cream can be an useful adjuct for specific tender trigger points. Apply directly to the affected area(s) once or twice a day.

Although both MSM and DMSO have an excellent safety track record, both of these agents lack definitive studies in pregnancy and lactation, and as such it is advisable to not use them in those circumstances.

If you would like to read more about the underlying science and rationale for use of MSM and DMSO in health and disease, consider the following references:

MSM the Definitive Guide: The Nutritional Breakthrough for Arthritis, Allergies and More by Stanley W. Jacob, Jeremy Appleton

The Miracle of MSM: The Natural Solution for Pain by Stanley W. Jacob

DMSO: Nature's Healer by Morton Walker