"The Doctor Barrier" and Supplementation

For the millions who suffer from migraine in the U.S., accessing specialized care can feel like an impossible luxury. While nearly 39 million Americans experience migraine, headache specialists remain few—there are estimated to be less than 600 in the US—and they tend to be concentrated in urban hubs where high costs can further restrict access. Often, general practitioners (GPs) are the first (and sometimes only) point of contact, yet their advice can fall short of truly addressing the underlying causes of migraine.

The Limitations of Traditional Migraine Care

When a migraine attack strikes, many healthcare providers prescribe abortive medications that provide temporary relief but do nothing to prevent future attacks. Preventative medications such as CGRP inhibitors offer hope for some, but these options are typically reserved for patients who meet the clinical threshold for chronic migraine (15 or more headache days per month) and come with uncertain long-term implications. The result is that many people, even those with fewer than 15 attacks, continue to struggle without personalized, effective care.

"Try Magnesium" They Said

Long before founding Mindset, Travis Crawford recalls his experience when he first sought help for his frequent migraine attacks. "I went to my GP and explained that I was getting migraine attacks regularly. Her advice was, 'Try magnesium.' But she didn’t provide any insight into which form to take, what dosage was effective, or any other helpful options."

This experience is all too common—GPs may suggest a generic remedy without delving into the nuances that make a real difference in migraine prevention. "She told me, 'If you continue to get them and start having more than 15 per month, then you could be considered chronic and qualify for additional medication… otherwise, load up on painkillers,' and then she sent me on my way." 

Supplementation: An Accessible, Proactive Approach

Quality supplementation offers a more accessible alternative that targets the underlying deficiencies contributing to migraine. Rather than suppressing symptoms after they occur, a well-formulated supplement regimen supports your body’s natural defenses—and patients should still utilize a medical practitioner to assess any overlap with health conditions or other medications they may be taking, without having to take a deep dive on exploring migraine prescription drugs.

Bridging the Gap with Evidence-Based Supplements

A proactive supplementation strategy can include ingredients like magnesium glycinate—preferred over less bioavailable forms such as magnesium oxide or magnesium citrate (which tends to have a laxative effect)—CoQ10 for robust mitochondrial support, and curcumin enhanced with piperine to boost anti-inflammatory benefits. Research has even shown a synergistic effect when combining CoQ10 and curcumin, reinforcing the value of a comprehensive approach that supports your body from within. This strategy doesn’t just mask migraine symptoms; it works to correct the underlying imbalances that predispose you to attacks.

Conclusion

Accessing specialized migraine care remains a significant challenge due to limited availability and high costs. While traditional prescription treatments provide immediate symptom relief, they often fail to address the root causes of migraine—and even supplementation recommendations can be limited, or not informed by the latest clinical studies. Instead, embracing an evidence-based approach that addresses your unique needs can pave the way for lasting migraine relief.