• 17 Jul, 2026
• UnityPain
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Toradol Injection for Migraine Relief | Unity Pain

When a Migraine Takes Over Your Life

If you have ever had a severe migraine, you know it is more than just a headache. The pounding pain, the sensitivity to light and sound, the nausea — it can make it impossible to work, care for your family, or even get out of bed. For many people, migraines come back again and again, stealing hours or even days at a time. If over-the-counter medicines have stopped working for you, you are not alone, and there are other options worth knowing about.

One option that a doctor may consider is a Toradol injection. This is a non-opioid pain medicine that is given as a shot. It works differently than most pills you can take at home, and for some people dealing with a severe migraine, it may offer meaningful relief. Understanding how it works can help you have a better conversation with your care team about what might be right for you.

What Is Toradol?

Toradol is the brand name for a medicine called ketorolac. It belongs to a group of drugs called nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, or NSAIDs. You may already be familiar with NSAIDs — ibuprofen and naproxen are common examples. Ketorolac works the same way, but it is much stronger than what you can buy over the counter. Because it is given as an injection, it gets into your bloodstream quickly without having to pass through your stomach first.

Ketorolac works by blocking chemicals in the body called prostaglandins. These chemicals play a big role in causing pain and inflammation. By reducing prostaglandins, Toradol can help lower pain signals in the body. It does not contain opioids, which means it does not carry the risks of addiction or sedation that come with opioid pain medicines. This makes it a useful tool in certain pain management situations, including some cases of severe migraine.

How Toradol May Help With Migraines

Migraines are complex. They involve changes in the brain and nervous system that cause intense, often one-sided head pain. Inflammation plays a role in making migraine pain worse. Because Toradol is a powerful anti-inflammatory medicine, it may help reduce the pain response during a severe migraine episode. It is sometimes used in urgent care or emergency settings when other migraine treatments have not worked.

The injection form is especially helpful for people who feel very nauseated during a migraine. When nausea is severe, it can be hard to keep a pill down long enough for it to work. A shot bypasses this problem entirely. The medicine goes directly into the muscle or vein, which means it can begin working more quickly than a pill taken by mouth. Your doctor can help decide if this approach makes sense for your specific situation.

What to Expect During a Toradol Injection

A Toradol injection is a straightforward, in-office procedure. A healthcare provider will give you the shot, usually into a muscle such as the upper arm or buttock. The injection itself takes only a few seconds. Some people feel mild soreness at the injection site afterward, but this typically goes away quickly. The whole visit is usually short.

After the injection, your provider will likely ask you to wait for a little while so they can make sure you are feeling okay before you leave. It is a good idea to have someone drive you home, especially if your migraine symptoms are still present. Most people can return to normal activities once they feel better, but your provider will give you specific guidance based on your health history and how you respond to the medicine.

Important Safety Information

Toradol is a powerful medicine and is not right for everyone. There are some important things your doctor will consider before recommending it. People with certain health conditions — such as kidney disease, a history of stomach ulcers, or bleeding problems — may not be good candidates for this medicine. It is also not typically recommended for people who are pregnant or for long-term daily use.

Ketorolac is approved for short-term use only, usually no more than five days. Using it for longer than recommended can raise the risk of serious side effects, including stomach bleeding and kidney problems. This is why it is important to use this medicine only under the guidance of a trained healthcare provider. Never try to get or use prescription-strength ketorolac without a doctor’s supervision.

Other Approaches to Migraine and Pain Management

A Toradol injection is one tool in a larger toolbox. Many people who live with frequent migraines benefit from a broader care plan. This might include identifying and avoiding migraine triggers, working with a neurologist, trying preventive medications, or exploring other injection-based treatments. Physical therapy can also play a role in reducing tension in the neck and shoulders that may contribute to headache pain.

At Unity Pain Management in Modesto, CA, the care team offers Toradol injections along with a range of other services designed to help people manage pain. These include trigger point injections, joint injections, medication management, and referrals to physical therapy or spine specialists when needed. The clinic accepts most insurance plans, so getting a professional evaluation may be more accessible than you think. If you are struggling with severe or recurring migraines, speaking with a pain management provider could open doors to options you have not tried yet.

A Note of Hope for Migraine Sufferers

Living with migraines can feel isolating and discouraging, especially when you feel like you have already tried everything. But pain medicine is always evolving, and there are more options available today than ever before. You deserve care that takes your pain seriously and works with you to find what helps.

No treatment can be guaranteed to work for every person, but getting a thorough evaluation from a qualified provider is the first step toward finding a better path forward. Whether it is a Toradol injection, a different type of treatment, or a combination of approaches, the right care team will listen to your story and help you build a plan. You do not have to keep suffering through this alone.

References

• Friedman, Benjamin W. et al. “Ketorolac in the Treatment of Acute Migraine: A Systematic Review of the Literature.” Cephalalgia. 2008.
• National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. “Migraine.” National Institutes of Health. 2023.
• Mayo Clinic Staff. “Migraines: Diagnosis and Treatment.” Mayo Clinic. 2023.
• Drugs.com. “Ketorolac (Toradol) — Drug Information.” Drugs.com. 2024.
• Headache Classification Committee of the International Headache Society. “The International Classification of Headache Disorders, 3rd Edition.” Cephalalgia. 2018.