Living with fibromyalgia means you’re dealing with a wide range of symptoms. One of the most common symptoms is a headache. Fortunately, you can learn everything you need to know about migraines and fibromyalgia with a search online.
According to recent research, the connection between frequent migraines and fibromyalgia could shape your symptoms and your overall well-being. And it could also change the treatment options you pursue for both conditions.
How Migraines and Fibromyalgia Are Connected
Headaches and migraines are nothing new for fibromyalgia sufferers. A pattern of headaches or migraines is one of the ways doctors look for and diagnose fibromyalgia. And they’re often treated as a symptom of this condition.
According to VeryWellHealth, migraines have long been an associated symptom for conditions like fibromyalgia. Fibromyalgia is a functional somatic syndrome, or a condition that presents physical symptoms that can’t fully be explained or diagnosed. Individuals with fibromyalgia and other functional somatic syndromes are sensitive to light, touch, noise, fragrance, and other stimuli – and these can all intensify pain and symptoms.
When a migraine strikes, these same sensitivities often happen. So, it makes sense that the two health problems would be connected. Exposure to certain stimuli will set off symptoms, and individuals are typically extra sensitive to any stimuli. For example, a bright light can intensify a migraine’s pain. Similarly, loud noises could aggravate fibromyalgia pain.
However, recent research indicates that the connection between these two conditions may be more important than many realize.
What That Connection Means for Those With Fibromyalgia
The jury is still out on exactly how intricately fibromyalgia and migraines are connected. They seem to stem from similar causes, and migraines are often a symptom that’s closely tied to fibromyalgia. But the prevalence of migraines along with fibromyalgia can affect your health in important ways.
If you’re living with fibromyalgia and suffering from frequent migraines, you aren’t alone. According to South Korean researchers who published their findings in the journal Headache, those who experience chronic migraines have a higher chance of being diagnosed with fibromyalgia. And, conversely, those who have chronic migraines are more likely to experience severe fibromyalgia symptoms.
Additionally, the researchers discovered a connection between fibromyalgia, migraines, and mental health conditions. Individuals with chronic migraines and fibromyalgia were found to have significantly more anxiety, depression, and insomnia.
So, the presence of migraines along with your fibromyalgia could cause other health problems. These migraines could leave you with increased feelings of anxiety, difficulty sleeping, or depression. And these changes in your emotional and mental health could cause additional concerns, on top of the everyday challenges of managing fibromyalgia.
Treating Migraines Caused By Fibromyalgia
If you’re concerned about this connection between fibromyalgia and migraines, you can seek out different treatment options. Because migraines are a common symptom – or sometimes even comorbidity – that come along with fibromyalgia, doctors are well-versed in treating them.
And you have a number of options when it comes to treating fibromyalgia-related migraines. The following are a few of the most common treatment options used to fight migraines, their symptoms, and their pain:
- Over-the-Counter Medications: These medications include non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like Motrin and Aleve and pain relievers like Tylenol and Excedrin.
- Prescription Medications: Your doctor can prescribe medications like analgesics, stronger ibuprofen or acetaminophen, triptans, or antiemetics for your migraine pain. Preventative medications, like beta blockers and biologics, can also be used.
- Non-Pharmacologic Measures: Similar to alternative treatments, these non-medication options aim to soothe your symptoms. These can include acupuncture, chiropractic care, biofeedback, physical therapy, and hypnotherapy.
- Lifestyle Changes: Changing your daily lifestyle, diet, and exercise routine may help you manage migraines and their frequency.
No matter which treatment methods work best for you, the key is staying on top of your pain. Treating both fibromyalgia and migraines requires managing your symptoms. And while managing fibromyalgia alone is difficult, managing migraines can complicate things – you may need to try multiple treatment options or change treatments to help alleviate your symptoms.
Learn More About Migraines and Fibromyalgia Today
If you’re experiencing migraines along with fibromyalgia, make sure to speak with your doctor. Your doctor can discuss different treatment options with you, and give you more information about the latest ways to treat these two connected health woes. Researching your options ahead of time can also help you make an informed choice.
It’s also important to stay up-to-date about the latest research and news on fibromyalgia and migraines so you can combat your symptoms and pain as best you can. Start a search today to learn more.