Imagine living with two debilitating conditions that not only intensify each other but also leave you in a state of constant pain and exhaustion. Unfortunately, this is a harsh reality for people suffering from fibromyalgia and migraines.
Most people with either fibromyalgia or migraine find it challenging to get through the day; if both exist simultaneously, it's even worse. Apart from the physical pain they bring, they can also bring stress, which can affect you mentally. Your social life may be affected, too, because of the symptoms. Hence you are facing reduced quality of life.
These two conditions are common chronic pain disorders that can coexist. According to a study, over 30 percent of people with migraines also have fibromyalgia. One of fibromyalgia's major symptoms is a headache which can include migraine. Changes in the central nervous system can also influence both conditions. Stress or hormonal changes are common triggers that these two conditions share.
Living with both fibromyalgia and migraine is not easy and can be challenging. However, there are ways to cope with the pain and fatigue associated with both conditions. Finding the right combination of remedies that works for you may take some time, but it is not impossible.
Keeping a pain journal can help track your symptoms and triggers. This can also come in handy as you work with your doctor to find the most optimal solution to address your pain and discomfort. Finally, make sure to take time for yourself, do things that make you happy, and relax. Self-care is always important, whether you are feeling good or unwell.
Sometimes, making changes or tweaks in your habits can help manage your fibromyalgia and migraine symptoms. For example, you may explore the following and note how they can improve your quality of life.
Sleep problems are common in both conditions, on the other hand, sleep deprivation can also trigger their symptoms. Therefore, it's crucial to get enough sleep by following a regular sleep schedule and avoiding caffeine before bedtime. Lack of sleep can also affect your pain perception and make you highly sensitive.
Eating healthy is not just for those with fibromyalgia and migraine but everyone. Not only do you feed your body with enough nutrients, but you also tend to avoid food triggers related to these conditions, these would include highly processed foods and artificial sweeteners.
Dehydration can trigger and contribute to both fibromyalgia and migraine. So make sure you drink the recommended daily amount of water daily. Apart from staying hydrated, you also ensure you maintain your body's proper levels of electrolytes.
Exercise can help to reduce pain and fatigue associated with both conditions. You may think this is counterproductive, especially for fibromyalgia patients, as movements can become very painful. But strengthening your muscles can help you manage pain more. At the same time, engaging in exercise helps your body release happy hormones, including serotonin, dopamine, oxytocin, and endorphins. These hormones can help relieve pain, reduce stress and improve your overall mood.
Stress can trigger both migraines and fibromyalgia flare-ups. However, stress-relieving techniques such as yoga or meditation can reduce stress hormones and your chances of full-blown fibromyalgia or migraine attack. Have a go-to stress relieving routine that can instantly shift your mood to a more positive one. Get a meal, meditate, breathwork, music, and do aromatherapy. Whatever you choose, the only thing that matters is that it can help you manage your stress.
Many patients with fibromyalgia and migraines have found relief and comfort through Upper Cervical Care. Its effects are also known to be long-lasting, which helps improve quality of life. Upper cervical spine care helps correct the misalignment of the two topmost bones of our spine, which consist of the atlas (C1 vertebra) and the axis (C2 vertebra).
An injury or misalignment in this side of the spine can make you highly susceptible to fibromyalgia and migraines. This is because an injury, trauma, or misalignment, makes the body release chemicals that function as "pain messengers." When these are produced in large amounts, your symptoms tend to intensify. A misalignment also irritates and puts stress on your brainstem and spinal cord, leading to more intense pain that can be accompanied by muscle and nerve dysfunctions.
Correcting the misalignment helps address the irritation in the brainstem, leading to reduced pain intensity by encouraging the body to heal naturally. We recommend you reach out to an Upper Cervical Chiropractic doctor to learn more about this natural method and how it can benefit you.
While managing two chronic conditions is never easy, proactively making decisions to help you better cope with your condition can improve your quality of life.
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The content and materials provided in this web site are for informational and educational purposes only and are not intended to supplement or comprise a medical diagnosis or other professional opinion, or to be used in lieu of a consultation with a physician or competent health care professional for medical diagnosis and/or treatment. All content and materials including research papers, case studies and testimonials summarizing patients' responses to care are intended for educational purposes only and do not imply a guarantee of benefit. Individual results may vary, depending upon several factors including age of the patient, severity of the condition, severity of the spinal injury, and duration of time the condition has been present.
