4 essential things to know about migraine as a symptom of fibromyalgia
Fibromyalgia is a chronic health condition that is characterized by excruciating pain as and when the individual experiences flare-ups. It is a disorder that is characterized by severe musculoskeletal pain that is often accompanied by chronic fatigue and sleep, memory, and mood-related issues. In fact, fibromyalgia is known to amplify the painful sensations manifold because it affects the way in which our brain processes the pain signals.

The various symptoms of fibromyalgia include widespread pain, cognitive difficulties, fatigue, and migraine headaches. In fact, the various symptoms of migraine and fibromyalgia are so similar that they share the same diagnostic features, and the treatments for migraine headaches often overlap with those for fibromyalgia.

Read on to know more about migraine headache as a symptom of fibromyalgia, and the alternative treatment methods that can ease the symptoms of fibromyalgia-induced-migraines.

How is fibromyalgia related to migraine headache and other tension-type headaches?

• Migraine and other tension-type headaches are prominent symptoms of fibromyalgia. In fact, migraine headaches are more intense in a patient who suffers from fibromyalgia.
• The connection between these two conditions lies in the fact that they reflect issues with the way the nervous system processes pain. In fact, various studies have found a link between fibromyalgia, migraine headaches, and tension-type headaches. It is asserted that they represent a “family” of illnesses which are mostly labeled with different umbrella terms such as “functional somatic syndromes” and “somatic illnesses”. These umbrella terms are often clubbed together and are defined as the “central sensitivity syndrome”.
• The central sensitivity syndrome makes the central nervous system highly responsive to different kinds of stimuli like pain, noise, temperature, light, fragrance, and chemicals. These stimuli can trigger migraine. Additionally, for patients suffering from fibromyalgia, these migraine headaches become more intense.

What do migraine headaches and fibromyalgia have in common?

• The common ground that migraine headache and fibromyalgia share is that they reflect the different problems in the brain’s pain-processing center. Both of these conditions arise due to the excitation of the nervous system or if they overreact to external stimuli. In fact, stress acts as a trigger for both these conditions.
• Also, the treatment for a fibromyalgia-induced migraine—antidepressants called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs)—are quite effective in relieving the other painful symptoms of fibromyalgia and can even curb the anxiety and depression that accompanies this painful condition.
• Migraine headache and fibromyalgia are two different health conditions, but when migraine attack is triggered in an individual suffering from fibromyalgia, the migraine headache symptoms are more severe.

Which lifestyle changes can help treat migraine attacks caused by fibromyalgia?

• In addition to the various medical treatments available to curb the effects of migraine caused by fibromyalgia, making certain lifestyle changes can go a long way in reducing the impact of such migraine attacks.
• Exercising regularly has its perks, as it helps in reducing the severity of migraine symptoms induced by fibromyalgia. Though exercising might be painful in the beginning, eventually, it will help patients manage the symptoms effectively.
• Getting the required amount of sleep is quite essential, as it ensures that it gives some respite from the fatigue caused by fibromyalgia. Moreover, it would make individuals suffering from fibromyalgia less susceptible to anxiety and stress, as well as help in preventing migraine attacks.
• For people with fibromyalgia, some days can be good where they do not experience severe symptoms; whereas, some days are characterized by immense pain and agony. So, it is imperative that one doesn’t go overboard during the good days. Moderation is what keeps migraine symptoms at bay.

Which alternative treatment methods can be used to treat migraine caused by fibromyalgia?

Instead of opting for prescription drugs to treat migraine headaches triggered by fibromyalgia flare-ups, one can choose either of these below-mentioned alternative treatment methods to keep the symptoms in check.

• Acupuncture is recommended to relieve the migraine pain and other fibromyalgia symptoms. This alternative treatment method involves the use of very fine needles that can cause changes in the blood flow and levels of neurotransmitters in the brain and spinal cord to relieve the pain caused by fibromyalgia and migraine.
• Yoga and tai chi are practices that combine meditation, deep breathing, relaxation, and slow movements. These have proven to be beneficial in treating migraine headaches and other symptoms of fibromyalgia.
• Another alternative treatment for controlling migraine attacks and other fibromyalgia symptoms is massage therapy. Massage therapy works wonders for the body’s muscles and soft tissues and relieves pain.

Tags- fibromyalgia migraine treatment