Fibromyalgia pain in women linked to chronic migraine

Fibromyalgia (FM), a chronic and widespread pain condition, is linked to chronic migraines in women. Research has found that symptoms can worsen after a headache or migraine, suggesting that migraines may trigger fibromyalgia pain.

The study included 203 women divided into five groups: 40 fibromyalgia patients, 41 high-frequency episodic migraine patients, 40 chronic migraine patients, 42 fibromyalgia with high-frequency episodic migraine patients, and 40 fibromyalgia patients with chronic migraines.

In a second phase of the study, 86 fibromyalgia and frequent episodic migraine patients were divides into two groups: 47 received migraine treatment and 39 did not receive treatment.

Pain threshold to electrical stimulation in skin was measured in multiple body parts, and muscle pressure pain threshold was assessed in 18 tender points. Patients also kept a diary for three months to record migraines and fibromyalgia peak pain episodes.

Lowest pain threshold to electrical stimulation and pressure was seen in fibromyalgia patients with migraines, followed by fibromyalgia patients with high-frequency episodic migraine, patients with fibromyalgia only, patients with chronic migraine only, and high-frequency episodic migraine patients.

The authors concluded, “Prevention of headache chronification in migraine patients would thus appear crucial also for preventing the development of fibromyalgia in predisposed individuals or its worsening in comorbid patients.”

Prevent migraines in fibromyalgia

For those who suffer from fibromyalgia and migraine headaches, there is always a desperate wish to avoid the next attack. Preventing another headache from happening should be the focus for many FM sufferers. Practices such as acupuncture, hypnotherapy, yoga, and other forms of meditation can play a big role in headache prevention. Some of these practices may also help with the fibromyalgia symptoms.

Changes in eating and drinking habits can also help to prevent attacks. People who are prone to migraines may find that certain foods or drinks trigger a headache, so they simply have to avoid those triggers.

Living with one condition is tough. Trying to manage two can feel like an uphill battle. It’s important to know that if you suffer from fibromyalgia and migraine, you aren’t alone. Millions of people around the world know exactly how it feels.

There are support groups and resources you can turn to in order to regain some control. If you are struggling with fibromyalgia and migraines, talk to your doctor to get started on that road to a better quality of life.

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Sources:
http://thejournalofheadacheandpain.springeropen.com/articles/10.1186/s10194-016-0619-8
http://fibromyalgianewstoday.com/2016/04/20/impact-of-migraine-on-fibromyalgia-symptoms/