Anyone with fibromyalgia have these type headaches?

Question

I get these horrible migraines that deaden one side of my face. It looks like I've had a stroke, seriously. I've had all the MRI's and tests, and I was diagnosed with cluster headaches, which the doctor said is a fancy way of saying they don't know what causes them. My problem is I get these 'muscle knots' starting at my hairline and they go in a straight line to the crown of my head. I swear, if I were bald I'd look like one of those Klingons on Star Trek. I also developed one to the side of my usual 'ridge', and the two fibro pressure points on the back of my head also have them now. They feel like bruises- I can't even brush my hair. I'm on muscle relaxers which seem to help (mostly because they just knock me out) but there's not really anything else they can do. I was told yesterday by my specialist it was the way my muscles and nerves work around my face and it was part of the fibro. Does anyone else experience anything like this? Does anything work that won't knock me out?

Answer 1

Yes, I have had the same thing for years.
I currently take epidural steroid injections in my neck and lower back to control the pain.
However, your doctor should know about new meds out there that can control fibromyalgia symptoms. I know that nothing works for headaches and the head pain associated with it.
I haven't tried any of the new meds, I just get the injections. I can't say for sure whether they will work for everyone.
Nothing else works for me. But I have all kinds of back problems and soft tissue issues, that is another reason I get the injections.
Sometimes a cold pack works on the back of my neck. I really think Fibromyalgia needs a cure and soon. This pain is the same as cancer sufferers, and those with MS, and other serious diseases.
There are two fibromyalgia websites to check out if you haven't already. Maybe they can help you.

http://arthritis.about.com/od/fmsmeds/Fibromyalgia_Medications_Fibromyalgia_Drugs_Fibromyalgia_Medicines.htm

And http://www.fibromyalgianetwork.com/

Hope you find something that can help you. Good Luck !

Answer 2

I have fibro. I was put on muscle relaxers and ended up having to quit. They didn't offer enough benefit to compensate for my constant sleepiness.

I see a chiropractor for my migraines. They usually start out at the base of my skull and then work their way forward. Sometimes I can have a migraine that is literally blinding and one chiropractic adjustment clears it up. My atlas bone (the very top bone) is notorious for getting out of place and the resulting pinched nerves cause my headaches.

If you don't already see a chiropractor, I highly recommend it. I tend to have a stronger immune system (get sick only once, maybe twice a year) when I get adjusted regularly. Many insurance carriers cover chiropractic care, and often you can get a free assessment which includes x-rays as well as a physical test (range of motion) to see where you have problems.

Some people with fibromyalgia also benefit from massage therapy (I don't. My tender points are way too tender.) or acupuncture/acupressure. I haven't tried those, but have considered it for the pain I get in my connective tissue.

Hope you find some help soon. Headaches are definitely one of the worst problems I have, since they can hit suddenly and literally blind me. Thank goodness the only times I've been blinded by a migraine away from home my son was with me, and my husband was able to come get me right away from where they happened. (Once at Wal-Mart, just as I parked my car.)

Take care, and I hope whatever you choose to pursue works well for you!

Answer 3

fibromialgia is just a word to describe a type of arthritis.You will find you have trapped nerves in your spinal column and most probably bone growth in the vertabrae that is at fault.Keeping your neck warm is a help,staying out of draughts,be very careful of neck excercise,it could cause more damage.Pain killers are usually the medical proffessions answer to this problem,tension and worry certainly does,nt help either.The problem will most likely be around the 4 th to the 6th vertabrae.I pray that i,m wrong for your sake.

Answer 4

I really feel for you. I get awful migraines, too, but not that bad! Have you talked with your doctor about trying the type of pills that you take at the very first sign of a migraine (for me, it's when my vision starts going bad), and they are suppose to greatly reduce the pain and duration of the migraine? That's about all I can suggest, but seriously wish you the best. They are so painful, and I've been having them off and on for 30 years.

Answer 5

When all else fails, go and see a doctor or Chiropractic. They are specialists for headaches and are usually the last ones seen. They have had to build their reputation by getting results where others have failed to do so.