Fibromyalgia and Headaches: Understanding the Link

If you have fibromyalgia, you know how debilitating the widespread pain can be, most commonly affecting your muscles and joints. 

Some people report the pain as dull aches; for others, it feels like a stabbing pain. The pain can get so severe that you might find it impossible to go about your day.

Fibromyalgia also brings on other symptoms, such as fatigue, tenderness, insomnia, and headaches. The link between fibromyalgia and headaches is well-established and can range from mild headaches to migraines. 

Few conditions are as painful as fibromyalgia, which is why our specialists at SEPA Pain & Spine are dedicated to identifying and treating this chronic condition. Here, we explain what fibromyalgia is and its connection to headaches. 

What is fibromyalgia?

Fibromyalgia is a chronic condition that causes widespread pain in your bones, joints, and muscles. In many cases, you may also experience fatigue, sleep, memory, and mood issues. 

It’s a little unclear what causes fibromyalgia, but some research shows the condition may cause chronic pain by affecting the way your brain processes pain signals. 

Common triggers for fibromyalgia include:

• Emotional stress
• A severe injury
• Developing a chronic condition like osteoarthritis
• Infections

But the symptoms gradually develop with no identifiable trigger in some cases.

How does fibromyalgia cause headaches?

People with fibromyalgia sometimes report experiencing recurring headaches. These headaches can vary in intensity, ranging from mild discomfort to severe, debilitating pain.

It’s not completely clear why fibromyalgia causes headaches in some people with the condition. One theory suggests that your central nervous system becomes more sensitive to pain because fibromyalgia amplifies pain signals in the brain.

Another likely cause is chronic pain and discomfort in your muscles and joints can lead to increased muscle tension and stress. These are common triggers for tension headaches and migraines.

Many people with fibromyalgia have trouble sleeping well. Poor quality sleep increases your risk of developing headaches more frequently. Fibromyalgia is also linked to changes in brain chemicals like serotonin and norepinephrine, which can trigger headaches.

Types of headaches linked to fibromyalgia

The two most common headaches linked to fibromyalgia are tension headaches and migraines. In most cases, when your head hurts, you likely have a tension headache. The pain feels like a dull ache on both sides of the head and can be triggered by stress, muscle tension, and fatigue.

On the other hand, migraines are more severe than tension headaches and cause intense throbbing or pulsing pain, usually on one side of your head. Migraines can also trigger nausea, vomiting, and sensitivity to light and sound. 

People with fibromyalgia are more likely to suffer from migraines because of how the condition affects the central nervous system.

Fibromyalgia is already difficult to live with. When it triggers headaches, it can become debilitating. At SEPA Pain & Spine, we provide the care and support you need to manage your symptoms and improve your quality of life.

Call us today to schedule a consultation at any of our offices in Horsham, Langhorne, Meadowbrook, Chalfont, East Norriton, or Limerick in southeastern Pennsylvania. You can also request one online here.