Talking about triggers, physical therapy and accupuncture.

By Lynne Wednesday, February 25, 2009

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I used to think I was quite self-aware, but apparently not. Having done a food elimination diet, I know certain foods/beverages/additives to avoid. I wear dark prescription glasses in the sun. I wear special reading glassed adjusted to my ergonomic computer station (my lap-top with an external monitor, an adjustable chair, good lighting, wireless keyboard and mouse.) I get up and walk around every 45 minutes when sitting for extended periods, do a minimum of stretching and back-strengthening exercises daily, sleep and eat on a schedule (easy to say, NOT easy to do,) meditate, visualize, use bio-feedback, and get the minimum (blush) of aerobic exercise.

The new neurologist was looking me over, and squeezed two points in the back of my neck. Yeow! I almost fell to the floor, but had previously not realized how off-center and tender my neck and upper back were. Having fibromyalgia for 14 years, I expect a certain level of soreness, but this was a new one - facet syndrome, or inflammation of joints in the cervical vertebrae. Apparent pain in the neck, or back, can contribute to, or trigger a migraine, as well.

I am going to physical therapy now, and have greatly improved my posture and range of motion in my neck and shoulders. I can't say I always feel terrific after one of these bi-weekly sessions, but the neck exercises and the hard rolled pillow I use under my neck a few times a day seem to help. I feel like I am doing something positive to reduce/manage my migraines, and these activities help when I do have a migraine.

Have others of you had a positive experience with physical therapy? I am also curious about accupuncture, and wonder if this results in short or long-term improvement?

"30 Things About My Invisible Illness You May Not Know."

Comments (14) | Add comment

Tana

2/25/09 1:17pm

Your story sounds a lot like mine in that I am so careful about foods, schedules, activities, and doing all I can to reduce my headaches. I have tried several alternative therapies; medical massage, chiropractic adjustments and acupunture. All 3 have their benefits but the one that gives me the best result is acupuncture. At one time I was doing all 3 but it was too much, both financially and physically.

Lynne

2/25/09 1:51pm

Hi Tara, Its nice to meet you- thank you for your comment; I found it very helpful. I've been reluctant to try chiropractic adjustments, but will definately look into trying acupuncture. It sounds like we've been travelling a similar journey.

I've become an avid food label reader, and very assertive in restaurants, but know that day and the next may depend on my avoiding MSG, and certain food triggers. I am also lactose intolerant and allergic to milk, so dining out takes a special strategy.

I am still working on pacing myself on "good days." I tend to over do, then pay for it for the next two days. It is just now really becoming apparent to me that I'm 56, not 36, and have a condition that requires discipline and planning.

Thanks again for your response,

Lynne

Nancy Harris Bonk, Health Guide

2/25/09 3:22pm

Hi there Lynne,

Physical therapy, or rather aqua-therapy, did help with my neck muscles, but when my insurance was done paying, and money for visits became an issue I had to stop goingd. They were however, able to provide me with some neck exercises I continue to do at home. I also use my TENS unit when needed for tension in that area.

Lynne

2/26/09 4:43pm

Hi Nancy - Aqua-therapy sounds delicious, I'm not familiar with this. I just returned from receiving 20 minutes of electric stimulation, with a cold pack on my neck and I feel better than I have in weeks. I will have to do some research to learn about TENS, especially if this is something I can do for myself at home. Thanks so much for your comment and information! Lynne

PamO

2/25/09 6:03pm

Hi Lynne,

I am 52 and have arthritis in the upper neck vertebra closest to my skull. It causes me to have migraines and occipital neuralgia (which is burning, painful nerve that runs from base of skull to forehead) not to mention the neck pain. I did 6 weeks of physical therapy until my insurance gave out and now I do the exercises every day at home. The exercises have helped quite a bit, as well as, sleeping on one pillow instead of the 3 that I used to use. I also take Neurontin and Cymbalta. I haven't noticed any pain reduction from the Cymbalta yet (have been on it since Dec. 2008) but it does help the depression. I am able to keep the migraines from developing completely by adjusting my posture and by using heat or ice packs. I told my mother if I started having the horrific headaches again to just shoot me. Just kidding! I have been having a few difficult days since the weather has been colder but my condition is definitely more manageable than it was before. I feel the best when I can force myself to go to American Family Fitness and work out (have arthritis in my knees too so have to do physical therapy exercises for them too).

My pain specialist was only comfortable with 2 physical therapists in the Richmond area to treat my neck, so I have not tried chiropractic since I believe it may be risky for me. Also, have not tried acupuncture. Best of luck to you.

PamO

Lynne

2/26/09 4:54pm

Hi Pam - It sounds like we have similar complex issues, which is why I have avoided the Chiropractor. I am going to a physical therapist specifically recommended by the MHND Group, so I have confidence in his work - I do, however, know I can't continue much longer due to limitations with my insurance. Occipital Neuralgia is something that I, too, experience. I'm working very hard to maintain good posture and do the recommended exercises, but these fall by the way during a migraine day. Cymbalta has helped me with depression and fibromyalgia pain, but does not seem to influence my arthritis, c-spine or lower back pain, not to mention migraine related discomfort. The Neurontin seem to be decreasing the incidence of migraines, but not always the severity - especially if I awake with one. My neurologist has just taken me off of the triptans, so we are moving slowly towards what else will make effective abortive or management medications. Migrainal seems to take the edge off, but does not eradicate the migraine, and Midrin doesn't seem to do anything more than the alternatives, such as visualization, meditation, cold/warm packs - things that help me endure the discomfort, but while I may be experiencing less migraine frequency, each migraine is lasting longer with less effective intervention. I'll be sure to discuss that with him on my next visit coming up in two weeks.

I wish you luck and better days as spring arrives - thanks for your comment, Take Care, Lynne

gatorgurl

2/25/09 10:06pm

I go to a 4th generation Chinese Accupunturist, it has helped more than anything or any drug. He can make my migraine disappear within about 20 minutes. It may not be for everyone, but has worked for me. When you first start treatment you go twice a week, for 3 weeks, then to once a week, then once a month for maintenance.

Lynne

2/26/09 4:57pm

Hi Gatorgirl - Thanks so much for the insight on accupunture, how often and long the sessions run, and that it was so very successful for you. Wonderful! I'm so glad for you, and will be looking into this when I finish physical therapy. Thanks again, Lynne

hemiswat

2/26/09 12:20pm

Hi, trigger point injections in my upper spine, where the neck and head come together, down through the shoulder muscles and shoulder blade help me a lot with migraines that stem from the cervicogenic nerve. They hurt like the dickens when I get them but they provide relief. Sometimes it's delayed but often it's immediate. I got shots one day after enduring three days of a rescue med-resistant stake being driven through my right eye ball, and within 15 minutes the pressure start lifting. It was probably another day before the headache subsided but the worst passed just from the shots.

My cervicogenic nerve gets a lot of pressure from spinal problems -- osteoarthritis, disc degeneration, bone spur and stenosis. Compounding it are muscle spasms and chronic muscle tension. My med mix includes an extended release version of flexeril (a muscle relaxant) as well as anti-anxiety, anti-depressant and seizure and medications.

Lynne

2/26/09 5:05pm

I had forgotten about the joys of trigger point injections! I received these about 7 years ago, and while they did wonders (after the initial "ouch!") for my shoulders and neck, they didn't go that far in relieving my migraines. I must admit, however, that my neck was not in the shape it is in now, which, like yours, is complex. I may consider revisiting this now that I also have cervicogenic nerve pain, as well. Its difficult to exercise between migraines, arthritis and bad weather but my doctor told me I must consider it to be an extension of my treatment and stress management. I'm happy right now if I can keep up with errands and housework - and the occasional DVD Yoga routine. I guess we must count our small victories and all blessings! Thanks for your response and reminder about the value of trigger point injections, Lynne

hemiswat

2/26/09 8:21pm

oh i do feel your pain. Exercise for me is locking the office doors, laying out a yoga mat and stretching until I'm nauseous. I used to at least get the dogs out for a nightly walk but that's gotten harder as I've gotten more worn down from it all

The trigger point shots have reduced the severity but not the frequency for me. I get 20-30 attacks per month, but they're not all headbangers, thank heavens. Sometimes I can get by with gel ice packs (I keep in the freezer at work and home) and anti-nausea meds. Other times migranal will hold me for a couple of days or I'll use rescue meds. Then there are the times when I just have to go to bed for a couple of days, looking like something out of Nightmare on Elm Street with ice packs, heat pads, eye coverings and ear plugs. I have way too many uncontrollable triggers -- barometric pressure, traffic exhaust fumes, humidity, post menopausal hormonal instability, etc, on top of the cervical spine issue. In addition to the headache specialist, I'm working with a clinical therapist who specializes in body work and in hypnotherapy He's trying to teach me self-hypnosis and mind-body tricks to reduce pain, relax muscles and lower blood pressure. Good luck to you and pass any new tricks you learn for dealing with these quality-of-life suckers.

Teri Robert, Health Guide

3/ 1/09 2:29pm

I hear you on the exercise! We have an article with some exercises that many Migraineurs can do to work in at least some exercise. Take a look at 10 Ways for Migraineurs To Sneak in Some Exercise.

Hope this helps,

Teri

Lynne

3/ 1/09 3:37pm

Thanks so much, Teri ! I hadn't thought of re-making the bed - some of these suggestions are terrific for those days when I can't get too far out of the house due to weather or when I avoid driving due to a migraine/medication haze.

I'm off to do some stairs and fold some laundry - Thanks again! Lynne

Teri Robert, Health Guide

3/ 1/09 3:47pm

Lynne,

You're very welcome! Always glad when something helps.

Teri

Talking about triggers, physical therapy and accupuncture.

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