Fibromyalgia (FM) presents itself in so many different ways that one can easily become overwhelmed by the pain and confusion.
One big source of pain is headaches.
Research shows that about 76% of Fibro folk have chronic headaches too.
These headaches can be almost as confusing as the pain is intense.
So many varied symptoms, some random, some like clockwork.
Simply put, headaches and Fibromyalgia pain are not fun.
If you’re like me and you’ve experienced these often debilitating symptoms, you probably wonder what other symptoms could crop up.
(Fibromyalgia is full of fresh new symptoms, yay!)
And wonder, do other people experience this or am I imagining this head pain?
What the f is going on inside my head?!
I’ve been there.
So, what do Fibromyalgia headaches feel like?
What kinds of headaches are there, and how common are they in people with Fibro? Could it be what you’re experiencing?
You’re going to learn common symptoms of common and rare headaches, along with which types are most seen in Fibromyalgia warriors.
I also give you 6 tips you can use to calm head pain.
Ready to not feel like a crazy person and learn about Fibromylagia head pain symptoms? Let’s go!
What do Fibromyalgia headaches feel like?
People with Fibromyalgia can experience different types of headaches, such as tension and ice pick headaches. However, these headaches are not exclusive to Fibromyalgia.
These can feel like intense pressure and rapid stabbing sensations, respectively.
Some headache episodes range from mildly painful to severe, from lightning-flash quick to debilitating hours long.
There are more headache types than these, and we’ll talk about those in more detail in a bit.
Regardless of type, what do these headaches feel like?
What are some symptoms?
If you experience headaches with Fibromyalgia, you may feel:
- stabbing sensations
- tension
- pressure
- like a ball of electricity moving through your brain
- zaps or electric shocks
- rubber band-like feeling around your head
- pressure behind the eyes
- scalp pain
- tender spots
- burning sensation
- dull pain
- sharp
Can you relate to any of these?
You might be lucky enough to feel multiple symptoms at once!
Common types of headaches
The most common type of headache for people with Fibromyalgia is tension headache.
According to one study published in the Journal of Headache and Pain, 59% of Fibro folk experienced tension-type head pain.
The next common type was episodic and chronic migraine at 28%.
Common types of headaches include:
- tension
- ice pick
- exertion
- hormone
- cluster
- hypertension
- sinus
- migraine
If you have Fibromyalgia and head pain, you may be dealing with one or more of these kinds of headaches.
Let’s talk about these types of headaches that are not specific to Fibromyalgia but common in patients with Fibro, as well as what each feels like and possible causes.
Tension headache
Tension headaches tend to be a steady dull pain on both sides of the head.
It’s the most common type of headache, according to John Hopkins Medicine.
Due to its name, it’s no surprise that tension headaches cause pressure, often on the forehead and both sides of the head.
That pressure can also increase thanks to tense neck and scalp muscles.
Stress can also be a factor.
Ice pick headache
Also called primary stabbing headaches and idiopathic stabbing headaches (idiopathic meaning spontaneous), ice pick headaches feel like a literal ice pick stabbing your brain.
It’s a rare type of headache.
These “stabs” as I call them tend to be rapid and fast in duration.
They’re unexpected and incredibly distracting.
You might feel a half-second jolt to the head or a few lightning shocks zapping all around your brain, like pinball zaps.
Because Ice pick headaches don’t have an underlying cause and are gone as fast as they appear, they can be difficult to treat.
They’re also not quite considered symptoms of migraines, which mystifies patients and doctors even more.
I experienced stabbing headaches for a few years primarily between 2010-2013, and they were horrible and debilitating. They’ve let up since then, but I still get them.
So if you’re going through those, I know how zapped and frustrated out of your mind you feel! They stop you in your tracks, literally.
Exertion headache
If you feel headaches come on after you’ve completed a physical activity, it could be exertion headaches, aka exercise headaches.
You might also have a mild fever, chest pain, and shortness of breath.
You might also be laughing at the thought of exercise with Fibromyalgia.
You damn betcha I am.
Or at least, early on in your Fibromyalgia journey, you will.
Because when your body feels like a cinder block, movement is like quicksand.
Hormone headache
Hormone headaches (or menstrual migraines) typically cause dull or throbbing head pain.
They’re brought on by changes in progesterone and estrogen hormones, commonly before or during your period.
Cluster headaches
Cluster headaches are very intense and rare. They tend to cause pain on only one side of the head. You may also experience teary eyes or a runny nose.
Cluster headaches are unusual in that they appear in “clusters” in someone’s life.
For example, you might have them for a few weeks (or months), and then suddenly they’ll disappear (for weeks, months, maybe even years). Then to reappear again.
Hypertension headache
You can expect a hypertension headache to typically be throbbing all over your head.
They get worse with physical activity and nosebleeds, blurred vision, and chest pain can accompany them.
Sinus headache
You may get a sinus headache as a result of a sinus infection.
Pressure in your forehead, cheekbones, and around your eyes are common signs of a sinus headache.
Migraine
A migraine is like a heavy-duty headache that can create throbbing pain, typically on one side of your head. Sensitivity to light and sound as well as nausea and vomiting are also symptoms.
Migraines are similar to cluster headaches, however, a key difference sets them apart: their duration.
Cluster headaches are shorter in active duration, like 30 minutes, an hour or two, etc., whereas a migraine tends to last for hours to days.
Fibromyalgia headache relief
One of the best ways to get headache relief is to reduce stimulation. Then use a cold compress or take a warm bath or shower.
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Here are 6 ways I get relief from headaches while living with Fibromyalgia:
1. Reduce stimulation
Like I said, reduce the noise, sound, and visual information being sent to your brain.
Migraines and tension-type headaches are often triggered by noise. Limiting your exposure to sound and visual chaos can reduce pain intensity and duration.
This one is harder if you’re a parent, as you can’t always drop everything and hide in the bathroom for 5 minutes, but it’s a good first step towards some (albeit small) headache relief.
If you need low-stimulation games to play with your little ones while going through a headache or flare, this post details 5 quiet games your kids can play (with and without you) that are perfect for indoors.
2. Cold compress
Use a cold washcloth or tea towel and drape it over where you feel the most pain.
Cold has a numbing effect, so if you can handle it (many of us Fibro folk can’t) you might as well try it.
3. Warm bath or shower
Alternatively, you can take a hot shower or soak in a steamy tub.
If you go the tub route, add in some Epsom salts. The magnesium in Epsom salt relaxes muscles, even those cushioning your cap.
4. Smell essential oils
Essential oils such as lavender, peppermint, rosemary, and eucalyptus have been shown to reduce stress when inhaled.
Years ago I remember my Dad got me an essential oil roll-on stick and I still pull it out every once in a while.
This one is similar on Amazon. (That’s an affiliate link)
5. Drink water
I can’t believe I didn’t know this, but drinking water helps keep your brain plumpy and pain-free.
A dehydrated brain shrinks, which puts pressure on surrounding nerves, and that can cause a headache.
6. Give yourself a massage
Give yourself a massage to help ease headache tension.
One easy way to do this is to massage the area between the top of your head and your ears, at your temporal regions.
You can also use two fingers to gently press and massage away your tense nerves. Start near the outer edge of your eyes and press your skin towards the back of your head.
This video by Howcast has some excellent examples.
Related posts:
Your takeaway
So what do Fibromyalgia headaches feel like?
Your head pain may feel like pressure and tension or little lightning bolts zapping through your brain. You may feel dull or sharp pain.
Tension headaches are the most common in individuals with Fibromyalgia, followed by chronic migraine. Idiopathic stabbing headaches are more rare.
To ease head pain, try reducing stimulation, use a cold compress, or take a warm shower.
Have you dealt with any of these headaches? Share your experience in the comments!
