Did you know that over 50% of those diagnosed with fibromyalgia suffer from constant headaches or migraines? It is one of the most frequent complaints from those who literally “hurt all over.” People with fibromyalgia tend to suffer three kinds of headaches-muscle tension headaches, migraines and combination headaches. There have been some interesting theories as to why people with fibromyalgia suffer from so many headaches. Many of these theories rest on the idea that the same dysfunction that causes fibromyalgia also causes migraine headaches.
Migraine and tension headaches may affect people with fibromyalgia because of the disordered sleep that fibromyalgia often causes including sleep apnea. Studies have shown that both migraine sufferers and people with fibromyalgia both have sleep apnea and other sleep-related disorders. This may be the reason why so many people with the syndrome suffer from morning headaches.
A large percentage of people with fibromyalgia also suffer from temporal mandibular joint disorder. This disorder causes muscle and joint pain in the face, jaw, and neck, and often causes severe migraine headaches.
A widely held theory is that migraines are caused by the same factors as those causing fibromyalgia. Recent studies on people with migraine headaches show low-levels of serotonin in their brains. Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that helps to communicate pain signals to different parts of the brain. People who don’t have enough serotonin aren’t able to communicate pain signals effectively, resulting in increased, and even severe, pain. Fibromyalgia has also been linked to low levels of serotonin in the brain.
The mineral magnesium is also found in low levels in both migraine sufferers and people with fibromyalgia. Studies support that these low magnesium levels may actually be a cause for migraine headaches and fibromyalgia.
So How Can Essential Oils Help?
Since sleep is a problem, it is important to address this naturally and not with pharmaceutical chemicals which actually cause other problems in the body to worsen. Lavender has long been known for its sleep inducing ability primarily due to its esters and alcohols. A wonderful sleep inducer is Roman chamomile which is also high in esters. Combining the two in a warm bath before bed may be very relaxing. Relieving pain in muscles is also a key. Marjoram, also high in esters and alcohols is excellent in relaxing tight painful muscles. I recommend layering marjoram and peppermint on painful muscles to relax them. The menthol in the peppermint gives that icy-hot feeling. Valerian is another favorite in inducing sleep-just make sure to put in on the soles of the feet-the fragrances is reminiscent of “dirty socks.”
Dealing with one’s anxiety levels is also key. You can use rose, frankincense, clary sage, orange, bergamot, grapefruit, ylang ylang, sandalwood, neroli, sweet marjoram, tangerine, lavender, geranium, or jasmine. Find the fragrance that best suits the individual not only physically but also emotionally and spiritually.
Since fibromyalgia is an inflammatory process, I recommend using anti-inflammatory oils. Those that are highest in this quality are actually from the rain forests of South America. Copiaba and Ocotea have shown to be excellent in this regard.