Managing Chronic Pain With Migraine

Almost everyone experiences physical pain from time to time, whether from an injury or a medical condition. Fortunately, injuries can heal over time, and the pain stops. Chronic pain works differently. It can last for months, or even years. 

In 2021, over 20% of American adults experienced the effects of chronic pain in their daily lives. In the same year, 4.3% of American adults dealt with a specific type of chronic pain — migraine and headache pain. The pain of a migraine differs from a headache, as it lasts longer and is more severe.

Living with chronic pain isn't easy. For individuals dealing with migraine and another form of chronic pain, how can they go about treating and managing both conditions? Use this post as a guide to better understand and juggle the two.

What is chronic pain?

Chronic pain persists longer than the usual recovery period after an injury or occurs alongside a chronic health condition. It lasts for about three months and, in some cases, longer.

Chronic pain doesn't go away easily. It may either be continuous or go "on and off" - but it persists. At some point, certain people living with chronic pain may not be able to eat properly, work or partake in daily activities. 

Chronic pain symptoms can range from mild to severe. They include the following sensations:

• Burning
• Dull aches and pains
• Soreness
• Shooting pains
• Stiffness
• Stinging
• Squeezing
• Throbbing

Other accompanying symptoms may include fatigue, weakness, appetite changes, mood changes or trouble sleeping.  

What causes chronic pain?

In some cases, the onset of chronic pain has no obvious root cause. But for many, it may start with an injury or a health condition. Some causes of chronic pain may fall under the following categories: 

• Neuropathic: Pain from nervous system damage, like phantom limb pain
• Nociceptive: Pain from hurt or injured body parts, like burns or bruises
• Musculoskeletal: Pain from muscles, bones or joints, like back pain
• Inflammatory: Pain caused by the body’s inflammatory response to tissue damage, like rheumatoid arthritis
• Mechanical: Pain caused by physical stress on the body, like fractures

How to manage chronic pain with migraine

Dealing with both chronic pain and migraine can feel overwhelming, but the good news is there are various ways to manage them.

1. Medications

Medication can be the first line of defense for managing chronic pain - including migraine. For migraine specifically, preventive medication can be taken regularly to help reduce attack frequency and severity. Abortive medication like triptans can be used when a migraine is already in progress. 

Over-the-counter (OTC) options like nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) or acetaminophen can also provide some relief. Other drugs that may help with migraine and other chronic pain conditions include anti-seizure medications, antidepressants or corticosteroids. Consult with a doctor to find what’s right for you. 

2. Physical therapy and exercise

For people with chronic pain, gentle exercises like walking, swimming or stretching can reduce pain over time. Physical therapy can help address any underlying issues. 

Plus, regular movement increases endorphins, which are natural painkillers. Performing regular exercise may also help with migraine — so, it’s a win-win. You don’t have to do high-intensity workouts — just moving regularly can help manage pain.

3. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)

Chronic pain, including migraine, can take a toll on mental health, and that’s where CBT comes in. This therapy helps you reframe how you think about pain. It’s about learning coping strategies and changing unhelpful thought patterns. Over time, CBT can make dealing with pain easier. 

4. Biofeedback

This technique teaches you how to control certain body functions - like heart rate or muscle tension - that can contribute to migraine. You may be able to reduce chronic pain or migraine severity and frequency by learning how to relax those muscles. It's a bit more involved, but many people find it incredibly effective.

5. Dietary adjustments

Start by paying attention to your diet. Certain foods may trigger migraine like alcohol or caffeine. To avoid these triggers, keep a migraine diary and jot down which foods are your triggers. 

Research has found that specific diets may be helpful for certain kinds of chronic pain. Tracking your food may help you become more mindful of what you eat.

6. Mindfulness and relaxation techniques

Mindfulness and relaxation techniques may work wonders for chronic pain. Guided imagery, progressive muscle relaxation and even listening to calming music may help you manage pain better over time. The goal is to shift your focus away from pain and stress, which often worsen migraine.

Always consult with a medical professional to manage your specific chronic pain and migraine in a way that works best for you. 

Try CEFALY to Prevent & Relieve Migraine Pain

What is chronic pain management vs. migraine management?

A migraine is a specific type of neurological disorder, usually involving headache, that comes and goes. It often comes with additional symptoms like nausea, light sensitivity and visual disturbances. Managing migraine usually focuses on preventing attacks and stopping them once they begin. Patients may combine medications, non-drug treatments and lifestyle changes. 

Chronic pain can come from various conditions, is more widespread and can last for months or years. Managing it typically involves a more holistic approach. Options include physical therapy, pain medications, lifestyle changes and mental health support like CBT.  

While both require a mix of treatments to control symptoms, migraine is more episodic, whereas chronic pain can be a constant issue. Managing either of these two conditions often has a similar goal - reducing pain and improving quality of life.

Challenges in managing chronic pain and migraine

Managing both conditions may come with its challenges, such as:

• Overlapping pain: The pain from both conditions may overlap or amplify each other. For instance, if you’re already dealing with conditions like fibromyalgia or arthritis, a migraine attack may intensify overall discomfort. The combination makes managing the two harder. 
• Medication management: Finding treatments that work for both conditions can be tricky. Some pain medications for chronic issues might trigger migraine or interfere with migraine treatments. This is where consulting with a medical professional becomes imperative. 
• Fatigue: Migraine and chronic pain can drain your energy. The fatigue from these conditions may make daily life challenging. 
• Treatment plans: Juggling different doctors, medications and therapies for different conditions can feel overwhelming. 
• Personalized routines: These conditions often need customized routines and treatment plans. This means using a combination of medications, lifestyle changes and alternative therapies. Finding what works may take time.

Try CEFALY for migraine management

While CEFALY does not treat chronic pain, it is a clinically proven way to manage and prevent migraine pain. 

CEFALY offers a drug-free, FDA-cleared option to help prevent and relieve migraine attacks. Our device uses gentle, targeted nerve stimulation to reduce migraine frequency and ease pain without the side effects of medication. 

Ready to take the next step? Try CEFALY today and experience the relief you deserve!