Arthritis headaches are a painful symptom of certain varieties of arthritis, but are made worse when migraines are also a factor. For some, joint swelling and stiffness from arthritis also accompanies chronic headaches. Here are some ways that arthritis can cause arthritis headaches and trigger migraine headaches.
Osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis is the most typical form of arthritis; unlike other forms of arthritis, osteoarthritis does not cause any visible deformities of the joints. With osteoarthritis, headache and joint pain is caused by weakened joints and excess calcium deposits in the tissues, caused by your body’s attempt to heal sore muscles, and joint stiffness. Arthritis headaches are caused by osteoarthritis symptoms occurring in the fifth, sixth, and seventh vertebrae, and are often more painful than other types of arthritis headaches.
To eliminate osteoarthritis headaches as a trigger for migraines, you will have to make lifestyle changes to reduce nerve pressure on the spine caused by arthritis. There is no cure for osteoarthritis or migraines, but regular exercise, weight management, and relaxation are effective ways of managing chronic pain and reducing triggers.
Also, natural vitamins, herbs, and minerals that benefit migraine headache and arthritis sufferers are also effective. In several studies on alternative medicine techniques, supplementation of magnesium, butterbur, coenzyme Q10, and riboflavin produce dramatic results in people suffering from migraines and arthritis headaches.
Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM) for Chronic Pain
Rheumatoid arthritis
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disorder in which your body begins to attack your own muscular tissue and joints, causing lasting damage that produces deformed joints, painful inflammation, stiffness, and swelling. Arthritis headaches occur with rheumatoid arthritis, as the first, second, and third vertebrae of the neck is affected, causing pain in the head, neck, and shoulders.
Treatment for arthritis headaches and migraines caused by rheumatoid arthritis include prescription medications that slow the progression of this degenerative disease. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory agents (NSAIDs, acetaminophen, heat, and massage are also helpful for relieving arthritis headaches caused by rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis.
Also, supplementing with beneficial vitamins, herbs, and minerals are helpful for maintaining healthy neurological functioning and improving your body’s response to inflammation. These include pure butterbur, which has been used for centuries to benefit arthritis sufferers, and magnesium, riboflavin, and coenzyme Q10.
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Arthritis medication
Sometimes, weaning off of prescription arthritis medications can result in arthritis headaches that also trigger migraines. This occurs because your body has developed a dependence on arthritis pain relievers over the years. Before stopping long-term prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) drugs, ask your doctor for a weaning schedule to slowly and safely reduce your dependency on medications while preventing withdrawal arthritis headaches.
For treatment of rebound headaches during the weaning period, many migraine and arthritis headache sufferers benefit by supplementing with natural dietary ingredients such as riboflavin, magnesium, butterbur, and coenzyme Q10, all of which have been the focus of countless scientific studies on chronic pain management.
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Sources:
Arthritis- National Headache Foundation
What Types of Arthritis Causes Headaches?
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