Chronic Migraines
Migraine pain can be debilitating. Recurring migraines can disrupt your life and make it almost impossible to function on a day-to-day basis. Migraine pain can range in severity, duration, and frequency making them difficult to diagnose and even harder to predict.
Migraine vs Chronic Migraine
Traditional migraines normally appear once or twice a month and are often caused by the blood vessels in the brain constricting and reducing blood flow to the brain. Chronic migraines, on the other hand, are much more frequent and can recur 15 or more days each month. While both types of migraines result in sharp pain, dizziness, auras, and decreased tolerance to light, chronic migraines are much more frequent and the pain tends to be constant.
While both types of headaches have similar triggers, hormone imbalances, bright lights, sleep deprivation, and strong odors are common causes that can trigger both traditional migraines and chronic migraines. With chronic migraines, the pain may not go away completely between headaches. Instead, it may reduce to a dull ache but never fully leave until it re-intensifies a day or two later.
Chronic Migraine Treatment Options
There are several treatment options for chronic migraines. While Botox injections and other medications have proven to be effective, making positive lifestyle changes that reduce exposure to known triggers has been proven to be successful in reducing the frequency of chronic migraines.
With chronic migraines, it’s extremely important that you identify what your personal triggers are. They will vary from person to person. Working hand in hand with your doctor will help you find the best treatment options for your individual symptoms.
Coccyx Pain (Tailbone)
The coccyx, or tailbone, is located at the very bottom of the spine. It’s triangular in shape and has several muscles, ligaments, and tendons. Three to five bones are joined together by ligaments to form the larger bone. Several nerves pass through the openings in the coccyx and travel down through the legs.
Cause
Women are more prone to having injuries to the coccyx simply because it is more exposed in the female anatomy. Injuries are commonly caused by vaginal childbirth, degenerative bone disease, and trauma caused by a fall or blunt force trauma to the area. Horseback riding and sitting for long periods of time can also cause pain and discomfort.
Symptoms
Pain that is localized to the area of the tailbone area is one of the most pronounced symptoms.
The area may be tender to the touch and if blunt force or a fall is involved, you may be able to see slight bruising near the area of impact. Pain during bowel movements or when sitting for long periods of time is also possible.
Coccyx Pain Treatment Options
Rest and self-care the most recommended treatments for a coccyx injury. Sitting for long periods of time can make the pain worse. While you can adjust your position frequently, it may be best to invest in a support pillow that is designed to support the buttocks while leaving an opening for the coccyx. You can apply ice as needed to minimize the pain and inflammation, as well as take over the counter medications for pain.
Even though women are more prone to these types of injuries, men can also experience them. If pain in or around the area of the coccyx is unexplained or persists longer than a few days, schedule an appointment to see the doctor, especially if you are pregnant or have experienced a hard fall with blunt force trauma to the area.
Muscle Spasticity
Muscle spasticity refers to a condition that causes certain muscles to constantly contract or remain tight. This can affect various types of movement including how you speak, walk, or perform simple tasks. Muscle spasticity is a common symptom with both cerebral palsy and multiple sclerosis. It often affects the muscles in the arms, legs, hands, and feet.
Causes
Muscle spasticity is often the result of a brain or spinal cord injury that damages the nerves leading to a specific area of the body. It can also be the result of deterioration of the nerves caused by a stroke, meningitis, or conditions like Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, also known as Lou Gehrig’s Disease.
Symptoms
The symptoms associated with muscle spasticity can range from mild to severe, depending on each person’s condition. Involuntary muscle contractions, tightness, stiffness, muscle fatigue, and muscle deformities are just a few of the more common symptoms. Some people may experience chronic constipation and urinary tract infections as well.
Muscle Spasticity Treatment Options
Treatment options will range depending on the severity of the condition and the age of the patient. Physical/occupational therapy may help to relieve muscle stiffness and improve range of motion. In some cases, Botox injections have been helpful. For severe cases, surgery may be needed to release the muscle and allow for proper movement. Massage therapy may also be an option.
Muscle spasticity is often something that can’t be prevented, but it can be treated to an extent. The key is to maintain as much activity as possible through physical therapy and day-to-day activities. Every person is different. Work with a physician to find the right treatment options to meet your needs.
