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Could bad posture be causing/contributing to my migraines?

7 replies

Poppy2023 · 24/08/2023 12:01

I have suffered with migraines since I was 18 (am now 43). The first few years I had them they were very severe, but then I was prescribed naramig tablets, which I take as soon as I feel an attack coming on. They are the only thing I have ever found that takes them away and I have now been taking them for over 20 years. I also now take amitryptyline, which helps to prevent them. However, the Naramig now seem to be becoming less effective and my migraines now seem to be mainly in my right shoulder blade rather than my head. They were previously always just on the right side of my head, occasionally in my eye or at the back of my head when they were at their worst and at one point when I was young I had constant severe migrainous/neuralgic type pain in my right cheekbone, which lasted for several weeks. I had an MRI scan about 20 years ago, which ruled out any other cause and it was concluded that I was suffering from migraine.

However, the GP said he doesn’t think the pain in my right shoulder that I currently suffer from sounds like migraine. It is like a permanent ache, which seems to flair up at least once, sometimes several times a week like a migraine attack. He has kept prescribing the Naramig as I said they do still help, although they do not take the pain away fully like they used to and they often come back the next day.

I believe my migraines have mainly been hormonal as they have always been the most frequent/severe at certain times of the month, even now the pain is in my shoulder. However, I am starting to wonder if my posture could also have been a contributor. I do have quite rounded shoulders, have always had office jobs where I am sat at a desk all day. I also spent several years commuting, carrying heavy bags etc. The pain is still only in my right shoulder though (my dominant side) and my left is fine.

I am considering seeing a physio for assessment, but wondered if anyone has had similar symptoms/has any medical knowledge who could give me any advice on whether this could still be migraine or something else. Could it be a postural issue if the pain is only on one side or would both sides normally be affected.

Thanks for reading.
x

OP posts:
RuthW · 24/08/2023 12:12

Have you been to a chiropractor?

Poppy2023 · 24/08/2023 12:15

No, was considering going to a physio or chiropractor, not sure which would be best.

OP posts:
Poppy2023 · 24/08/2023 12:30

I’ve just been looking in the mirror again now and my right shoulder looks slightly more forward than my left (sort of rolling inward). Not sure what that means.

OP posts:
MrsPelligrinoPetrichor · 24/08/2023 13:54

I do regular neck yoga to prevent exactly what you describe,it's the tension which causes my migraines.

PinkFootstool · 24/08/2023 14:24

Yes, poor posture can contribute, HOWEVER neck and should pain is a common symptom of migraine - I spent years being treated for neck pain, when it was actually the primary symptom of my badly managed chronic migraine. Amitryptiline, tramadol, massages, posture changes, years of Pilates, acupuncture, ice, heat... I spent an absolute fortune and got no respite from it.

Botox via neurology (42 injections in face, scalp, neck and shoulders) made a life changing difference and even though I'm now off Botox and into a new treatment regime, the chronic neck pain hasn't returned which is such a relief.

fandjango · 24/08/2023 15:33

PinkFootstool · 24/08/2023 14:24

Yes, poor posture can contribute, HOWEVER neck and should pain is a common symptom of migraine - I spent years being treated for neck pain, when it was actually the primary symptom of my badly managed chronic migraine. Amitryptiline, tramadol, massages, posture changes, years of Pilates, acupuncture, ice, heat... I spent an absolute fortune and got no respite from it.

Botox via neurology (42 injections in face, scalp, neck and shoulders) made a life changing difference and even though I'm now off Botox and into a new treatment regime, the chronic neck pain hasn't returned which is such a relief.

Same here I also have Botox every 3 months and a nerve block every 6 to manage my chronic migraines which are head/neck/shoulder pain.

Do you mind if I ask what treatment you have now if you aren't having the Botox?

PinkFootstool · 24/08/2023 16:32

@fandjango I'm on Aimovig. I was on Ajovy. Not sure Aimovig is as good now as it was 6mths ago and it's definitely not as good as Ajovy was. Hoping I don't need to be bounced to Emgality as I'm running short on options these days....

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