Do you suffer from headaches? Do you know the cause of your headaches? Many people suffer from fibromyalgia headaches and do not even know that is the cause. Due to the very nature of fibromyalgia, it is hard to diagnose - but if you go to your doctor with a checklist of symptoms, then it can help.

Primary Symptoms of Fibromyalgia -

The primary signs that make up fibromyalgia are lack of energy and disturbances in sleep pattern. Of course, there is also the pain and aches in the muscles.

While everyone may feel drained and exhausted from time to time, fibromyalgia is more often. Patients report an exhausted feeling and intense pain in random parts of the body such as the knees and elbows. Sometimes the pain is described as "tenderness" and it is a critical symptom in order to be diagnosed with fibromyalgia.

Secondary Symptoms of Fibromyalgia -

Sleep patterns are often disturbed due to a variety of reasons. This can lead to fatigue during the day and the body becomes tired.

Anxiety and poor appetite follow these symptoms. This also leads to irritable bowel syndrome and bladder problems. These are often secondary symptoms and not from the actual disease itself.

Some people report confusion associated with fibromyalgia. This too can be worrisome and can lead to increasing anxiety and more of the above problems.

Fibromyalgia headaches and migraines are some of the more common secondary symptoms. Pain may also be in the joints in the face, jaw, neck and shoulders. This can constrict or dilate, which causes severe headaches.

Checklist of Fibromyalgia Symptoms -

If you suspect that your headaches are due to fibromyalgia, then look at the checklist below and see how many symptoms you have. Then take the checklist to your doctor and see what your doctor thinks.

" Extreme Fatigue

" Lack of energy

" Problems sleeping

" Pain in the muscles

" Anxiety

" Lack of Appetite

" Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)

" Bladder Problems

" Confusion

" Fibromyalgia headaches/ Migraines

Diagnosing Fibromyalgia Headaches -

Unfortunately, diagnosing fibromyalgia headaches is not easy. It often overlaps other illnesses. Therefore, you will need a trained professional to go through a comprehensive checklist to receive a proper diagnosis. Then the doctor can recommend treatment for you headaches.

Treatment Options for Fibromyalgia Headaches -

Many times the doctor will recommend that you see a chiropractor to treat the fibromyalgia. The chiropractor will work together with you to develop a plan to resolve your pain.

Some chiropractors use Progressive Rehab. This technique combines traditional chiropractic techniques with other services. For example, your therapy may involve massage therapy, physical therapy and nutritional therapy. The chiropractor will work with you and to develop a plan to get you pain free.

Since fibromyalgia causes muscle spasms, physical therapy is often recommended. These muscle spasms can cause chronic pain, but a physical therapist can teach you proper posture and help you balance out your body muscles.

Sometimes a lumbar cushion or a contoured pillow will help with the sleep problems. It may even stop the muscles spasms during the night. Generally, heat is recommended and not ice. You may experience some relief by taking a hot bath or shower.