Light Sensitivity and Fibromyalgia
Are you sensitive to light? For many of us with Fibromyalgia, light sensitivity is just one of the issues that plagues us. There aren’t many studies that look at this, but what little I have been able to find seems to make a solid connection between light sensitivity and Fibromyalgia.
Granted, many of us also suffer from migraines, and light sensitivity is a huge trigger for migraines.
Taking a look at a survey performed by Theraspecs, it’s interesting to see that regardless of migraine, Fibromyalgia patients tend to report a higher sensitivity to light between attacks (or flares) than any other group in the survey (including those with migraine).
I found that rather interesting.
Searching through medical literature returned surprisingly little information on this connection. However, I did find one study that found that patients with Fibromyalgia report a massively higher rate of photophobia (light sensitivity) than those without.
As in, 70% of those with Fibromyalgia report photophobia, while only 6% of the pain-free individuals in the study report the same issue. That’s huge!
We often equate light sensitivity to migraine, but it’s not just a migraine thing!
Light sensitivity isn't just a migraine thing, patients with #Fibromyalgia suffer from light sensitivity at an even higher rate! Share on XLight sensitivity isn’t the only neurological symptom that those of us with Fibromyalgia report more commonly. We are also more likely to have poor balance, weakness, and tingling of the arms and legs, and numbness.
For the last year and a half I’ve been wearing Theraspecs custom-tinted lenses to help with light sensitivity.
When I initially tried them I only wore them when I’d have a migraine attack. I noticed a definite improvement to my migraine symptoms when wearing them, so when I renewed my prescription I went ahead and ordered my lenses with Theraspecs custom-tint.
I have a pair that I wear daily and also a pair that are tinted as sunglasses (obviously a lot darker than my daily wear).
I’ve noticed a drastic decline in the number of migraine attacks during the time that I’ve been wearing these glasses, and typically when I do have a migraine attack it’s not nearly as bad as it would have been prior.
Prior to Theraspecs it had become the norm for my migraine attacks to last multiple days, but now it’s a rarity and typically only happens when I wait several hours to take an abortive medication.
Another thing that has really helped reduce the number of migraines that I endure is avoiding places with fluorescent lights. When I was in school I couldn’t avoid them. I spent hours every day under flickering fluorescent lights and as a result I had a lot more migraines during that time (I’m fairly sure the stress of school didn’t help matters either).
I hadn’t really given a lot of thought to how light may also be impacting my fibromyalgia symptoms, but I had noticed that when I was in a flare I was more sensitive to light. I’d prefer to stay indoors, in a dark room with fewer sensory inputs (much as if I had a migraine).
I’ve also noticed more in the last year or so that when I do get a migraine it often comes without the searing pain of a migraine, but rather presents with more fibromyalgia-like symptoms (stiffness, body aches, etc). As if my whole body is being affected by the migraine instead of just my head (which used to be the case when I was younger).
If I had the choice, I’d take the head pain.
I don’t know if Theraspecs have had something to do with decreasing the head pain, or if it’s just a change that has come with life. I’m getting older.
Migraines run in my family and my mom’s migraine attacks drastically decreased when she was about my age (with hormonal changes, etc). My brother, on the other hand, seems to be having worse and worse migraines the older he gets.
So, what about you? Do you suffer from light sensitivity and Fibromyalgia?
Do you notice an increase in light sensitivity with Fibromyalgia flares? Do you have migraines? Do they seem to coincide with Fibromyalgia flares? Or, are you one of the lucky ones who doesn’t have an issue with light? Share your thoughts in the comments below this post. Inquiring minds want to know ;).
Below infographic provided by Theraspecs
Related:
- Migraines are not pretty, let me show you my migraine pose
- How wearing rose-colored glasses has improved my migraines
- What’s in a migraine cocktail?
- Fibromyalgia and increased sensitivity to noise, lights, smells, & people
References:
Watson, N. F., Buchwald, D., Goldberg, J., Noonan, C., & Ellenbogen, R. G. (2009). Neurological Signs and Symptoms in Fibromyalgia. Arthritis and Rheumatism, 60(9), 2839–2844. http://doi.org/10.1002/art.24772
Leah says
Is there anyway to connect and share with you by WhatsApp or Telegram
Julie says
The best way to reach me is via email. While I’m on a few social media channels, I just don’t have enough energy to keep up with the ones I have let alone more. It’s all just exhausting.
Chantal Hoey-Sandera says
I Googled my name, “Chantal Fibromyalgia,” and your photo also popped up.
I am extremely light sensitive with my FMS/CFS/ME and wondered if you had ever had a head trauma. I have had two concussions.
Although, I have had the migraines and light sensitivity since I was five years old. I am also hypoglycemic (have low blood sugar swings.) This causes the “body migraines” that you described above, for me. “Hemiplegic migraines.“
I’m always interested in learning more, if you would like to contact me privately.
Chantal
Julie says
I did have a minor head trauma not long before many of my major symptoms began, but well after I’d begun having migraines (which I’ve had since I was a young child – they run in my family and seem to get worse with each generation).
Chantal says
New Fibromyalgia Girl
I was diagnosed with Fibromyalgia in December 2019. I have had attacks for years but my symptoms were never linked together. The pain I felt was diagnosed as issues caused by my weight and the exhaustion and weakness spells were considered prediabetes. I became Diabetic in January 2019 and monitored my sugars closely so when I got attacks I knew that we not the cause and was finally able to get doctors to pursue the Fibromyalgia diagnosis. Input this all in here in case someone reads it with similar issues and journey. I have found a supportive physician which is so critical as well as a good holistic healer that has helped my lifestyle changes but I feel like we are all learning together. Yesterday I had a second attack of severe light sensitivity. My last was 4 weeks ago. I feel no other symptoms not even headache but the light sensitivity is so bad sunglasses aren’t enough my eyes shut aren’t even enough yesterday it happened at work and I had to tie a sweater around my eyes and be led around blind until my husband could get me home to our dark no windowed bedroom. I went to see my doc this time and I’m greatful for this blog and other sites because she didn’t think it was associated with fibro. After about 5 hours I was able to transition to light blocking sunglasses (has side panels too). Anyway thank you for posting from those of us who just Started our journey and are trying to figure things out.
Julie says
Glad you were able to get some glasses to help
Steph says
I have had light sensitivity for a long time. For a while I thought it was just anxiety, but I know it’s not now because I get it when I am feeling great. Basically, when I go into a grocery store or mall with lots of white and bright light, I get very lightheaded, almost floating feeling. It’s not dizziness. The solution for me was simple: wear sunglasses! I’m over the worry that people will judge me and it really helps. I don’t get any pain with light sensitivity like some others.
Julie says
Sunglasses definitely help. I really found the custom-tinted glasses from Theraspecs helpful, as they are tinted to wear even indoors and cut the light that causes the issues without darkening everything.
Michele says
I’ve suffered abdominal migraines and head migraines for around the age of 4 then all the symptoms of fibromyalgia, mobility issues and headaches/ migraines. Recently a medical breakthrough states fibromyalgia is a real physical illness starting with inflammation of the brain.
Though a cause of this is not known.
I’m just glad to know it’s real and not sychotic
Thanks for your information it’s very helpful
Anita says
I, for many years have had the total body migraine you describe. I’ve been photo sensitive for years, covering my head with a blanket when I’m not feeling well. Especially with migraines. I will have to try the glasses as I do have frequent headaches. Thank you for the informative and inspirational pieces. There aren’t many places we can go where we feel people really get it, and it is so needed.
Julie says
I’m glad I can help a bit. I hope you find something that helps you get the migraines under control. I know how bad it can be. I’ve been thankful that mine are under control the last year or so and just hope that continues.