Could high altitude increase symptoms of fibromyalgia?
Our first stop has us near Denver to take care of some things. I was fully aware as we headed into Colorado, that the combination of having to deal with city traffic while trying to solve an issue would likely increase stress and anxiety. I was prepared for that.
What I’d forgotten about was the fact that simply being at these higher altitudes can also increase anxiety and other fibromyalgia symptoms.
The relationship between oxygen levels and fibromyalgia symptoms
After my first visit to the mountains following being diagnosed with fibromyalgia, I had a chat with my rheumatologist. We were talking about my general anxiety level in relation to fibromyalgia. He brought up how anxiety can be caused by a lack of oxygen, which is why some people hyperventilate when having a panic attack.
I also mentioned that my migraine med (Relpax) when taken for a migraine will also help my fibro pains. He explained that it’s because migraine medications increase blood flow, and blood flow increases oxygen. Evidently, a large portion of our fibromyalgia pains are caused by lack of oxygen.
“So, the fact that I just took my vacation in Colorado Springs, might not have helped matters, eh?”. “Not so much, especially if you went up to Pikes Peak”. Yeah, that explains a lot. Evidently high altitude and fibromyalgia don’t mix well.
Higher Altitude= Less Oxygen = Higher Anxiety
Higher Altitude= Less Oxygen = More Pain = Higher Anxiety = Tension = More Pain…. it’s a vicious cycle.
There are even some theories that say that poorly metabolized oxygen is the root cause of Fibromyalgia.
Muscular fatigue and decreased tolerance to exercise are common in fibromyalgia. One theory even directly relates fibromyalgia to acute mountain sickness. The hyperventilation involved in anxiety and in altitude sickness can also affect levels of vitamin D (which is also considerably lower in those with fibromyalgia).
- Those living with fibromyalgia may feel better in lower altitudes.
- This is the reason why exercise may help improve fibromyalgia symptoms – because it helps improve oxygenation in the body.
It’s been interesting to see the different environmental affects on how I feel, whether it’s just sinus congestion, feeling more anxious, different sleeping patterns, or changes in how I feel overall. Altitude, local plants, the ease of access to nature, and even weather make a difference.
What’s been your experience? Do you find that altitude affects how you feel? Do you generally feel worse at higher altitude?
Related Posts:
- How weighted blankets can help reduce fibromyalgia symptoms
- Tips for travelling with fibromyalgia
- How Getting Outside Can Improve Your Health
- How living in an RV with a chronic illness is simplifying my life
Related Posts:
Lewis, J. M., Fontrier, T. H., & Coley, J. L. (2017). Respiratory alkalosis may impair the production of vitamin D and lead to significant morbidity, including the fibromyalgia syndrome. Medical Hypotheses, 102, 99-101.
Shang, Y., Gurley, K., Symons, B., Long, D., Srikuea, R., Crofford, L. J., … & Yu, G. (2012). Noninvasive optical characterization of muscle blood flow, oxygenation, and metabolism in women with fibromyalgia. Arthritis research & therapy, 14(6), 1-12.
Sandy says
I am originally from a small town outside Philly, and lived the last five years near Cleveland Ohio. The winters would make my migraines and fibromyalgia worse, so when my brother moved to AZ this year, I looked into moving there myself. The elevation is about four-thousand feet higher than I’m used to. I asked my Ohio neurologist her opinion before I moved here to AZ, and she didn’t think long term it would bother me. I took a chance and moved here to Sierra Vista, AZ early September. However, so far I feel I am gradually feeling worse. I have allergies, more pressure in my head, so more migraines, and the fibromyalgia stiffness and fatigue is more significant.
Loraine says
I live in northern Colorado after living in Texas for most of my adult life. Since we have moved here, I have been diagnosed with both asthma and fibromyalgia. I think the altitude had something to do with both.
Julie says
It wouldn’t surprise me at all. We are two weeks into our 6 week stay here in CO and we’ve both noticed that we are more fatigued and irritable/anxious and generally not feeling as well.
Linda says
Fibromyalgia is so strangely different for us all. I live in Kentucky, but have been in the high country of Colorado for the 1st time this week…and have experienced such a relaxing of my fibro symptoms that I found your page because it was curiously trying to figure out if the high altitude was helping me.
Julie says
We are all so unique. I do think that just getting away from our normal stresses can bring a huge relief and relaxation.
Roman Tate says
I have come to the conclusion that the high altitude for me caused exsess symptoms of fibromyalgia -Estes park Colorado
Hilary says
I Original come from Britain, sea level.
I moved to Alberta Canada, 13 yrs ago and have suffered from fibromyalgia and anxiety since I lived here.
I’ve noticed when I go back to Britain that I don’t have pain at all.
I’m on vacation right now in Houston Texas and yet again, no pain, no ear ringing, no jaw pain, no foot pain.
This cannot be a coincidence or mind games.
Husband retires in 6 yrs and we will retire to somewhere at sea level again.
Tara Stewart says
I also moved to Alberta from Europe and am experiencing a terrible increase in symptoms. I believe it is the combo of altitude and the big swings in temperature changes; there are days that I feel as though I have the “bends”. Sadly, although I love it here, I think we will have to move for my quality of life.
sherry Lee says
i always feel better at lower altitudes with my Fibromyalgia. I live in Colorado and have for the last 20 years, The older I get the more I can’t tolerate the lack of oxygen and high altitude. When we travel to mountain areas even higher then where we live I instantly get a terrible headache, shortness of breath, diziness, and even heart palpitations. Have been talking to my husband about moving to sea level. I come from the midwest where it’s sea level, interesting enough have never felt good living in Colorado. I feel I need more oxygen to heal from this and can’t get it here in Colorado! They say drink more water, I can’t drink more than 10 glasses everyday without turning into a camel. 🙂 It just doesn’t help me much here. After twenty years here you would think you would get use to it, you don’t!
Julie says
I wonder if oxygen therapy would help you… either hyperbaric oxygen tank or just regular oxygen. Might try seeing if you can find an oxygen bar or someplace that offers hyperbaric near you and see what happens.
Sherry Lee says
Thank you. I have considered that, just to try it to see if there is any difference in how I feel. I know at sea level I don’t seem to have the issues I have recently started having. Diziness, ear ringing, short of breath. I will give it a go. Thank you!
Erika says
You sound like me, over 20 years on the front range. Past few years have been painful during any pressure changes, even small ones. Wind makes it worse. My whole body.
Never been diagnosed with fibro, but have suspected for years.
The one thing that helps me during trips to the mtns, is the boost oxygen cans. I do about 5 deep inhales and usually I can feel a difference. I’ve started using them at home during barometric changes that full affect me.
Besides that, I’ve also found excedrin helps with my whole body blahs. Not always though, like today I was searching for additional help when I came across your post.
Thanks for posting!
Julie says
OMG! WE just discovered those cans during our trip and they are awesome! We’re back out of the mountains now but we miss it. It’s so beautiful and we look forward to going back. I wish I could still take Excedrin but alas too many NSAIDs punched a hole in my gut so I can’t do most of the pain relievers that I so relied on for many years.
Joni says
I was diagnosed with fibromyalgia over 5 years ago. With light exercise it has improved to the point where I wasn’t having any problems. We recently took a long vacation to Glacier National Park. I also have restless legs. I had to take my meds just to tolerate the ride! Anyway, fun and beautiful. We did some difficult hikes and now that we are home my entire body feels like it’s in a vice. It’s such a weak, sinking, painful feeling. I’ve been home a week and I still feel this way. How much longer before I “normalize”?
Julie says
There’s probably a lot behind your current flare, from the changes in altitude to the extra energy you spent on that trip. Make sure you take time to rest now that you are home and give yourself grace to remember that you need it and that it’s OK. I think it’s harder after we’ve been doing well when we hit these flares. We feel like “I’m better, I shouldn’t feel this way. I’ve been doing all the right things….” and you have. I’ve been going through the same thing. We were just in Chicago for several days and I flat wore myself out and haven’t been right since.
James says
Ms. Michelle,
I can “repeat” the same type of relief that you had…because I have determined that I am primarily affected by:
1) Relative Humidity that is above 50%.
2) High ratio of R.H. and Dew Point, and/or falling Barometric Pressure. Currently near where I live by Chicago, here are the TYPICAL weather stats:
Humidity: 96%
Dew Point: 58°
Pressure: 30.16 in (falling)
3) I have flown from Illinois to Arizona, got off the plane into weather with a R.H. say, around 14%. It felt immediately like I had dropped 5 lbs. – and relatively free movement of hands and with pain virtually gone.
Tina says
Hi James,
I recently took a trip from Syracuse NY to Phoenix and I too had no pain. When I walk up stairs in my house I can barely breath, I have to stop and wait for the burning in my thighs to stop. So I too am better at higher altitude. I am originally from Colorado and had no pain until I moved to Virginia. That has to be it!
Marlene says
I had a different experience. Last year (2014) I stayed at an altitude of 8500′ in Colorado for 5 weeks and felt amazing! All of my symptoms disappeared – no foggy thinking, good energy levels and my pain was minimal. I did not experience the same feelings at 5300′ though, where I lived for about 8 months. From what I’ve read, there are a lot of physiological changes your body goes through above 8000′. One of the things that happens, is your body creates more red blood cells which ultimately creates more oxygen. I’m in the process of researching this, so would be interested to find out if others have experienced the same positive effects.
Fredrica Scholsohn Ciardo says
I have had the same experience moving from fla to colorado at 7000 ft.Was finally able to ditch my $800 a month meds!
MY husband also gets cluster headaches from horners syndrome and it helped too!
Fredrica Scholsohn Ciardo says
Retract info.Now sicker from fibro.High altitude not helping.
Michelle says
I went up Pikes Peak Colorado 2 times in the past years. I feel so amazing at 14115 feet up. I could not sit still. I don’t run generally, but up there I couldn’t stop running around the peak. My husband was short of breath and rapid pulse. I had no pain in my foot that I normally feel. I felt several pounds lighter and so much younger than normal. As we went down the mountain the feeling of heaviness and less energy returned. I would live at the peak if it were possible. I love the energy rush I experience up there.
Lee says
I’m Lee, 42 yr old M. I think that I’m guy is relavant becuase doctors say its worse in men… Well I feel compelled by God to seek altitude in Colorado!!!! My research scares me and hope to find some relief…we will see, I dont seem to have much choice.
Maggie says
I just returned from 5 weeks in Mexico at 6000 ft. My pain was much less but I did notice I had more anxiety, like a constant heaviness, and I was more clumsy than usual, stubbling, knocking things over, dropping things. I also experienced a headache for about the first week. However I normally have a headache most days at home in Chicago. This helps a lot to explain the increased anxiety however. Thanks!
Julie says
That all sounds pretty normal for high altitude. Hydration is really important and lack of will cause the headache and wooziness. When I’d visit CO the first thing I always did was stop and buy several gallons of water.
Ruth Brogan says
Thanks so much for posting this. When I went to visit my son in the Denver area, I was somewhat concerned about how the altitude might react with fibromyalgia. Had a rough time. But still pulled out salvageable time, to visit Boulder, Celestial Seasonings, and the Denver Zoo. And kept drinking water the whole time. This helps to explain my exacerbated symptoms, and gives me ideas for how to cope better next time.
Julie says
I’m glad I could help. My last trip went much easier (but I’d improved a lot overall since the earlier trip). Altitude change like that is hard on even healthy people.
brigett florentine says
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