Sitting Positions, Pillows, Chairs, etc. During an Extended Migraine?
I have suffered chronic migraines most of my life and they often last for several days (up to a week or more). During this period it's often worse for me to try and lay down then to sit in a chair in the darkness.
I typically just hold my head in my hands with my elbows on my pillow that's in my lap (with headphones on) but was wondering what sitting positions other people might use, or a special type of pillow or chair there are for us?
Hi @ jaym35,
Great question! I don't use anything special like this during my migraine attacks, but that doesn't mean others don't! Hopefully others will be along shortly to share their experiences with you.
Wishing you a low pain day,
Nancy Harris Bonk, Patient Advocate/ModeratorI have the same problem you do!! Laying with any pressure on my head is torture. Even sitting in what is normally my comfortable recliner is not good. So, sitting at my desk in my office chair, with a pillow and holding my head is about it for me. At least until the Timolol does it's the job a little so that I can lay down. Thank goodness for the Timolol! I can't take the usual things for migraines. Too much heart disease in my family. So I was given this by my specialist, who is wonderful. A couple of drops under the tongue and about 10-15 minutes and I usually get a bit of relief. 
It can be tricky to manage more than one health condition, especially when medications can interact. It might be worth having your eye doctor do a consultation with your neurologist or whoever is helping to manage your headaches. This way, everyone is on the same page and they can work together to ensure you get the best care. What do you think? I hope your pressures start coming down soon and that you feel more like yourself! -Melissa, migraine.com team I’ve had migraine for 6 years now but about two years ago I started feeling pressure in my head and my headaches started getting worse when I laid down. I’ve been so baffled and have consulted several neurologists during these two years only to be told to get MRI’s and SPINAL Puncture test done!! Why everyone recommends a spinal puncture test just as a regular test is beyond me. It has its own risks which are not considered at all.
My doctor refused to give me migraine meds until I get the test done. So I’m living off OTC painkillers.
And I read this thread today to find out that I’m not alone. And it’s probably just a condition of chronic migraine. So thank you for sharing this.
Hi
, Thank you for sharing that with us. It's good to know we're not alone in our migraine disease experiences!
Wishing you a low pain day,
Nancy Harris Bonk, Patient Advocate/Moderator
I feel your pain and predicament. I too find it worse to lay down, at least until my meds start to kick in, as any pressure on back of the head/occipital area just exacerbate things. I will try sitting in a soft comfortable chair with my usual arsenal of ice packs/heat packs including cranial cap and eye covering, as well as ear plugs. Here’s wishing us all the relief we deserve.
I'm just seeing Cheryl's other note about you being from Singapore. let us know if you have any luck finding and connecting with the headache clinics there. We are here for you - Holly (migraine.com team). Hi
I’ve been to few but as I mentioned earlier, there’s been no luck yet.
Since I’ve come across this community, I am even more convinced that I need a Migraine/headache specialist. One that would understand my medical history and is willing to work with me mutually. Google searches aren’t leading me anywhere, as thus far, I’ve only been able to find doctors who handover medications that have severe side effects and a stash of painkillers!
I am only hoping to find the right care as it’s been a long battle so far with no end in sight yet 🙁