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/Moderator@jaym35 I 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.
Timolol. I wonder if I can tolerate that. I don't do well on beta blockers as preventives because it makes my BP dip into the 80s over 50s and I turn to sludge. But as an abortive, maybe it will have less of a cumulative effect and I would be able to tolerate it. I cant do triptans because it gives me Prinzmetal angina (coronary spasms). I can't do NSAIDs because it gives me hives and wrecks my stomach. I am only left with Tramadol which I have to be so careful with. I will talk to my doctor about Timolol drops.
Hi @TheMiche,
Thank you for reaching out to us. If you give Timolol a try, will you report back on how you do?
Wishing you a low pain day,
Nancy Harris Bonk, Patient Advocate/Moderator
Hi @barbarafiedler,
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.
Hi @adkrauss,
Thank you for sharing your tips with us!
Wishing you a low pain day,
Nancy Harris Bonk, Patient Advocate/Moderator
