Can we talk about bras?
Allodynia, or “central pain sensitization” can make regular, everyday sensations feel painful. It’s a part of living with migraine for many people, and it can turn pony tails, wool sweaters, and ill fitting socks into an all-out assault on the body, even between attacks.
When my adventures with chronic migraine began, getting dressed after a warm shower was often an intensely uncomfortable event. Putting on my favorite skinny jeans and what was previously a perfectly comfortable, well-fitting bra would make me feel like Mama Bear trying to squeeze into Goldilocks’ pajamas. Within minutes, I would collapse on the bed, sweating, and bracing myself for a tidal wave of nasty, no good migraine symptoms.
Years later, with better all-round management of the disease through medication and helpful daily habits, I rarely experience such intense sensations from the mere act of getting dressed. But -- for me at least -- the bra is still a nagging source of much discomfort, and so continues the never-ending search to find a bra that my hypersensitive brain can ignore.

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