I've recently been experiencing tightness in my upper spine and periodic headaches and dizziness throughout the week. While speaking to my neurologist, he recommended I get a blood pressure monitor for personal checks throughout the day. Blood pressure is a physiological symptom that for some can increase bodily stress and possibly promote more pain in several areas of your body.
"Blood pressure" is the force of blood pushing against the walls of the arteries as the heart pumps blood. If this pressure rises and stays high over time, it can damage the body in many ways. Blood pressure doesn't stay the same all the time. It lowers as you sleep and rises when you wake up. Blood pressure also rises when you're excited, nervous, or active. If your numbers stay above normal most of the time, you're at risk
for health problems. The risk grows as blood pressure numbers rise. "Prehypertension" means you may end up with HBP, unless you take steps to prevent it.
"Blood pressure" is the force of blood pushing against the walls of the arteries as the heart pumps blood. If this pressure rises and stays high over time, it can damage the body in many ways. Blood pressure doesn't stay the same all the time. It lowers as you sleep and rises when you wake up. Blood pressure also rises when you're excited, nervous, or active. If your numbers stay above normal most of the time, you're at risk
for health problems. The risk grows as blood pressure numbers rise. "Prehypertension" means you may end up with HBP, unless you take steps to prevent it.
There are several signs your body sends out to make you aware of HP and Stress
Physical: Dizziness, general aches and pains, grinding teeth, clenched jaws, headaches, indigestion, muscle tension, difficulty sleeping, racing heart, ringing in the ears, stooped posture, sweaty palms, tiredness, exhaustion, trembling, weight gain or loss, upset stomach
Mental signs: Constant worry, difficulty making decisions, forgetfulness, inability to concentrate, lack of creativity, loss of sense of humor
Emotional signs: Anger, anxiety, crying, depression, feeling powerless, frequent mood swings,
irritability, loneliness, negative thinking, nervousness, sadness
Behavioral signs: Bossiness, compulsive eating, critical attitude of others, explosive actions,
frequent job changes, impulsive actions, increased use of alcohol or drugs,
withdrawal from relationships or social situations
By monitoring your blood pressure daily you will have the upper hand when your BP begins to rise. Simply put, when BP rises you can take steps to prevent further increase by stopping what's at hand, take a breath, and do something comforting. Preventative maintenance is what keeps flare-ups at bay. If you have a smart phone do download the FREE Blood Pressure Monitor so that you can have an easy tool that will keep a record of blood pressure risings. Possibly you may be able to map out those areas of stress each week and by keeping this log, learn to avoid them.
Do keep in mind many fibro suffers are plagued with low blood pressure swings that can usually be felt during the hours and minutes of dizziness. Keeping a record of these fluctuations will keep communication with your physician flowing smoothly for other symptoms that may be cropping up.
Physical: Dizziness, general aches and pains, grinding teeth, clenched jaws, headaches, indigestion, muscle tension, difficulty sleeping, racing heart, ringing in the ears, stooped posture, sweaty palms, tiredness, exhaustion, trembling, weight gain or loss, upset stomach
Mental signs: Constant worry, difficulty making decisions, forgetfulness, inability to concentrate, lack of creativity, loss of sense of humor
Emotional signs: Anger, anxiety, crying, depression, feeling powerless, frequent mood swings,
irritability, loneliness, negative thinking, nervousness, sadness
Behavioral signs: Bossiness, compulsive eating, critical attitude of others, explosive actions,
frequent job changes, impulsive actions, increased use of alcohol or drugs,
withdrawal from relationships or social situations
By monitoring your blood pressure daily you will have the upper hand when your BP begins to rise. Simply put, when BP rises you can take steps to prevent further increase by stopping what's at hand, take a breath, and do something comforting. Preventative maintenance is what keeps flare-ups at bay. If you have a smart phone do download the FREE Blood Pressure Monitor so that you can have an easy tool that will keep a record of blood pressure risings. Possibly you may be able to map out those areas of stress each week and by keeping this log, learn to avoid them.
Do keep in mind many fibro suffers are plagued with low blood pressure swings that can usually be felt during the hours and minutes of dizziness. Keeping a record of these fluctuations will keep communication with your physician flowing smoothly for other symptoms that may be cropping up.
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