How do I manage my fibromyalgia pain?
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Celeste Cooper answered:Management of fibromyalgia includes identifying aggravating and perpetuating factors.
This includes bringing co-existing conditions under control, including the presence of myofascial trigger points, metabolic disturbances, sleep dysfunction, anxiety, restless leg syndrome, multiple chemical sensitivities, migraine and other comorbid conditions.
We are all different and you may have conditions that are unrelated to FM that could be aggravating your pain too. Try to bring those under control too.
Find a medication with the assistance of your doctor that helps improve your symptoms so you participate in activities known to help FM. Therapies might include physical therapy, myofascial release, trigger point therapies, active release therapy, pool therapy, and an exercise program you enjoy. The goal of any medication or supplement is to improve your pain and/or sleep so that you can participate in helpful therapies.
The motto is start low and go slow; this includes not only medications but therapies too, including exercise. If you have increased pain or other symptoms because you stepped up your program too quickly, you will be less likely to stick with it. The important thing to remember is movement. Stagnant positions can cause muscles to become rigid and develop secondary myofascial trigger points.
Keep a diary. Our book has useful tools at the end of nearly every chapter. It is important to assess the benefits or draw backs of new medications and therapies and discuss them with your physician.
Continue to re-evaluate your plan and make the necessary adjustments. Managing fibromyalgia is an ongoing process.
This is a quick overview, there is much more to effectively managing FM, as a point of reference you can view the Table of Contents at:
http://www.amazon.com/Integrative-Therapies-Fibromyalgia-Syndrome-Myofascial/dp/1594773238/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1308926124&sr=8-1#reader_1594773238
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Find out more about this book: Integrative Therapies for Fibromyalgia, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, and Myofa...
Management of fibromyalgia includes identifying aggravating and perpetuating factors. This includes bringing co-existing conditions under control, including the presence of myofascial trigger points, metabolic disturbances, sleep dysfunction,... More -
Dr. Dawn Marcus answered:Managing your fibromyalgia will probably involve several types of treatment, rather than a single modality, because symptoms are usually complicated and diverse.
It will take a few weeks before you'll start to notice improvement with a new therapy. Track your progress so you can see what treatment or combination of treatments is most helpful for you. It's important to remember that no one treatment is likely to result in a dramatic reduction in symptoms. Often, you won't see the "light at the end of the tunnel" until you are using several treatments, each adding a bit of improvement.
Most treatments help reduce pain, but not every treatment works well for other symptoms, including poor sleep, fatigue, and mood disturbance. Make sure you target your most difficult symptoms.
Find out more about this book: The Woman's Fibromyalgia Toolkit: Manage Your Symptoms and Take Control of...
Managing your fibromyalgia will probably involve several types of treatment, rather than a single modality, because symptoms are usually complicated and diverse. It will take a few weeks before you'll start to notice improvement with a new... More -
Healthwise answered:Home treatment is the most important part of treating fibromyalgia. There are many things you can do over time to treat your symptoms:
- Exercise regularly. Of all the treatments for fibromyalgia, cardiovascular (aerobic) exercise may have the most benefit in reducing pain and other symptoms and in improving your overall condition. Work with a physical therapist or other professional who has expertise with fibromyalgia to build an exercise program that works for you. And then stay with it.
- Try to avoid or limit your exposure to "triggers" or "stressors" that make your symptoms worse. Common triggers include cold or damp weather, poor sleep, fatigue, physical or emotional stress and being too active.
- Improve sleep. Sleep disturbances seem to both cause and result from some of the other symptoms of fibromyalgia, such as pain. Learn good sleep habits. And try to get enough sleep each night.
- Relieve pain. Heat therapy, massage, gentle exercise and short-term use of nonprescription pain relievers may be helpful.
- Reduce stress. Finding healthy ways to cope with stress may help reduce your pain.
- Learn about fibromyalgia. The more you know about fibromyalgia, the more control you will have over your symptoms. People who feel more in control also tend to be more active and report less pain and other symptoms. 3
- Learn ways to manage your memory problems. Feeling as though you are not thinking clearly—sometimes called "fibro fog"—increases stress and can make memory problems worse. Simple things like writing yourself notes can help you feel more in control.
- Have a good-health attitude, along with these other healthy habits. It's hard to stay positive when you don't feel well. But a good attitude helps you focus less on your challenges and feel more healthy.
The best results occur when you take an active, committed role in your own treatment. You may need to adjust your lifestyle to fit home treatment, especially regular exercise, into your daily routine. It may take time to find an approach that works for you. Try to be patient. And keep in mind that consistent home treatment usually can help relieve or control symptoms of fibromyalgia.
Home treatment is the most important part of treating fibromyalgia. There are many things you can do over time to treat your symptoms: Exercise regularly. Of all the treatments for fibromyalgia, cardiovascular (aerobic) exercise may have the... More
