What lifestyle changes can improve my health and comfort with fibromyalgia?

While there's no magic bullet, there are some quick and easy lifestyle changes you can make to feel better with fibromyalgia.

• Cut your to-do list in half. Because you live with constant pain and fatigue, you need to redo your to-do list and get your commitments straight. Only do those things each day that you can perform easily. Just say no to family and friends who want you to give more than you can handle.
• Get plenty of sleep. With fibro, you may feel like you haven't slept in days, but your body is acting like you've just downed 15 cups of coffee. Sleep is difficult with fibromyalgia, so talk with your doctor about your personal sleep issues. Get helpful sleep tips and consider taking medication, if needed.
• Move around. Exercise may be difficult because of the widespread muscle pain but it's still important for your endurance, strength, and overall health. Try taking a 15-minute warm shower before and after exercise. This helps to reduce pain so you can exercise easier and longer. Ask your doctor or physical therapist about exercises that you can try. And be sure to exercise outdoors, particularly during the early morning hours, to help reset your circadian rhythm.
• Nourish your body and brain. Even if you're too tired or in too much pain to be hungry, make sure you eat regular, balanced meals to keep your immune system working at its best.

There are many lifestyle changes you can make to improve fibromyalgia symptoms. Try using moist heat applications or warm baths twice daily to help decrease pain and stiffness associated with fibromyalgia. Some people find that applying pressure to painful trigger points helps to reduce pain and allows you to move around more. Sitting properly at your work station and taking frequent breaks to stretch can help ease neck and shoulder pain. Getting up, moving around, and stretching your body are all important in reducing the muscle pain. Exercise helps boost endorphins, the body's natural opioids. Not only is exercise a good way to increase fitness, but it can also improve your mood.

There are many ways to manage the chronic widespread pain of fibromyalgia, including taking a prescription medicine. But your prescription is only part of a complete fibromyalgia treatment plan. One way to approach your treatment is to think of it as a series of steps:

1. Learn all you can about fibromyalgia
2. Work with your doctor to set a treatment goal—even one as simple as "be in less fibromyalgia pain"
3. Work with your doctor to form a fibromyalgia treatment plan. Consider using more than one method—for instance, complement taking medicine with alternative treatment approaches
4. Track progress over time—this will help you know when you’ve met your first goal

Many people can benefit from creating a fibromyalgia treatment plan that combines medicine and alternative treatment approaches.

• A healthy diet can make a difference
• Restful sleep can make a difference
• Being active can help
• Consider alternative treatment approaches, including physical therapy, chiropractic therapy, nutritional counseling, etc.

Talk to your doctor before making any changes to your diet, exercise routine, or treatment plan.

For many with fibromyalgia, prescription medicine is an important part of treatment. Ask your doctor if prescription medicine, such as LYRICA, could be a part of your fibromyalgia treatment plan. In clinical studies, LYRICA was proven to provide significant relief from fibromyalgia pain compared with a placebo, so patients felt better and could do more.*

*Individual results may vary.