Fibromyalgia is a very common, chronic condition that causes widespread muscle and joint pain, tenderness, fatigue, depression, as well as many other symptoms. It’s often accompanied by a condition that sufferers refer to as “fibro fog,” a constant state of fatigue that results in mood and memory problems. There is, as of yet, no cure for fibromyalgia, although there are various treatments that people use to reduce symptoms, such as regular visits to a chiropractor like Tulsa Spine and Rehab to help them feel a little more comfortable.
People with fibromyalgia suffer from severe episodes of painful symptoms, called flares. Coping with flares is more than just tough: many sufferers report that it is simply impossible to make the pain go away completely. However, certain techniques can help make managing fibromyalgia symptoms a little bit easier. Unfortunately, what works for one person may not work for others and so that is when people suffering from this syndrome will need to start looking for alternative methods until they are able to find a more permanent treatment.
We spoke with a group of women who have Fibromyalgia to learn how they deal with fibro flare-ups. Here’s their advice:
1. Get proactive.
“I try not to overdo things physically, and keep my stress and anxiety levels low. I am compliant with all medications prescribed to me. Physical therapy is a regular weekly event, and I do PT exercises daily. When I do flare, I retreat from the world, rest, and have pain medication that helps immensely.” – Mary
“I take vitamin supplements, goji juice, Nopalea cactus juice, and medications. I also use a heating pad and visit the chiropractor when needed.” – Renda
2. Don’t push yourself too hard.
“On days you don’t hurt and ache, you might try to do too much to compensate for the days you feel bad. As a result, you hurt so bad you cannot rest. Try not to do that to yourself.” – Anonymous
3. Make yourself comfortable, whatever that means for you.
“Minimize and simplify! I notify family members of flares and stay in my PJs. I also wash my face and hands then brush my teeth and hair. Afterward, I rest as much as is needed and keep heat and medications close at hand.” – Anonymous
“Find new ways to do things; like how you eat, how you work, even how you sit.” – Rachel
4. Rest. Rest. Rest.
“My strategy for dealing with Fibro flares is simple: sleep and limit activity. When I have a flare-up, I typically lay around and do as little activity as necessary. Even if I wanted to do something, like go out with friends, the flare won’t let me. That’s why I limit my activity in the first place. Plus, the exhaustion is kicked up a couple notches, so all I want to do is sleep anyway.” – Rachel
“I take it easy, and rest when my body needs to.” – Margaret
“I rest and avoid stress as much as possible. I have a comfortable recliner and bed.” – Anonymous
“I try to get as much rest as possible and when I am up I try not to overdo the physical activity such as cleaning bathrooms. I know I have to clean them but maybe not all at one time.” -Sherrie
5. Keep your chin up.
“Just know, fibromyalgia is what you have, it doesn’t have you! I mean that this is just a condition you have, but don’t let it control your whole life. Fibromyalgia has kicked my butt, but I don’t let it keep me down!” – Rachel
“Keep moving. Rest when needed, and above all … read the Word of God. Focus on hope. It will get better.” – Vicky
“Hang in there. As time goes on you will understand your body and what it needs. You know your body better than anyone else. Don’t forget that.” – Margaret
Do you have a tip for managing Fibromyalgia flare-ups? Leave it in the comments below.
12 years of fibro has taught me alot. Rest when you can, Work when you can. I try to keep my attitude positive. When you have fibro fog, write things down. The less active I am, the more I hurt. There are worse things than fibro – keep moving. During a flare, I move but I know I have to take my time. If you need help doing a chore, ask for help. Don’t feel ashamed because you couldn’t do it yourself.
Love these words of wisdom! Thank you, Kathleen.
I do aquatic therapy. It helps so much. I also see a pain management doctor. Which I get injections.
Watch what you eat. Sugar, gluten and even dairy can cause further systemic pain symptoms. Eating healthy is hard when you are chronically ill. I find that if I prep my food for several days in advance, I’m more likely to chose a healthy snack to graze on over a quick unhealthy processed food.
Please also know that if you are not being treated well by a physician, you have the right and absolutely should seek a second even third or fourth opinion until you get the appropriate treatment.
I have to keep moving as much as I can or the pain seems worse. Swimming and Tai Chi are lifesavers!
My doctors have abandoned me no opiates for people who need them insurance doesnt pay for alternatives.wishing for funding to purchase cbd and thc oils wish.me well please
I’ve been having some really bad flareups lately . everything from my back cramping up to swollen all over. Really bad headaches. The only difference is one the monsoon weather and added pressure from my father in law moving in.. Can these trigger these?
When I hit that fibro wall, I try to limit my activity until it passes. The pain is widespread and intense, but I only take Ibuprofen (usually 800 mg) to decrease inflamation. I have diabetes, so I eat healthily already. I was diagnosed over 20 years ago with the fibromyalgia. I had no idea what it was. I was working seven days a week, so I could ignore the pain. Being retired has brought a new awareness to what I suffer with. One day at a time. Trying to keep a positive attitude is critical for survival.
I have multiple health issues that are aggravated by fibro flares. It is almost impossible to get out of bed some days. I was on Gabapentin for several years vut changed to Lyrica 3 yrs ago. They both helped. Lyrica gives me the most relief. I just learned heat helps last month. This is all very good advise. I have joined an exercise class and am taking a nutrition class starting next week.