Fibromyalgia
Fibromyalgia is a disorder characterized by widespread musculoskeletal pain accompanied by fatigue, sleep, memory and mood issues. Researchers believe that fibromyalgia amplifies painful sensations by affecting the way your brain processes pain signals.
The effects of fibromyalgia may be reduced with the following measures:
- Physical therapy will improve your strength, flexibility and stamina. Water-based exercises might be particularly helpful.
- Occupational therapy can help you make adjustments to your work area or the way you perform certain tasks that will cause less stress on your body.
- Counseling can help strengthen your belief in your abilities and teach you strategies for dealing with stressful situations.
Lifestyle and Home Remedy Tips
Reduce stress - Develop a plan to avoid or limit overexertion and emotional stress. Allow yourself time each day to relax but try not to change your routine completely. People who quit work or drop all activity tend to do worse than do those who remain active. Try stress management techniques, such as deep-breathing exercises or meditation.
Get enough sleep - In addition to allotting enough time for sleep, practice good sleep habits, such as going to bed and getting up at the same time each day and limiting daytime napping.
Exercise regularly - At first, exercise may increase your pain but doing it gradually and regularly often decreases symptoms. Appropriate exercises may include walking, swimming, biking and water aerobics. Stretching, good posture and relaxation exercises are also helpful.
Pace yourself - Keep your activity on an even level. If you do too much on your good days, you may have more bad days. Moderation means not overdoing it on your good days, but likewise it means not self-limiting or doing too little on the days when symptoms flare.
Maintain a healthy lifestyle - Eat healthy foods. Limit your caffeine intake. Do something that you find enjoyable and fulfilling every day.
Alternative medicine - Acupuncture, massage therapy, yoga and tai chi may relieve stress and reduce pain
