Five Habits That Can Relieve The Symptoms Of Fibromyalgia

By having healthy habits, you can relieve the symptoms of fibromyalgia and prevent complications. In this article, we give you the most relevant ones.

Fibromyalgia is a chronic disorder characterized by pain in muscles and joints. It also causes, among other things, prolonged periods of fatigue, soreness and sleep problems. Are you looking for strategies that can relieve the symptoms of fibromyalgia?

Although current medical treatment for this disorder involves the use of certain types of medications and therapies, certain habits can contribute to a greater sense of relief. In fact, doctors recommend many of them as they play an important role in managing the pain.

What is fibromyalgia?

As it is difficult to measure pain and fatigue, it can also be difficult to diagnose fibromyalgia.

Fibromyalgia is a disease whose main symptoms are prolonged musculoskeletal pain. Patients who suffer from it often feel exhausted and are unable to perform many of the daily tasks.

However, experts consider the symptoms to be subjective because it is so difficult to measure them with tests. In fact, many professionals have questioned whether the disease exists because there is a lack of objective tests around its development.

Fortunately  , studies from recent years have made it easier to understand the disease and to diagnose it. In fact, they have allowed experts to determine its association with other disorders, such as depression and insomnia.

The symptoms of fibromyalgia

In the past, doctors had to identify sensitive areas, called “sore spots”, in order to diagnose someone with fibromyalgia. Pressing them can cause pain. But now they are not so relevant to the diagnosis.

So if a patient’s pain has lasted for at least three months, doctors begin to consider fibromyalgia. However, they are also doing other medical tests to find the cause.

The clinical signs of this disorder can vary from patient to patient depending on their age, general health condition and habits. In general, the symptoms may be:

• Moderate to severe fatigue.
• Sleep disorders.
• That you sleep for a long time without feeling rested.
• Headache.
• Depression and anxiety.
• Difficulty concentrating.
• Pain in the lower abdomen.
• Cognitive difficulties.

Habits that can relieve the symptoms of fibromyalgia

Many treatments and therapies can help relieve the symptoms of this disease. Although doctors usually prints additional medications,  changes in lifestyle  a key factor in reducing the frequency and severity of pain.

1. Sleep well

You need to have good sleep habits if you want a restful sleep.

It is harder for people with this disorder to get a restful sleep. Therefore, it can end in a vicious circle where a sharp increase in pain occurs. Poor sleep increases fatigue and pain, and the pain can then again affect sleep.

It is important to do things that promote good sleep every night. First, it is best to remove all distractions from your bedroom, including televisions and electronic devices. In addition, you can make use of relaxing methods such as:

• A hot bath before bed.
• Meditation and breathing exercises.
• To read a book.
• Aromatherapy.

2. Stress management to relieve the symptoms of fibromyalgia

Knowing how to deal with stress is one of the keys to reducing the symptoms of this disease. This emotional state can aggravate the pain and similar discomfort. Therefore , it is important to eliminate the causes of stress, whether they are emotional, mental or work related.

In addition, it is a good idea to spend a few minutes to:

• Meditate.
• Breathe deeply.
• Do a relaxing or fun activity.

Get regular exercise

Exercise helps to strengthen the musculoskeletal system.

The pain can apparently prevent patients’ ability to exercise. Contrary to many people’s beliefs, this activity has positive effects on fibromyalgia. Exercise helps maintain stronger muscles and joints. It also reduces musculoskeletal problems.

However, due to the circumstances of this disease, exercise should be moderate and adjusted. Some suggestions could be:

• Swimming and activities in water.
• Walks.
• Bicycle rides.
• Stretching exercises at home.

4. A varied diet

A healthy diet is one of the best weapons when one wants to minimize the symptoms of fibromyalgia. Many patients with fibromyalgia also suffer from stomach problems, such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Therefore, you should plan your diet with a doctor or dietitian.

In general, experts urge patients to limit their intake of caffeine, processed and fried foods and foods rich in sodium and sugar. Instead, choose meals that include:

• Fruit and vegetables.
• Lean meats and fish.
• Nuts and kernels.
• Gluten-free grain products.

5. Acupuncture that can relieve the symptoms of fibromyalgia

Research suggests that acupuncture could relieve the pain of fibromyalgia.

One of the alternative treatments that can alleviate the symptoms of the disease is acupuncture. This technique from the East is about perforating the skin to promote changes in blood flow, which can improve healing and relieve pain.

According to a study published in the  Journal of Rehabilitative Medicine , patients with fibromyalgia who tried acupuncture experienced pain relief for at least two years compared to those who did not. Another similar alternative is acupressure.

Warning:  Acupuncture can cause pain, a little bleeding and bruising after each treatment. Therefore, it is important to consult an expert, as poor treatment can be dangerous.

Conclusion

Experts also recommend that patients with fibromyalgia keep a log of their symptoms and development. In this way, both the patient and the doctor can see which factors aggravate the pain. In addition, it is necessary to contact your doctor in case of complications.