Fibromyalgia
Fibromyalgia is a chronic pain syndrome. People with fibromyalgia commonly experience burning or aching pain through various musculoskeletal regions throughout their body, including joints. They are also abnormally sensitive to touch, with certain areas, known as ‘tender points’, being super-sensitive.
While the exact cause of fibromyalgia remains unknown, it is believed to result from an abnormal activation of the central pain system. Triggers for this activation include emotional distress and possibly genetic factors. Sleep disturbances may also be a factor.
There is no single simple solution for treating fibromyalgia, however, the disease is not progressive or life-threatening.
If you have been diagnosed with fibromyalgia, the management of your condition will largely depend on the severity of your symptoms which may range from very mild and occasional to severe and persistent.
Your doctor can help with explanations, medications and management suggestions but fibromyalgia is a condition where self-management plays a key role. There are enormous benefits to be gained by implementing your own strategies to manage the symptoms of this condition.
Areas of self-management
Exercise: regular exercise is extremely important when you have fibromyalgia. Despite exercise being initially painful, with time you can become aerobically fit, though it may take you longer to achieve this than someone who doesn’t have fibromyalgia. Your aim should be to exercise at least 30 minutes a day 3 to 4 times a week. Low impact exercises such as walking, swimming or bike-riding are ideal. Your exercise programme should also include stretching and strengthening exercises which are useful in fibromyalgia.
Stress management: psychological factors are important in managing fibromyalgia. You need to find the balance between work, rest and play by developing strategies to deal with both the everyday stresses and those associated with the chronic pain you are experiencing. Sometimes this may simply require a change in attitude — viewing problems as opportunities or challenges, replacing negative thoughts with positive ones. However you may require the help of a professional, such as a doctor who deals with chronic pain or a clinical psychologist, to help ensure you have adequate stress management strategies.
Relaxation techniques: different techniques for relaxation, such as pursuing a hobby or increasing the amount of free time you have, are beneficial in fibromyalgia but sometimes you may need more formalised techniques to deal with the muscle tightness and the emotional problems associated with this condition. Learning breathing techniques, yoga, meditation or tai chi can all be of benefit.
Sleep management: following good ‘sleep hygiene’ principles — no daytime napping, having a regular waking time, doing regular exercise, following a wind-down routine at night, and restricting bed use to sleeping only — can lead to a general improvement in sleep. This may help improve the symptoms of fibromyalgia.
Find a support group: whether it be a fibromyalgia support group, a yoga-based group or a more psychological counselling based group, many people with fibromyalgia derive significant benefit from such peer support.
Last Reviewed: 12 February 2007
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