How to Handle a Fibromyalgia Flare Up: Coping Strategies

If you have been diagnosed with Fibromyalgia you know well, the fatigue, stiffness, and the pain. You probably have a medicine cabinet full of anti-depressants, anti-inflammatory, and pain killing drugs. You are following your pharmacological regimen, yet suddenly you are having an acute bout of symptoms. What to do?

Look at your diet. Something triggered your flare up; was it too much caffeine? What have you recently eaten or drank that may have caused your body to send up the red flags? Chocolate? Red meat? Keep a diary. Figure out if diet is the trigger.

If you have ruled out dietary issues, you must next look at your physical activity. Are you doing nothing? Did you do too much? What activity were you participating in just before your flare up? Was a particular muscle or joint stressed by what you were doing. When pain becomes very acute the first thing we want to do is lie down, or curl up somewhere warm and just not move. This natural reaction to pain is probably the opposite of what the body needs. Try some gentle stretching of all the joints. Some gentle yoga moves can really make the body feel better. Stretching releases endorphins which are our natural little pain killers. Once your body is warmed up, get out there and move. Even if you have to bundle up, get outdoors and take a leisurely walk. It may be just putting one foot in front of the other, but keep moving. If weather is not fit for man or beast, get some low impact exercise in a heated swimming pool or join a Tai Chi class. Be sure to discuss appropriate low-impact and cardio exercise regimens with your physician. Physical therapy may be the first step to feeling better.