Lifestyle Changes that Ease Fibromyalgia

The problem with fibromyalgia is that it is a complicated condition that many doctors do not acknowledge. Fibromyalgia causes many symptoms including musculoskeletal pain over the entire body at times, over whelming fatigue, IBS, headaches, numbness or tingling in the arms and legs, extreme sensitivity to touch, and other problems. The pain causes sleep problems which then causes more symptoms to develop as the body breaks down. One of the most debilitating problems is the brain fog that develops. You cannot seem to focus, remember things, or just plain function. There are lifestyle changes that can help you feel better and function better.

Exercise: When fibromyalgia symptoms are at their worst, an exercise regimen is last on your list. Despite this, it is one of the life style changes that will help you to feel better. Exercise will release adrenaline, and serotonin into your bloodstream. These chemicals will improve your mood, reduce your stress, and help with depression symptoms. Exercise will improve your ability to sleep which is a big problem in fibromyalgia. It is necessary for improving physical and mental health. It is important to go slowly in implementing your exercise program. Walking is a good way to start and increase your walking distance over time. Often fibromyalgia patients start a program and completely overdo it. You will then be set back in your program. Get direction from a physical therapist on the proper exercise program for your age and health problems. Often physical therapy is needed before you can resume an exercise regimen.

Learn to Relax: Often fibromyalgia strikes women who are always on the go physically and mentally. They don't know how to take it easy and rest. Often these women only rest when their body breaks down and they are forced to give it rest. Severe stress is a precursor to fibromyalgia and makes it worse. Stress releases cortisol and other chemicals that cause pain and fatigue. Learning to relax is an absolute requirement to feel better and get control of your life again. You have beaten your body into exhaustion. You must give it rest and healing time.

Relaxation helps the nervous system to repair, reduces your blood pressure, heart beat, respiration, and metabolism. It allows you to rest more peacefully and reduces your pain levels. Your anxiety and tension will be relieved and your body will begin to heal itself.

Practice Deep Breathing: It has been shown that most people with fibromyalgia breathe with their chest muscles. This kind of breathing adds to pain. You need to breathe from the diaphragm like children do naturally. It will take several weeks to change the way you breathe and practice is necessary. This is also very helpful when stressed and upset.

Restful Sleep is Needed: Sleep is a major problem in fibromyalgia and it becomes a vicious circle. Less sleep equals more pain and symptoms. The increased pain and symptoms make it harder to sleep.

Here are some suggestions for more restful sleep: listen to soft peaceful music before bed; make a list of all your blessings; pray; listen to special visualization Cd's that focus on helping you to relax and sleep; read a humorous book or the bible; drink a cup of chamomile or sleepy-time tea; take 1000 milligrams of calcium with magnesium before bed; or try these herbs called valerian or passion flower at bedtime. If none of this works on your inability to sleep you many need to take a prescription drug. All drugs have side effects so if you can sleep naturally; it is so much healthier.

References:

www.mayoclinic.com/health/fibromyalgia/DS00079

www.mayoclinic.com/health/fibromyalgia/DS00079/DSECTION=lifestyle-and-home-remedies

www.webmd.com/fibromyalgia/default.htm