Fibromyalgia is all about coping.
You have to figure out how to live your life while in constant pain.
The muscle pain of Fibromyalgia is described as: Delayed muscle pain associated with physical exertion or stress Muscle pain or fatigue 12-24 hours after the event took place: An example would be shoveling snow and your back hurts the next day.
It is often typical for a person without Fibromyalgia to have a stiff back the next day.
If I shovel snow, I can barely move the next day without going into muscle spasm.
Pain in the Trigger Points: These points are used to diagnose Fibromyalgia Morning Stiffness: Usually worse upon wakening Muscle Spasm Tight, rigid muscles Possible Swelling Mobile Pain: The pain frequently moves around your body.
Here are 10 tips to help reduce your muscle pain and more successfully manage your Fibromyalgia.
1.
Take Frequent Breaks: Sitting for long amounts of time causes our muscles to tighten up and increases our pain.
If you sit for long amounts of time at work it will help to get up for a few minutes, move around and stretch.
I'm in front of the computer a lot.
I try to break it up at least once an hour by getting up and stretching.
2.
Lighten Your Load: Stop carrying heavy things.
Get a fold up luggage cart to do the work for you.
3.
Take a Hot Bath or Shower: Heat helps to relieve muscle tightness and the burning sensation.
Taking a hot bath or shower in the morning and at night is a great way to begin and end your day.
4.
Travel with Wheels: Get luggage with wheels on it.
Travelling with heavy bags is a sure way to strain and pull your muscles.
Luggage with wheels is an easy way to avoid carrying heavy things.
(Replace your gym bag with a wheeled carry on!) 5.
Check Yourself: Be conscious of your body.
Are your shoulders scrunched up to your ears? Are you clenching your teeth? What about your breathing? Is it too shallow? Being aware of what you're doing is half the battle when it comes to feeling better.
Make sure you are in the most comfortable position possible and not holding unnecessary tension anywhere in your body.
6.
Get a Fanny Pack: Ok, I know what you're thinking but hear me out on this one! They make really cool ones now (even Coach makes one) and they are great for Fibromyalgia because you take all the weight off of your shoulders.
7.
Steam Room: Do you have access to a steam room? The heat from a steam room helps to ease sore muscles.
Try creating one in your bathroom.
Close the door, put a towel under the crack and turn the water temperature up high.
Make sure you don't actually let the water touch your skin and be careful.
The heat from a steam room can cause people to pass out.
Read up on the precautions.
8.
Stretch Every Morning & Night: Stretching is extremely helpful for anyone with Fibromyalgia because it calms and relaxes your muscles.
You will see a world of difference if you take 10 minutes every morning and night to stretch.
9.
Ask for Help!: Stop carrying heavy things and doing jobs that put strain on your muscles.
Stop taking out the trash and carrying the 20 pounds of bird seed to the garage.
Are you exhausted after making dinner? Ask your spouse or kids to do the dishes.
You are loved.
Ask the ones who love you to help.
10.
Get a Massage Chair: I use my massage chair a lot.
The expense was my main deterrent but it has been worth every penny.
It's great for relieving muscle pain and it's the same cost as getting 2 massages from a therapist.