Amelia Grant

Fibromyalgia may be a painful condition, and dealing with flare-ups can be extremely aggravating. It might be very exhausting to carry out regular duties on bad days; however, it is essential to control your symptoms so you can enjoy your life. 

If the pain impacts your quality of life, seek “pain management doctors near me,” but also try these fibromyalgia pain and fatigue management tips.

1. Understand What's in Your Food

Meal additives can be found in nearly every processed or packaged meal we consume, so it's critical to understand how they can impact your health. Glutamate, a flavor-enhancing amino acid, is one such addition. It is also classified as an excitotoxin. Monosodium glutamate stimulates nerve cells but can harm or kill them in high dosages. Another excitotoxin is aspartate, which is contained in the artificial sweetener aspartame.

2. Feed Your Nerves

A balanced diet helps protect nerve cells from injury and improve their performance. Vitamin C, D, omega-3 fatty acids, and magnesium effectively lower glutamate toxicity and protect neuronal cells. All magnesium is necessary for nerve transmission and muscle function. Choose a range of fruits and vegetables daily, and add fish, such as salmon, several times weekly. Your doctor may recommend a magnesium supplement because magnesium can be challenging to obtain through diet.

3. Attempt to Relieve Stress

We understand that it is easier said than done. Stress is frequently a triggering element of fibromyalgia in individuals who are already prone, so it is critical to manage your stress levels as much as possible. This can help you stay more comfortable by slowing the onset of fibromyalgia and alleviating symptoms.

4. Maintain an Impact Exercise Routine

Physical activity can help you manage your fibromyalgia pain and fatigue, but strenuous or high-impact activities, such as running, tennis, skiing, or martial arts, might exacerbate your symptoms. High-impact exercises might put you at risk of injury and leave you sore and stiff. To avoid generating a flare-up, begin slowly and gradually. Exercises that can help minimize flare-ups include leisurely walking, mild calisthenics, swimming, tai chi, yoga, and Pilates.

5. Get Enough Rest

Fibromyalgia can cause sleep disruption, exacerbating fatigue. Even if your discomfort makes it difficult, a sleep specialist can help you find better, more restful sleep techniques. Other disorders that may interfere with your sleep, such as sleep apnea, may prevent you from falling asleep comfortably. A sleep specialist can help you sleep better by assessing and treating any results. You should also establish a nightly routine and a plan to assist your body in naturally preparing for sleep without needing sleep medications.

6. Get a Massage

Massage therapy can help with localized fibromyalgia pain, especially in the neck, back, and shoulders. The most effective approaches are those that stretch or manipulate connective tissue, such as myofascial release, Shiatsu, and connective tissue massage. Look for a massage therapist who has experience treating fibromyalgia pain, or ask your pain management professional about at-home approaches.

7. Discuss Medication with Your Doctor

There are several drugs used to treat fibromyalgia, but only three have been approved by the FDA, especially for the treatment of fibromyalgia. Duloxetine (Cymbalta) and milnacipran (Savella) help to increase serotonin and norepinephrine levels. These neurotransmitters are essential for exemplary nerve signaling and are typically low in fibromyalgia patients. The third medicine, pregabalin (Lyrica), is thought to reduce glutamate levels in the brain, alleviating fibromyalgia symptoms.

8. Investigate Acupuncture

While acupuncture does not treat everyone, it can benefit some patients. Many pressure sites utilized in acupressure are similar to common sensitive spots reported by fibromyalgia patients. It can help with pain management, but it might not be for you if it doesn't work after the first few sessions. Before attempting any new treatments, including acupuncture, consult with your doctor.

9. Treat Other Pain Sources

While nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medicines (NSAIDs) are ineffective in treating fibromyalgia, they can aid in the treatment of other pain-causing illnesses such as arthritis or tendonitis. Eliminating other sources of pain can make it easier to manage fibromyalgia symptoms. Before beginning a new drug, consult with your doctor. Some drugs can interact with NSAIDs, leading to further problems.