What You Can Do to Improve Symptoms
Fibromyalgia is a disease of chronic and widespread muscle pain and tenderness. It is also often associated with fatigue, poor sleep, trouble thinking and anxiety or depression. The cause and mechanism of fibromyalgia are unknown, but it is believed to be a disorder of central pain processing. Since the cause and mechanism are unknown, there is no cure to eliminate the pain. Instead, treatment is focused on helping sufferers manage their symptoms and achieve maximal daily functioning.
There is no magic drug to manage fibromyalgia. While medication has a role, non-drug treatments are more effective at maintaining day-to-day functioning.
A multi-faceted approach is advised, involving exercise, stress-management, and daily activity planning, with patients encouraged to take active control of their fibromyalgia management. By feeling in control, many suffers of fibromyalgia can achieve maximum daily functioning.
Here are 11 healthy habits for fibromyalgia that patients can adopt to help manage their symptoms:
1. Keep an Activity and Symptom Diary
Fibromyalgia is different for everyone. Learn what activities affect your pain, fatigue, sleep and mood. By learning what specific factors exacerbate or help your symptoms, this can help you better plan your day and manage your disease.
If you’ve been struggling with symptoms, consider the benefits of having a pet and how they counter the physical and emotional problems you face every day.
