Fibromyalgia is a condition that causes excessive pain, fatigue, and tenderness in the muscles. Mostly, the neck, shoulders, hips, arms, legs, and back are affected. There are no specific causes of fibromyalgia, but it is more common in middle-aged women and those rheumatoid arthritis or other autoimmune diseases. There is no cure for this disease, but certain lifestyle changes and natural remedies can help manage the symptoms.
Some natural ways to deal with painful fibromyalgia include the following:
1. Sleep
It is the main thing that is needed to manage the symptoms of fibromyalgia. A rested body is the best way to combat the fatigue that comes with this condition.
Certain practices can help in getting better sleep and they are as follows:
- Reducing daytime naps
- Sleeping and waking up at the same time daily
- Reducing light and noise at bedtime
- Avoiding screen time before sleeping
- Keeping a gap between eating a heavy meal and going to bed
- Avoiding alcohol and coffee before sleeping
2. Exercise
It is one of the crucial lifestyle tips for fibromyalgia. Initially, you might find it difficult to exercise, but slowly you can build it up and reap the benefits. Exercise will help build muscle strength, assist in the upliftment of mood, and also relieve you of the pain associated with fibromyalgia. Indulge in a light aerobic activity like walking, cycling, yoga, or swimming.
3. Diet and supplements
One of the lifestyle tips for fibromyalgia is to eat a balanced and healthy diet to relieve the symptoms. Ensure that you get vitamin D, magnesium, soy, S-adenosyl-L-methionine (SAMe), creatine from the foods you eat. You could also try topical products with capsaicin, the substance in chili peppers that makes them spicy.
4. Reduce stress
Stress is the root cause of most problems, both physical and emotional, so it is vital to keep stress at bay. Some studies link psychological distress and fibromyalgia. It is one of the most vital lifestyle tips for fibromyalgia.
Some tips to ward off stress:
- Meditation or yoga
- Journaling your daily activities or the causes of stress
- Keeping in touch with family and friends
- Join a support group for people with fibromyalgia
5. Acupuncture
It is a traditional Chinese form of treatment where small needles are inserted into specific trigger points on the body. These needles are supposed to change the blood flow and chemical levels in the body which can help relieve pain. A lesser-known but one of the best lifestyle tips for fibromyalgia.
6. Massage
Massage can help to relax the body, and relieve sore muscles and joints. It involves gentle stimulation of the body to reduce stress, increase the range of motion, relieve pain, and promote relaxation.
7. Tai Chi
It is an ancient Chinese technique that involves moving the body slowly and gently through different poses. It helps relieve pain and fatigue. As per a study, people performing Tai Chi have experienced improvement in sleep quality, depression, pain, and general quality of life.
