Ease the Pain of Fibromyalgia

What Is Fibromyalgia and What Causes It?

Fibromyalgia is a chronic condition marked by widespread pain that can flare up with certain triggers and ease at other times. The National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMS) says the cause of fibromyalgia is not known, but studies show that people with the disorder have an increased sensitivity to pain. The good news is that everyday habits can help ease the burden.

What Triggers Fibromyalgia Symptoms?

According to Mayo Clinic's fibromyalgia overview, symptoms often start after a triggering event, and triggers can include injuries, surgery, infections or emotional stress. Mayo Clinic also notes that pain disrupts sleep, which is why rest deserves its own place in your routine.

How Does Sleep Affect Fibromyalgia Pain?

Rest is essential. Mayo Clinic's fibromyalgia treatment guidance recommends that adults aim for at least seven hours of sleep a night, keep consistent bedtimes, and keep the bedroom cool and dark. Good sleep habits are one of the most useful tools you can build into your day.

Is There a Best Diet for Fibromyalgia?

There is no single fibromyalgia diet. The Arthritis Foundation states that there is no specific diet for fibromyalgia, although some people claim that certain foods improve or worsen their symptoms. A simple way to learn how food affects you is to keep a daily journal of what you eat alongside your pain levels, and steer clear of anything that consistently seems to make you feel worse.

Can Heat and Massage Help?

They may. Cleveland Clinic lists heat and massage among complementary therapies that may relax muscles, reduce pain signals and improve overall comfort. The Arthritis Foundation adds that for some people a warm shower or bath, or warm compresses, relax muscles and relieve pain, and that massage can help reduce pain, improve joint function and ease stress and anxiety. The National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH) says massage therapy or myofascial release may lead to a small improvement in fibromyalgia symptoms, and that approaches such as massage generally have good safety records when done properly by a trained professional.

If you'd like to practice self-myofascial release at home, BLUESPRING's Health Aides line includes massage tools such as the Cork Massage Ball and the Spiky Ball Massage Roller that you can use on your own schedule.

What Kind of Exercise Is Recommended?

Gentle and steady wins. Cleveland Clinic recommends regular low-impact exercise, like walking, swimming, biking or yoga, as a first-line approach. Mayo Clinic adds that if you start slowly and become more active over time, exercise often relieves symptoms, and that keeping your activity level consistent helps you avoid flare-ups from overexertion.

Do Supplements Help With Fibromyalgia?

Not clearly. NCCIH says there is insufficient evidence that any dietary supplement can relieve fibromyalgia pain, with one possible exception: vitamin D supplements may reduce pain in people with fibromyalgia who have a vitamin D deficiency. Talk with your healthcare provider before adding any supplement.

What About Pain Relievers and Topical Options?

Keep your discomfort under control rather than waiting until it becomes unbearable, and work with your healthcare provider on a plan. Mayo Clinic notes that nonprescription pain relievers such as acetaminophen, ibuprofen or naproxen sodium may be helpful, and the Arthritis Foundation says duloxetine, milnacipran and pregabalin are FDA-approved specifically for fibromyalgia.

For the sore muscles and joints that can come with daily life, many people also reach for a topical cream. Super Blue Stuff OTC Pain Relief Cream from Emu Therapy is a natural over-the-counter cream for muscle, joint and arthritis pain, and our Pain Relief Boosters add extra ingredients to your routine on the days you hurt the most. Follow the label directions.

Frequently Asked Questions About Fibromyalgia

What causes fibromyalgia?

The cause is not known, but studies show that people with fibromyalgia have an increased sensitivity to pain, according to NIAMS.

What can trigger fibromyalgia symptoms?

Mayo Clinic says symptoms often start after a triggering event such as an injury, surgery, infection or emotional stress.

How much sleep should I aim for with fibromyalgia?

Mayo Clinic recommends that adults aim for at least seven hours of sleep a night, with consistent bedtimes and a cool, dark bedroom.

Is there a special diet for fibromyalgia?

No. The Arthritis Foundation states there is no specific diet for fibromyalgia, although some people claim certain foods improve or worsen symptoms. Keeping a food and pain journal can help you spot your own patterns.

Do heat and massage help fibromyalgia pain?

Cleveland Clinic lists heat and massage as complementary therapies that may relax muscles, reduce pain signals and improve overall comfort, and NCCIH says massage may lead to a small improvement in symptoms.

What exercise is best for fibromyalgia?

Cleveland Clinic recommends regular low-impact exercise like walking, swimming, biking or yoga. Mayo Clinic advises starting slowly and becoming more active over time.

Sources

Created using Claude AI.

Edited by Stephen Eastmond.

National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMS) — https://www.niams.nih.gov/health-topics/fibromyalgia

Mayo Clinic (Fibromyalgia Overview) — https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/fibromyalgia/symptoms-causes/syc-20354780

Mayo Clinic (Fibromyalgia Treatment) — https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/fibromyalgia/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20354785

Arthritis Foundation (Treatments for Fibromyalgia) — https://www.arthritis.org/health-wellness/treatment/treatment-plan/disease-management/treatments-for-fibromyalgia

Cleveland Clinic (Fibromyalgia) — https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/4832-fibromyalgia

National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH) — https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/tips/things-to-know-about-complementary-approaches-for-fibromyalgia