Fibromyalgia Flare-Ups: What Are They And How To Manage Them

Fibromyalgia flare-ups can be extremely painful and debilitating, often forcing you to take time off work or cancel social plans. Although most people with fibromyalgia will have experienced flare-ups at some point, they are often left wondering what exactly causes the flare-up, how long it will last, and how they can best cope with it.

In this blog, our fibromyalgia specialists will look at what causes fibromyalgia flare-ups and discuss some steps you can take to manage them more effectively.

What Are The Flare-Ups?

Anyone who deals with fibromyalgia knows the delectating pain it can put you through. The pain tends to fluctuate at various points in one’s life. But there are some instances when the pain increases its intensity to the point where you become immobile; that’s usually known as a fibromyalgia flare-up.

Understand The Common Triggers

Fibromyalgia flare-ups occur when there is a change in your day-to-day routine, such as an increase in work hours or an illness.

Other common triggers include:

• Infections (flu, sinus)
• Physical injury
• Emotional stressors (death of a loved one, divorce)
• Changes in sleep pattern/schedule (shift work, jet lag)

Ways To Manage It

1. Create A Daily Routine

Make your mornings the least exhausting part of your day by tackling the big things first. Getting a shower, washing your hair, brushing your teeth, and getting dressed take time and effort. Get them out of the way as soon as possible so you can move on to less demanding tasks like making breakfast or packing lunch.

2. Change Your Lifestyle Habits

Fibromyalgia specialists suggest reducing stressors in your life so you’ll be less likely to experience a flare-up. Make an effort to relax more, stay positive, maintain good personal boundaries, get enough sleep, exercise regularly, eat a healthy diet that won’t worsen your symptoms, and try complementary therapies like massage therapy or aromatherapy.

Your best defense against fibromyalgia flare-ups is your strength and resiliency, but it’s also wise to have a strong support system of family and friends around you when possible.

3. Alternative Remedies/Supplements

Some supplements you can use to help control fibromyalgia symptoms are vitamins B-12, magnesium, tryptophan, theanine, fish oil, or krill oil.

Some herbs you can take to combat fibromyalgia symptoms include valerian root, hops, passion flower, milky oat seed, or lemon balm.

Additionally, acupuncture treatment can be used as a supplement to these other treatments. Acupuncture stimulates blood flow in the region where it’s being administered.

Stimulating blood flow in these regions can increase circulation and oxygen levels which can help with pain reduction and muscle relaxation.

Acupuncture may also be able to help with sleep problems and mood disorders such as depression, anxiety, and stress by relieving tension in certain body areas like muscles. It can also help regulate the immune system’s response when you have an injury or illness.

Get In Touch With Our Acupuncture Clinic In Preston

At 5 STAR CLINIC LTD, we offer acupuncture treatments to help you manage the excruciating pain that comes with fibromyalgia. Whether you want to try TCM acupuncture, western acupuncture, or dry needling, we offer them all.

We also offer other pain relief treatments such as massage therapy, physiotherapy, and others.

Contact us today to learn more about our services.