12 Suggestions to Make Life Easier with Fibromyalgia

Yeditepe University Hospital Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation specialist, gave information about fibromyalgia that will make life easier. Fibromyalgia syndrome, which is known to affect about 5 percent of the world population, is shown as the most common cause of widespread musculoskeletal pain, especially in women between the ages of 20 and 55, and the cause is not known exactly. Reminding that the symptoms of the disease can seriously affect the daily activities and quality of life of the person, Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation specialist, “Therefore, people with fibromyalgia syndrome should consult a specialist without wasting time to both reduce their symptoms and prevent other health problems.” she said.

“Learn to Live with Fibromyalgia”

Reminding that with lifestyle changes and conscious awareness, they can reduce the symptoms related to fibromyalgia and continue in a comfortable way, although the exact cause of fibromyalgia syndrome is not known and the optimal treatment is not clarified, Yeditepe University Hospital Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation specialist said that patients should first learn to live with fibromyalgia.

“Accept that your illness is chronic and be as comfortable as possible with your illness. Don't blame or judge yourself. Remember that with appropriate treatment and self-care, you can reduce the severity of symptoms and improve your quality of life,” said specialist, made suggestions to make life easier for patients.

“Follow Your Medication”

Stating that the symptoms of the patients can be controlled with both drug-free and drug-based treatments, specialist said, “Thus, the quality of life can be significantly increased. However, at this point, patient compliance is extremely important. Therefore, take care to use the drugs recommended and prescribed by your doctor in the right dose and frequency. In addition, you should be careful about the side effects of drugs and you should contact your doctor in case of possible side effects.

“Exercise Regularly”

Emphasizing that exercise is indispensable for fibromyalgia treatment, specialist said that this situation may increase the risk of developing other health problems in patients with reduced physical activity levels. Emphasizing that exercise is indispensable for fibromyalgia treatment, specialist said that this situation may increase the risk of developing other health problems in patients with reduced physical activity levels.

“Try to Reduce Your Stress Load”

Underlining that stress is an important factor for fibromyalgia as in many diseases, specialist, “Stress can increase your fibromyalgia symptoms. You can apply stress-reducing techniques such as yoga, meditation, or deep breathing exercises to deal with stress. “Take some time for yourself to rest every day.”

“Develop Good Sleep Habits”

Quality sleep is at the forefront of the management of fibromyalgia symptoms. Pointing out that deterioration in sleep quality can cause an increase in pain, fatigue, weakness and other symptoms, listed the things that can be done to wake up feeling better in the morning and to get quality sleep as follows:

“Optimize your sleeping position, sleep environment and sleep routine. For example, maintaining a regular sleep schedule, regulating the sleep environment, and making the bed comfortable can help you feel better in the morning. A relaxing warm bath before going to bed in the evening, a moderate massage, yoga, stretching exercises, listening to calming music, meditating to distract from disturbing thoughts and reduce tension, dark, quiet and appropriate room temperature will help improve your sleep quality.

“Avoid Smoking, Alcohol and Caffeine”

“Smoking both reduces the body's need for oxygen and is stimulating with its nicotine content; Alcohol can cause inflammation in the body and increase pain symptoms,”  said that smoking and alcohol should be avoided for both fibromyalgia symptoms and general health. In addition, she reminded that limiting caffeine intake, which can disrupt sleep, would be beneficial.

“Be Mindful of the Foods You Consume”

Stating that a healthy and balanced diet plan can also be beneficial in the management of fibromyalgia symptoms, specialist gave the following information on the subject:

“Patients can track which foods have an effect on symptoms. Keeping a food diary to help track how you feel after each meal can be an effective way to determine which types of food you should and should not choose. General recommendations; A diet that includes foods with anti-inflammatory properties such as anti-inflammatory foods, omega-3 fatty acids, fibrous foods, fresh vegetables and fruits, fibrous whole grains, nuts, fish, and olive oil can help reduce fibromyalgia symptoms.”

“Make Room for Probiotics”

Reminding that research in recent years has shown a relationship between chronic pain syndromes such as fibromyalgia and gut microbiota, specialist, “It is thought that changes in the intestinal microbiota may play a role in the development of chronic pain syndromes such as fibromyalgia. Some abnormalities related to serotonin metabolism have been identified in fibromyalgia patients. Probiotics can help reduce pain by regulating the gut microbiota and increasing serotonin production. It can be beneficial for patients to use probiotic products, especially during attacks.” said.

“Take Advantage of the Healing Power of Water”

Specialist, stated that hot water pools, hydromassage tubs and thermal baths where mineral waters are used can benefit fibromyalgia patients. proven at a high level. At least, even 3-20 minutes of warm water 30 days a week will help patients who have a bathtub at home.” used the phrases.

“Keep Dancing and Music in Your Life”

Explaining that dance and music therapy reduces both physical and emotional stress, it provides relaxation by using strategies such as body awareness and muscle relaxation techniques. Specialist said, “It helps relieve pain by reducing muscle stiffness and pain and improves sleep quality. I definitely encourage my fibromyalgia patients that I follow to start a dance class or play a musical instrument.”

“Join Support Groups and Get Psychological Support”

Reminding that support groups can also participate so that patients can see that they are not alone in this regard, specialist said, “Participating in a support group with people living with fibromyalgia can help cope with the social and psychological aspects of the disease and provide emotional support and information sharing. They should not hesitate to receive psychological support for cognitive behavior therapy (CBT), which has proven to be effective.”

“Join the Physical Therapy Program and Do Not Neglect Your Controls”

Underlining that fibromyalgia patients should not neglect regular doctor checks in order to monitor their health and prevent the development of other health problems, Yeditepe University Hospitals Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation specialist concluded his words as follows:

“Electrotherapy, massage and hot heat applications recommended and prescribed by your doctor help reduce muscle spasms and increase blood flow, while helping to reduce pain; cold applications can reduce inflammation and reduce pain. However, all these recommendations that we have underlined can help people with fibromyalgia manage their symptoms. However, since everyone's complaints and treatment needs are different, it is important that you consult a physical therapist who is an expert in the field, talk with your doctor about medical treatment and alternative treatment plans, and create a treatment plan tailored for you.