How does fibromyalgia affect flu symptoms. What are the challenges of having a cold with chronic pain. Why do everyday illnesses feel worse with fibromyalgia. How can chronic pain patients cope with flu season. What strategies help manage fibromyalgia symptoms during illness.

The Impact of Colds and Flu on Chronic Pain Sufferers

For individuals living with chronic pain conditions like fibromyalgia, catching a common cold or the flu can be a particularly challenging experience. The combination of pre-existing pain and the additional discomfort brought on by these illnesses often results in a more severe and prolonged recovery period compared to those without chronic pain.

Barby Ingle, president of the International Pain Foundation, shares her personal experience: “Before my car accident in 2002, I was hardly ever sick, but the accident left me with central pain syndrome, and then I got epilepsy. Now, I have a team of doctors to treat me. I do OK, but my immune system is bad, so I get sick often.”

Ingle’s case illustrates a common scenario among chronic pain sufferers. While her husband recovered from a cold within a few days, Ingle struggled with increased full-body pain, fatigue, and breathing difficulties for an extended period. This disparity in recovery time and severity of symptoms is not uncommon for those with chronic pain conditions.

Why Everyday Illnesses Feel Worse with Chronic Pain

There are several reasons why individuals with chronic pain conditions like fibromyalgia may experience more severe symptoms when they catch a cold or the flu:

• Altered medication effectiveness
• Increased inflammation in the body
• Heightened sensitivity to pain stimuli
• Compromised immune system function

Dr. Ming-Chih Kao, Pain Clinic Chief at Stanford University, explains, “Pharmacologically, inflammation alters the body’s ability to metabolize medications. In fact, the body’s ability to metabolize medications can vary from day-to-day.” This fluctuation in medication effectiveness can leave chronic pain sufferers more vulnerable to the discomfort of everyday illnesses.

Additionally, Dr. Ann Marie Chiasson from the University of Arizona Center for Integrative Medicine notes, “People who have chronic pain have more inflammation in their bodies than people who are not in pain. So when a cold or flu shows up, it can appear worse because they already have so much inflammation.”

The Psychological Impact of Illness on Chronic Pain Patients

Beyond the physical symptoms, the psychological toll of dealing with an illness on top of chronic pain can be significant. Dr. Mohab Ibrahim, director of the Chronic Pain Management Clinic at Banner—University Medical Center South, explains:

“When you have the physical aspect and the psychological aspect of the chronic pain, and then you have an illness on top of it, your coping mechanisms may decline and become less effective. You become more susceptible to emotional trauma. It’s like you are a balloon filled to the maximum. All it takes is one little poke—and you explode.”

This analogy aptly describes the heightened stress and emotional vulnerability that chronic pain sufferers may experience when faced with additional health challenges.

Strategies for Managing Chronic Pain During Illness

While dealing with a cold or flu can be particularly challenging for those with chronic pain, there are strategies that can help manage symptoms and promote a smoother recovery:

1. Practice strict hygiene and preventive measures
2. Develop a support network for assistance during illness
3. Communicate with healthcare providers about medication adjustments
4. Prioritize rest and self-care
5. Employ stress-reduction techniques

Ingle shares some of her personal strategies: “To try to avoid everyday illnesses like colds and influenza, I steer clear of people who I know are sick. If I have to get on a plane, I wear a mask. I wash my hands often, offer air hugs or elbow touches rather than a full body hug or a handshake, and when friends visit, I put out a separate candy or snack dish for myself in order to avoid germs.”

The Role of Inflammation in Chronic Pain and Illness

Inflammation plays a crucial role in both chronic pain conditions and the body’s response to infections like colds and flu. Understanding this connection can help explain why individuals with fibromyalgia and similar conditions may experience more severe symptoms during illness.

How does inflammation affect chronic pain sufferers during illness?

Chronic pain conditions often involve persistent inflammation in the body. When an infection occurs, it triggers an additional inflammatory response, potentially exacerbating existing pain and discomfort. This compounded inflammation can lead to:

• Increased pain sensitivity
• More severe flu-like symptoms
• Longer recovery times
• Greater fatigue and exhaustion

Dr. Chiasson explains, “They feel worse than someone who gets the same illness because their body tends to respond to the illness in a different way than someone who does not have chronic pain.” This difference in response is largely due to the pre-existing inflammatory state in chronic pain patients.

Navigating Medication Challenges During Illness

For individuals with chronic pain, managing medications during an illness can be complex. Many pain medications contain ingredients that may interact with common over-the-counter cold and flu remedies, potentially leading to complications or reduced effectiveness.

What medication considerations should chronic pain patients keep in mind when ill?

When dealing with a cold or flu, chronic pain sufferers should:

• Consult with their healthcare provider before taking additional medications
• Be aware of potential interactions between pain medications and cold/flu remedies
• Consider alternative symptom management strategies that don’t involve medication
• Monitor their symptoms closely and report any unusual changes to their doctor

Ingle’s experience highlights this challenge: “Because the prescription medication I take for my pain already contains acetaminophen, I was unable to take any typical pain relievers that could have eased the aches brought on by the cold.”

Developing Resilience and Coping Mechanisms

While the physical aspects of dealing with illness on top of chronic pain are significant, developing strong coping mechanisms and emotional resilience can make a substantial difference in how patients navigate these challenges.

How can chronic pain sufferers build emotional resilience?

Dr. Ibrahim emphasizes the importance of addressing both the physical and emotional aspects of pain: “Everyone with chronic pain experiences the physical part of pain, but not everyone experiences the emotional part. For some individuals, pain does not keep them from enjoying life because they have good coping mechanisms.”

Some strategies for building resilience include:

• Practicing mindfulness and meditation
• Engaging in regular physical activity as tolerated
• Maintaining social connections and support networks
• Pursuing hobbies and activities that bring joy
• Working with a mental health professional specializing in chronic pain management

By developing these coping skills, individuals with chronic pain may feel better equipped to handle the additional stress and discomfort that comes with everyday illnesses.

The Importance of Preventive Measures for Chronic Pain Patients

Given the heightened impact of common illnesses on those with chronic pain conditions, prevention becomes even more critical. Taking proactive steps to avoid exposure to viruses and maintain overall health can significantly reduce the risk of complications.

What preventive measures can chronic pain sufferers take to avoid illness?

Individuals with fibromyalgia and other chronic pain conditions should consider the following preventive strategies:

• Getting vaccinated against influenza and other preventable illnesses
• Practicing rigorous hand hygiene
• Avoiding close contact with individuals who are sick
• Maintaining a healthy diet to support immune function
• Getting adequate sleep and managing stress levels
• Using personal protective equipment like masks when in high-risk environments

Ingle’s approach to prevention demonstrates the lengths to which some chronic pain sufferers go to protect their health: “During cold and flu season, in particular, people living with chronic pain conditions often face the same challenges described by Ingle. She wears a mask on planes, offers air hugs instead of physical contact, and takes other precautions to minimize her exposure to germs.

The Role of Healthcare Providers in Managing Chronic Pain During Illness

For individuals with chronic pain conditions, having a supportive and knowledgeable healthcare team is crucial, especially when dealing with additional illnesses like colds or flu. Healthcare providers play a vital role in helping patients navigate the complexities of managing their chronic pain while addressing acute health issues.

How can healthcare providers best support chronic pain patients during illness?

Effective support from healthcare providers may include:

• Developing personalized treatment plans that account for both chronic and acute symptoms
• Providing guidance on medication management during illness
• Offering strategies for symptom relief that complement existing pain management approaches
• Monitoring patients closely for potential complications or exacerbations of their chronic condition
• Providing emotional support and reassurance throughout the recovery process

Ingle’s experience underscores the importance of having a dedicated healthcare team: “Now, I have a team of doctors to treat me. I do OK, but my immune system is bad, so I get sick often.” This collaborative approach to care can help ensure that chronic pain patients receive comprehensive support when facing additional health challenges.

Adapting Pain Management Techniques During Illness

When chronic pain sufferers experience a cold or flu, their usual pain management techniques may need to be adjusted to accommodate the new symptoms and limitations imposed by the illness. Finding ways to adapt these strategies can help maintain some level of pain control while supporting recovery from the acute illness.

What pain management adaptations can be helpful during illness?

Consider the following adaptations to pain management routines:

• Modifying physical therapy or exercise routines to gentler, less strenuous activities
• Increasing the use of relaxation techniques and mindfulness practices
• Applying heat or cold therapy to address both chronic pain and flu-related discomfort
• Adjusting sleep positions or using additional supportive pillows to manage pain and congestion
• Exploring alternative pain relief methods that don’t interfere with cold or flu medications

Dr. Ibrahim notes the importance of flexibility in pain management: “The pain circuitry in your nervous system is wound up and ready to jump once a stress—whether physical or emotional—activates it. So when they experience a small stimulus, say, from a cold or a flu, their system receives it as a major event and perceives it as much more painful than a person who does not have chronic pain.” Adapting pain management strategies to this heightened sensitivity can help patients better cope with the combined challenges of chronic pain and acute illness.

The Long-Term Impact of Repeated Illnesses on Chronic Pain

For individuals with chronic pain conditions like fibromyalgia, frequent bouts of illness can have cumulative effects on their overall health and pain management. Understanding these potential long-term impacts is crucial for both patients and healthcare providers in developing comprehensive care strategies.

How do repeated illnesses affect chronic pain conditions over time?

The long-term effects of frequent illnesses on chronic pain sufferers may include:

• Increased overall pain sensitivity
• Weakened immune system function
• Greater difficulty in maintaining consistent pain management
• Potential exacerbation of underlying chronic conditions
• Increased risk of developing additional health complications

Ingle’s experience illustrates this concern: “Typically, when Ingle comes down with a cold, she says, she will have pain and increased fatigue for up to four weeks afterward.” This prolonged recovery period can significantly impact quality of life and overall health management for chronic pain sufferers.

To mitigate these long-term effects, it’s essential for patients and healthcare providers to work together on developing robust preventive strategies and comprehensive care plans that address both acute illnesses and chronic pain management. This may involve regular health check-ups, immune system support, and ongoing adjustments to pain management protocols to accommodate changing health needs.

Empowering Chronic Pain Patients Through Education and Self-Advocacy

One of the most powerful tools for individuals living with chronic pain conditions is knowledge. Understanding their condition, its interactions with other illnesses, and the available management strategies can significantly improve their ability to navigate health challenges effectively.

How can chronic pain patients become better self-advocates?

Empowering chronic pain sufferers through education and self-advocacy involves:

• Staying informed about their specific chronic pain condition and its management
• Learning about potential interactions between their condition and common illnesses
• Developing clear communication strategies with healthcare providers
• Keeping detailed records of symptoms, treatments, and their effectiveness
• Participating actively in treatment decisions and care planning
• Connecting with support groups and patient advocacy organizations

Dr. Kao emphasizes the importance of understanding the variability in one’s condition: “In fact, the body’s ability to metabolize medications can vary from day-to-day.” This awareness can help patients better communicate their needs and experiences to healthcare providers, leading to more personalized and effective care.

By becoming informed and engaged participants in their healthcare, chronic pain patients can work more effectively with their medical teams to develop comprehensive strategies for managing both their ongoing condition and any acute illnesses that may arise. This proactive approach can lead to improved outcomes and a greater sense of control over their health and well-being.

Getting a Cold or the Flu When You Already Have Chronic Pain

Barby Ingle of San Tan Valley, AZ, and her husband, Ken Taylor, both came down with a bad cold recently. Taylor took some over-the-counter medication and was completely recovered within a few days. Ingle, who suffers from central pain syndrome, as well as a rare form of epilepsy, got much, much sicker.

Because the prescription medication she takes for her pain already contains acetaminophen, Ingle was unable to take any typical pain relievers that could have eased the aches brought on by the cold. So she had to put up with the pain from her chronic condition, as well as all the respiratory symptoms of a bad cold, which seemed to last forever, she recalls.

“Before my car accident in 2002, I was hardly ever sick, but the accident left me with central pain syndrome, and then I got epilepsy,” says Ingle, who is president of the International Pain Foundation. “Now, I have a team of doctors to treat me. I do OK, but my immune system is bad, so I get sick often. ”

While her husband got over his cold “fast and easy, I still feel like I pulled a muscle between my ribs from coughing so hard,” she adds. “I have increased full body pain and fatigue and difficulty taking full breaths.”

Typically, when Ingle comes down with a cold, she says, she will have pain and increased fatigue for up to four weeks afterward.

To try to avoid everyday illnesses like colds and influenza, Ingle steers clear of people who she knows are sick. If she has to get on a plane, she wears a mask. She washes her hands often, offers air hugs or elbow touches rather than a full body hug or a handshake, and when friends visit, she puts out a separate candy or snack dish for herself in order to avoid germs.

During cold and flu season, in particular, people living with chronic pain conditions often face the same challenges described by Ingle.

“When you have the physical aspect and the psychological aspect of the chronic pain, and then you have an illness on top of it, your coping mechanisms may decline and become less effective,” explains Mohab Ibrahim, M. D., Ph.D., an associate professor of anesthesiology and pharmacology and director of the Chronic Pain Management Clinic at Banner—University Medical Center South in Tucson, AZ. “You become more susceptible to emotional trauma. It’s like you are a balloon filled to the maximum. All it takes is one little poke—and you explode.”

Why Everyday Illnesses Are Worse When You Have a Chronic Condition

There are a few reasons for this hypersensitivity. If you take medication for your pain, it may not be quite as effective when you are sick, for example.

“Pharmacologically, inflammation alters the body’s ability to metabolize medications,” explains Ming-Chih Kao, Ph.D., M.D., CIPS, FIPP, Pain Clinic Chief and assistant professor of pain medicine at Stanford University in Redwood City, CA. “In fact, the body’s ability to metabolize medications can vary from day-to-day.”

In addition, if you are on any medications that suppress your immune system, you are more likely to develop a cold or flu in the first place.

People who have chronic pain have more inflammation in their bodies than people who are not in pain, adds Ann Marie Chiasson, M.D., interim director of the Fellowship in Integrative Medicine at the University of Arizona Center for Integrative Medicine.

“So when a cold or flu shows up, it can appear worse because they already have so much inflammation,” she explains. “They feel worse than someone who gets the same illness because their body tends to respond to the illness in a different way than someone who does not have chronic pain.”

Essentially, when you are in chronic pain, your system is already in overdrive and on cue to overreact, Dr. Ibrahim says.

“The pain circuitry in your nervous system is wound up and ready to jump once a stress—whether physical or emotional—activates it,” he explains. “So when they experience a small stimulus, say, from a cold or a flu, their system receives it as a major event and perceives it as much more painful than a person who does not have chronic pain. ”

Thus the symptoms of an everyday illness such as a cold or another virus are magnified in an individual who has chronic pain.

It is important to remember that pain has both a physical aspect and an emotional aspect, Dr. Ibrahim says. Everyone with chronic pain experiences the physical part of pain, but not everyone experiences the emotional part. For some individuals, pain does not keep them from enjoying life because they have good coping mechanisms. Others may suffer more.

As the ancient saying goes, he notes, “pain is inevitable, but suffering is optional.” If you can develop good coping skills, you may feel better equipped to deal with the emotional aspect of the pain and reduce your suffering. Some may say this is easier said than done. Below are a few tips to get through.

How to Avoid Getting an Everyday Illness

For starters, try to steer clear of people are sick, experts recommend. Wash your hands often, especially when you are around someone who is sick. This should be done before you eat or before you touch your eyes, nose, or mouth. Keep in mind that the flu virus can live on a surface like a doorknob for hours!

Other strategies for avoiding getting sick are to:

• Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces at home and at work.

• Make sure you get enough sleep.

• Be as physically active as possible.

• Drink plenty of liquids and eat nutritious food.

In fact, an anti-inflammatory diet may be worth considering, says Dr. Chiasson, who offers the Mediterranean diet as an example. This diet emphasizes fish, vegetables, and olive oil, among other staples. According to the Arthritis Foundation, cherries, olive oil, soy, seafood, low-fat dairy products, broccoli, and green tea are also good choices if you are following an anti-inflammatory diet.

How to Feel Better Fast When You Get Sick

Even if you are very careful to avoid getting sick, it’s inevitable that, at some point, you will succumb to a cold or flu and feel miserable. So what can you do to feel better?

Distract yourself, says Dr. Ibrahim. Pain is always worse when you are thinking about it.

“That is why pain is typically worse when a person is at home or is trying to sleep at night. There is nothing to distract you,” he says. Try reading a good book, going outside if even for a short walk, or phoning a friend.

Consider integrative medicine remedies, Dr. Chiasson says. For instance, elderberry lozenges or extract can be helpful in reducing your discomfort, she advises. If you use the extract, take one tablespoon four times a day for the first 48 hours of an illness, she says: “It can decrease your symptoms by half.”

Echinacea can also be helpful in improving your symptoms, she says, as can turmeric, a known anti-inflammatory. Take a 500 mg capsule of turmeric three times a day when you are not feeling well, she recommends, and check with your doctor before doing so, in case there are interactions with other medications or supplements you take.

Taking herbs can be tricky, says Dr. Kao. Turmeric can reduce the effectiveness of several opioid medications, including hydrocodone, he says. “I would suggest not adding or stopping herbs unless discussed with a medical provider,” he says. “The safety principles I abide by are to start medications at low doses and increase slowly, and make I change at a time.”

Heating pads or gentle massage can provide relief as well, says Dr. Kao, as can acupuncture, and, adds Dr. Chiasson, guided imagery. This mind-body technique can help to “retrain the brain to attenuate its response to chronic pain,” she says. For instance, check out the Insight Timer app, which offers free, guided meditations and plenty of soothing music.

While you may not want to do this when you aren’t feeling well, resolve to improve your coping skills once you are better. Enlist the help of a behavioral therapist who specializes in pain management to help you develop the skills you need to help lessen the impact of chronic pain in the long term, Dr. Ibrahim suggests.

The National Institute on Aging. “All about the flu and how to prevent it.” Available at: www.nia.nih.gov/health/all-about-flu-and-how-prevent-it#spread. Accessed January 2019.

The Arthritis Foundation. “The 12 Best Foods for Arthritis.” Available at:/www.arthritis.org/living-with-arthritis/arthritis-diet/best-foods-for-arthritis/best-foods-for-arthritis-8.php. Accessed January 2019.

CDC. “Preventing the flu: Good health habits can stop germs.” Available at:
https://www.cdc.gov/flu/protect/habits/index.htm. Accessed January 2019.

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A Possible Precipitating Factor in Fibromyalgia?

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Muscle pain in the legs (Myalgia)

Muscle pain in the legs – myalgia, can be due to various causes and, as a rule, are the result of other diseases, so it is so important to undergo a qualified diagnosis before treatment.

In this article we will talk about the causes and treatment of muscle pain in the legs. Pain in the muscles of the legs is a common phenomenon, the causes of which can be a wide variety of pathologies and diseases of various organs and systems.

Regardless of the cause of muscle pain, it is necessary to see a doctor as soon as possible in order to prevent complications, as improper treatment or lack of it can lead to the development of serious pathology.

1. Myalgia, muscle pain

2. The causes of muscles of the legs

3. Treatment of muscle pain in the legs by UVT

mialgia, muscle pain

myalgia, or muscle pain is a symptomatic disease that is accompanied not only discomfort in the muscles during movement, but swelling of the arms or legs, the appearance of muscle inflammation. In addition, with myalgia, there is a violation of the permeability of muscle cell membranes.

Symptoms of myalgia are different and depend on the type of disease. The main types of myalgia:

• Fibromyalgia – accompanied by musculoskeletal pain, which manifests itself especially strongly when probing the muscles;
• Myositis is an inflammation of the skeletal muscles, which is accompanied by pain even with the simplest movements. Treatment of this type of disease is extremely necessary, as it can lead to disability;
• Polymyositis is a disease characterized by inflammation of the striated muscles and skin. Often, polymyositis is accompanied by malignant tumors.

Causes of pain in the muscles of the legs

Muscle pain (myalgia) in the legs is quite diverse and is associated with various types of diseases. One of the most common causes is vascular disease, which is accompanied by swelling and fatigue of the legs, pains of a “dull” nature and eventually leads to varicose veins.

Also, pain in the muscles of the legs can be the result of problems with the spine. Various pathologies of the spine, such as sciatica or herniated discs, can cause radiating pain – pain that radiates to the legs. In this case, pain in the spine itself may be absent. Pain in the muscles of the legs can also lead to stereotypical sitting or standing work, thrombophlebitis (vascular disease), atherosclerosis of the arteries, joint diseases, flat feet, diseases of the peripheral nerves, infectious diseases of the bones, prolonged muscle strain and excessive exercise.

With myositis, pain in the muscles of the legs is the most severe, their intensity increases with movement. Myositis can occur as a complication after various diseases, it can also be caused by injuries, physical overstrain, muscle damage by parasites. Sometimes myositis occurs as a complication after suffering the flu.

Fibromyalgia often affects the hip area near the knee joint. Women often suffer from this disease, and the cause can be both rheumatic diseases and prolonged living in conditions of dampness, psychological and physical overstrain, trauma, and even sleep disturbances.

Treatment of muscle pain in the legs with SWT

Extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT) is a method that originated from lithotripsy, a method of crushing stones in the gallbladder and kidneys, and immediately gained wide popularity. For UVT, a special apparatus is used that generates an infrasonic wave. The sound wave, penetrating deep into the tissues of the affected area of ​​the body, activates regeneration processes, enhances blood flow – blood microcirculation, and increases the permeability of cell membranes. SWT also has anti-inflammatory and anti-edematous effects.

The advantage of this treatment method is that there is no need for hospitalization. SWT is prescribed only on an outpatient basis, the course of treatment is usually 5-7 sessions of 10-15 minutes. SWT, as a non-surgical method, does not have any side effects that can be observed during surgery. Contraindications for the appointment of SWT are malignant tumors, pregnancy and some cardiac diseases.

Koenig’s disease. Treatment of osteochondrosis of articular surfaces

Treatment of trophic ulcers on the leg

How to live with a disease that causes constant pain throughout the body?. Details: Israel News

The “eternal flu” is what some people call fibromyalgia. This is a fairly rare disease that causes an ache throughout the body, accompanied by severe fatigue, anxiety, dizziness and other unpleasant symptoms. Dr. Valerie Alush told what life looks like for people with chronic pain, as well as ways to get rid of it.

For many years, people with fibromyalgia did not really get any medical care. Specialists examined them and came to the conclusion that they were completely “healthy people with pain,” and therefore advised them to try to live on, despite this problem. Fortunately, today the situation has changed, as Dr. Valerie Alush, director of the fibromyalgia service at the Ichilov hospital, is ready to tell.

“Fibromyalgia is a chronic disease characterized by pain that spreads throughout the body and is felt in the muscles, joints and various parts of the body,” explained Dr. Alush. “People suffering from it have difficulty falling asleep, waking up several times during the night, and in the morning they get up tired, as if they had not slept at all. ”

In addition to persistent pain throughout the body, fibromyalgia has other unpleasant symptoms, including decreased concentration and memory, headaches, dizziness, mood swings and depression. Moreover, the worse the mood of a person suffering from fibromyalgia, the more the disease itself aggravates, and it is very difficult to break this vicious circle.

In addition, any other disease, such as seasonal flu, will be much more severe for a person with fibromyalgia, causing more suffering, and treatment will take much longer.

What causes fibromyalgia?

“Fibromyalgia is characterized by a breakdown in the system in the brain that is supposed to regulate pain: pain intensity and pain focus. If this system fails, the patient begins to feel chronic pain and constant fatigue,” Dr. Alush explained.

“Probably there is a certain genetic background, there are people who are more likely to develop fibromyalgia after a certain injury,” said Dr. Alush, specifying that this disease usually flares up after physical or mental trauma. However, this does not happen with all patients, but only with those who have a genetic predisposition to it.

“Fibromyalgia is not inherited, but several genes have been found that contribute to the development of chronic pain,” she added. Dr. Alush explained that as research deepens, it turns out that there are other causes of this disease, including local, psychological and hormonal factors, as well as the body’s response to stressful conditions and intense fear.

How to live with fibromyalgia?

Fibromyalgia is a very complex disease in terms of symptoms, causes, and diagnosis, and therefore difficult to treat. “We want to give these patients the ability to function – get up in the morning, go to work, have fun, take care of their children, and do all the normal activities of daily life,” says Dr. Alush.

Treat fibromyalgia with drugs and non-drug treatments. “It’s mostly about those drugs that can act on the central nervous system and reduce pain,” says Dr. Alush, adding that conventional painkillers, even the strongest ones, most often do not work with fibromyalgia, so they are not recommended.

Medical marijuana is also a drug for the treatment of fibromyalgia. “In our country, cannabis is prescribed only after all suitable drugs have been tried and have not worked,” says Dr. Alush. According to her, marijuana can really help with this disease. Moreover, there are quite a few patients with fibromyalgia who use this particular method of pain relief.

If we talk about non-drug methods of treating fibromyalgia, then physical exercises are considered the main ones. “There is a gap between the brain and the muscles, so these patients are encouraged to start moving gradually and do it daily,” says Dr. Alush, suggesting choosing low aerobic activity, such as walking or swimming, even for 5-10 minutes a day.

People with fibromyalgia who exercise regularly and take medications that are right for them gradually improve.