Fibromyalgia affects approximately 2 percent of the population. It is a chronic condition with complex symptoms that vary from person to person but the condition is characterized as widespread pain. There is a lot of debate about the causes and treatment of fibromyalgia. The idea that exercise may positively benefit those with fibromyalgia is promising and studies are underway to determine the effectiveness.
Fibromyalgia
Fibromyalgia is a chronic condition with a variety of symptoms. It may accompany other chronic conditions such as chronic fatigue syndrome, lupus or rheumatoid arthritis. It occurs more frequently in women than men and has no known cause or cure. Individuals with fibromyalgia experience widespread pain and fatigue and some suffer from sleep disorders. The most common sleep disorder is described as an absence of deep, restorative sleep. There are a wide variety of treatments that range from prescription medicines, such as antidepressants or muscle relaxants, to over-the-counter pain relievers to nutrition and exercise.
Types
There are exercises you can do to help ease your symptoms. Low-impact exercises such as stretching and walking can help ease some of the pain associated with fibromyalgia. It is important to start slow and build up your activity level slowly since exercise can make the pain worse. Light jogging, bicycling and swimming are also activities you can do with fibromyalgia. The key to exercising with fibromyalgia is to do it on a regular basis and not overdo it. Your tolerance level is something you will need to determine.
Significance
Exercise can relieve much of the pain of fibromyalgia. A 2001 study published in "Arthritis Care and Research" reports that pain and fatigue were controlled by a self-paced exercise program and that rehabilitation programs for fibromyalgia sufferers often included exercise. Exercise may also prevent a decline in muscle strength and endurance and improve flexibility, sleep and energy, according to the National Center on Physical Activity and Disability. Muscles that are not conditioned use excess energy, which can contribute to fatigue and aggravate pain. Exercise can help improve oxygen delivery, reduce muscle tightness and raise muscle temperature, leading to pain relief and relaxation.
Expert Insight
A 1996 study published in the "Journal of Rheumatology" assessed the use of an exercise program that included aerobic, flexibility and strengthening elements in the treatment of fibromyalgia. Results showed that exercise is helpful for those with fibromyalgia in the short term without adverse effects. Another study published in the 2001 issue of "Arthritis Care and Research" examined the effects of pool-based and land-based exercise programs for treating fibromyalgia. The study concluded that both pool and land-based exercises significantly improved cardiovascular capacity, walking time and daytime fatigue. Great improvements in feeling good, pain, anxiety and depression were shown with pool-based exercises.
Considerations
Fibromyalgia is a complex condition, so talk with your doctor before beginning any self-treatment. You and your doctor will be able to find the right course of action for your fibromyalgia symptoms. Discuss any exercise program before starting one.
References
- MayoClinic.com: Fibromyalgia
- FamilyDoctor.org: Fibromyalgia and Exercise
- Wiley Online Library: Effects of pool-based and land-based aerobic exercise on women with fibromyalgia/chronic widespread muscle pain
- PubMed.gov: An exercise program in the treatment of fibromyalgia
- National Center on Physical Activity and Disability: Overview of Exercise and Fibromyalgia
