MayoClinic.com reports that as many as two percent of Americans are afflicted with fibromyalgia syndrome, a chronic condition that causes aches and pain all over the body. Pain can be in the muscles, tendons and ligaments. Feeling frequently fatigued is another common symptom. Certain tender points throughout the body are also identified in fibromyalgia. However, proper posture and stretching can both be highly beneficial to individuals with this condition.
Poor Posture
Poor posture can lead to a variety of pain conditions -- fibromyalgia among them. Although poor posture can cause pain in various areas of the body, the shoulders, jaw, neck, head and back are often affected. For individuals who already suffer from chronic pain syndromes such FMS, improper alignment of the neck and the spine can cause more problems.
Types of Support Braces
There are many different types of support braces. Some braces are small back bands that can be easily worn underneath clothing. These bands gently pull back the shoulders to help you stand with proper posture.
A mid-back brace provides another type of support. Mid-back braces are not as cumbersome as full-length back supports, but can provide support for individuals who have more widespread pain. Whole back supports are also available for people who need the highest level of spinal support.
Objectives
Spinal braces are intended to limit motion and take pressure off the discs, vertebrae and other spinal structures. They can also be used to stabilize areas of the spine that are weak or injured. In some cases, spinal braces are used to help correct structural problems or prevent further injury. Although support braces may sometimes be recommended for fibromyalgia sufferers to help reduce pain related to poor posture, exercise is a better way to correct posture problems. Wearing a back brace can actually weaken muscles over time.
The American Academy of Family Physicians points out that while the use of back braces and supports in patients with associated chronic pain related conditions is controversial, studies show that aerobic exercise and strengthening of the muscles that support the spine can be effective in helping to reduce lower back pain.
Other Treatment
There are other steps you can take to help relieve the symptoms associated with fibromyalgia. Exercise is essential, even though it may actually cause more pain initially. A physical therapist can get you started on an appropriate fitness program and help you determine if stabilization of the spine would be beneficial or make your condition worse. Eating a well-balanced diet, getting adequate rest and sleep each day and reducing stress are other lifestyle changes that can help to alleviate the pain associated with fibromyalgia.
