Fibromyalgia is a chronic disorder that causes pain and aches all over the body, including at tender points, which are specific spots on the body that hurt when pressure is applied. Although fibromyalgia can affect anyone, including children, about 80 to 90 percent of the estimated 5 million adults who have fibromyalgia are women, according to 2010 statistics from WomensHealth.gov. Most people with fibromyalgia are diagnosed when they are middle-aged. Fibromyalgia symptoms may make movement difficult; however, doctors recommend regular exercise as an effective treatment for fibromyalgia.
Fibromyalgia
You have a higher risk of developing fibromyalgia if a close relative has the disorder or if you have lupus or any of the types of arthritis. Fibromyalgia may occur as a result of physical or emotional trauma, infections and illnesses. Symptoms include pain, fatigue, cognitive problems, headaches, irritable bowel syndrome, sleep problems, morning stiffness and painful menstrual periods. You might experience tingling and numbness of your hands and feet or restless leg syndrome. Some people with fibromyalgia have temperature sensitivity or sensitivity to bright lights and loud noises. Anxiety and depression are also common symptoms.
Exercise
Exercise is the one of the best treatments for fibromyalgia, according to FamilyDoctor.org. When you begin to exercise, your fibromyalgia pain might worsen and you might have muscle soreness; however, regular exercise is necessary for you to see improvement in your condition. Your fibromyalgia requires that you start slowly with a low-impact exercise and progress cautiously to build tolerance. Over time, you should experience less physical discomfort during exercise. Physical therapists can help you get started if you have intense pain.
Benefits
Exercise, which is an important aspect of self-care, can alleviate your pain, prevent muscle atrophy, build strength and endurance, resolve sleep problems and enhance your sense of well-being. Exercise also improves the circulation of blood, which delivers oxygen and important nutrients to your muscles and connective tissues. Exercise that combines structured physical movement with relaxation techniques are especially effective for relieving stress, conditioning muscles and joints and improving certain central nervous system functions.
Activities
You can choose from many types of exercise, beginning with stretching, to relieve muscle tension and prevent muscle spasms. A spray-and-stretch technique uses a coolant to lessen pain while your stretch the muscle. You might choose a low-impact aerobic exercise, such as swimming, water aerobics, bicycling, walking outdoors or walking on a treadmill. The National Fibromyalgia Partnership recommends Tai Chi --- with its gentle, flowing posture, meditation and breathing techniques --- as an especially good choice for people with the disorder. Relaxation therapies that use breathing exercises, yoga or progressive relaxation are helpful for fibromyalgia patients.
