Fibromyalgia is a chronic condition known for causing widespread pain, fatigue, and emotional distress. For the four million American adults who have fibromyalgia, the constant dull ache paired with fatigue and brain fog can make it hard to make it through the day.
Here at Beverly Hills Migraine and Pain Management Institute, Dr. Benjamin Taimoorazy and our team know how frustrating living with fibromyalgia can be. Whether you’re seeking a diagnosis to confirm your suspicions or you’re looking for treatments, we can help you get back on track so you can enjoy a full, active lifestyle.
Dr. Taimoorazy offers these five tips for living well with fibromyalgia — and how we can help you accomplish your goals.
Fibromyalgia affects your mind and body in a variety of ways. Common symptoms include widespread pain, dull aches, tingling sensations, sleep disturbances, fatigue, brain fog, depression and anxiety, and reduced cognitive abilities. The best tips for living with fibromyalgia incorporate strategies that address these symptoms and support both your mind and your body.
Symptoms of fibromyalgia can mimic the symptoms of other conditions. For example, brain fog can be a symptom of hypothyroidism, depression can be a symptom of major depressive disorder, and fatigue can be a symptom of sleep apnea. If your symptoms are connected to other conditions, you’ll likely need to treat the root cause before you see a reprieve in your symptoms.
If your symptoms are caused by fibromyalgia, then you can move forward with other strategies for managing your symptoms.
If you’re exhausted, the idea of exercise might seem overwhelming. However, staying active is an important part of taking care of yourself. Believe it or not, exercise (even just walking) can help combat fatigue.
Fibromyalgia can interfere with your quality of sleep, so it’s important to do what you can to make your sleep as beneficial as possible. Good sleep hygiene includes:
If you do read in bed on an electronic device, switch to night-mode to eliminate blue light. Unlike blue light, night-mode won’t stimulate your circadian rhythm or impact your ability to fall asleep.
Stress takes a toll on the body, and if you’re overwhelmed with stress, it can exacerbate your symptoms of fibromyalgia, including weakening your pain threshold. Stress management techniques include deep breathing, exercising, meditation, gentle yoga stretches, listening to relaxing music, and participating in your favorite hobby.
While there isn't a diet “cure” for fibromyalgia, what you eat can benefit you tremendously. Eating a diet rich in energizing foods, for example, can help supply your body with the energy it needs to make it through the day. Energizing foods include tofu, almonds, beans, oatmeal, and dark leafy greens. You might also find that eliminating excess sugar helps to avoid energy crashes throughout the day.
A study published in the journal BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine reports that individuals with fibromyalgia who adopted vegetarian diets experienced less pain.
You’re not alone on your journey with fibromyalgia. Even though some medications can help you manage your symptoms, medication isn’t your only option. Dr. Taimoorazy often combines multiple therapies to create a customized treatment plan for you. When you come to Beverly Hills Migraine and Pain Management Institute for back pain relief, Dr. Taimoorazy may suggest any of the following therapies:
If fibromyalgia is keeping you from thriving, call 424-302-0289 and schedule an appointment at either our Beverly Hills or Encino, California, locations. Or, head to our website and request an appointment.
