Eliminate Fibro Trigger Factors

No matter how well you adhere to a treatment program, your fibromyalgia symptoms will never completely go away if you don’t address the underlying perpetuating factors. Here are same ways for you to tackle these problems and begin to take control of your fibromyalgia.

Breathe Correctly
When you breathe, your abdomen should expand when you inhale and contract when you exhale. If you breathe shallowly you may be starving your body and its muscles of oxygen. Lack of oxygen has been noted to cause tender points and may perpetuate the pain associated with fibromyalgia. It also contributes to fatigue.

Maintain Good Posture
While many fibromyalgia treatments can help patients reduce their pain and relax their muscles, posture training is often required to undo lifelong bad habits which increase pain. Maintaining a good posture helps to re-educate muscles and joints that have become mechanically misaligned due to years of poor posture.

Poor posture can cause muscle stiffness and muscle pain. Due to the amount of time that many of us spend sitting in front of a computer, we often develop the classic upper cross posture, with our back slouched back, shoulders rolled forward, head forward. Try not to slouch when sitting at work or relaxing at home.

Minimize infections
Common colds and infections can put an extra load on the body of a fibromyalgia sufferer. People with fibromyalgia may be even more prone to bacterial or viral infections because their immune systems may be worn down due to sleep deprivation. A new infection will put an additional stress on your immune system and, in turn, cause your fibromyalgia symptoms to worsen. Therefore eat a healthy diet, practice good hygiene, and a follow healthy lifestyle to minimize your chances of developing additional medical problems.

Try Some Lifestyle Changes
Several aspects of your day-to-day life may be contributing to the severity of your symptoms. Some of these may be easily altered in order to reduce your pain and suffering. Some of the more important things that you can do to improve your health and decrease your symptoms are:

• If you are a smoker, quit!
• Cut down on the amount of alcohol you consume or eliminate it entirely.
• Try to maintain regular hours and don’t stay up too late or get up too early.
• Minimize the amount of shift work you have to do.
• Don’t overwork your body and try not to push yourself beyond your limits.
• Drink plenty of water, at least 8 glasses a day. Limit consumption before bedtime, however, to avoid being awakened by a full bladder during the night.

Prepare for Seasonal Changes
As a fibromyalgia sufferer, you may notice that your health declines in the spring and fall, with more rapid temperature, moisture and barometric extremes. During these times dress in layers and be especially mindful of drafts. Avoid sitting under air conditioners or heating ducts. Get in the habit of checking the weather every morning, so you know what the day has in store for you.