Thriving Through the Holidays with Fibromyalgia

Anyone living with fibromyalgia understands how frustrating it is to look well and feel miserable. You want to take part in activities and go to all the exciting events; but the pain, fatigue and discomfort of your condition dictates what you will and will not be able to do. Even if you push through the pain, you know you will pay for it later. Sometimes the recovery period is just not worth the effort of pushing through. Fortunately, there is help available. You can enjoy your life when you have tools to effectively manage your condition.

The Importance of Self-Care

Effective management of fibromyalgia calls for something that many people with the condition are not used to implementing. Self-care. It takes time, effort and a willingness to put yourself first. Women are overwhelmingly more afflicted with this condition than men. Between 75% and 90% of those diagnosed with fibromyalgia are women. Traditionally, women have also been most reluctant to put themselves before others, and thus self-care has not generally been at the top of the to-do list.

Self-care can help you feel better. During the holiday season when activities ramp up to a frenetic pace, self-care becomes critical for the person with fibromyalgia. Getting enough sleep on a regular basis can be difficult, but it is an important component of taking care of yourself. Daily exercise is also important. Not only is it good for your body, it also stimulates the production of endorphins, which are the chemicals in the brain that make you feel good. Meditation is also considered an integral part of self-care.

Controlling Symptoms of Fibromyalgia

So far, no cure for this condition has been discovered, so treatment basically consists of managing symptoms. Working with healthcare professionals who understand fibromyalgia and have the expertise to recommend effective treatments is vital if you want to feel your best. Symptoms can be managed with medication, cognitive behavior therapy, acupuncture or chiropractic care or a combination of these, in addition to all-important self-care.

Enjoy your holidays while managing your condition. Contact Allied Pain & Spine Institute and let us show you how you can thrive during the holiday season. Fibromyalgia can be debilitating, but with proper treatment, it can also be controlled. Schedule an appointment today for a consultation.

Posted on behalf of Allied Pain & Spine Institute