Fibromyalgia Pain

The pain from fibromyalgia is very real and effects the muscles in the body. It is a form of arthritis and the pain can be widespread and occur anytime, anywhere. It effects the skeletal muscles, tendons and ligaments of the body and can be felt in the bursa, which are the sacs that surround the joints and provide lubrication and nutrition needed for movement. To be diagnosed for fibromyalgia you must have pain in 11 of 18 specific tender points, which include shoulder pain, neck pain, lower back and pain in the buttocks, waist, ribs and knees.

Depending on the severity of your fibromyalgia, pain can range from quite severe or may only be mild in nature. People have described it as a deep and persistent ache, but it can also be throbbing, stabbing or shooting pain in the muscles. The pain usually increases in degree throughout the day and can migrate to other parts of the body. Exercise is helpful in the long run, but many people find that exercise is just too painful and avoid it all together. Exercise helps to strengthen the muscles, so avoiding it could actually make symptoms worse.

Exercise comes with many added benefits such as decreased cholesterol, risk of heart disease, diabetes and will actually increase your energy, mood and help to maintain low stress levels. Stretching is essential to a workout program as it helps stretch out the muscles and ligaments to help mobility and reduce pain. Aerobic conditioning is also good because it helps the heart pump and keeps blood circulating. Strength training may be the most important exercise and you don’t have to be a body builder to do it. It helps restore range of motion that most fibromyalgia patients suffer with.