Fibromyalgiais a chronic condition in which someone experiences widespread muscle and tissue pain and fatigue.
Fibromyalgia Self-Care Before a Flare
Many people with fibromyalgia experience periods ofsymptoms, flares, and remission.
Sometimes you’re free to anticipate a flare, as stressful events can trigger it.
Having a plan before your fibromyalgia flares up can help ease some of the burden.
However, doing too much can potentially trigger a flare.
venture to enjoy these good days and not overdo things.
Stock Your Kitchen
Have shelf-stable and freezerfoodsreadily available.
Pack your pantry with packaged snacks you enjoy and provide some nutrition.
Alternatively, see if you’re able to change your prescriptions from in-store pickup to mail-order delivery.
Over-the-counter pain relievers are often used in fibromyalgia, and these should be easy to get before a flare.
In many cases, it’s difficult not to rest because symptoms are so debilitating.
There is no gold standard for treating a fibromyalgia flare.
When you’re in the middle of a fibromyalgia flare, these are some ways to practice self-care.
Accept the Flare
Be kind to yourself during this time.
It can be easy to surrender to negativity during a flare.
Allow yourself to feel frustration, anger, or sadness, and then let them go.
Many people with fibromyalgia struggle withmental health, so know you are not alone.
Just be sure there is someone else home just in case you need assistance getting out of the bathtub.
Not a fan of baths?
Try a heating pad at night for similar relief.
Prioritize whatever you’re able to do with minimal exertion and leave the rest for another day.
How Long Do Flares Last?
Fibromyalgia can affect everyone differently.
Try not to compare your experience with anyone else’s.
Flares may last for a period of days to several weeks.
Fibromyalgia Self-Care After a Flare
Coming out of a fibromyalgia flare can be relieving and overwhelming.
Consider the following self-care tips when you’re recovering from a fibromyalgia flare.
Get a Massage
Having a flare can be stressful.
Once you re-establish your everyday routine, consider getting amassage.
Seek Mental Health Support
Living with a chronic disease is challenging.
The ups and downs can be unpredictable and inconvenient.
It’s okay to need and seekmental health support.
Consider trying relaxation apps such as CALM, which you might listen to in the morning or before bed.
During flares, eating whatever is convenient and comforting can feel the easiest.
Evidence suggests that a plant-forward diet may help improve pain and functional challenges among people with fibromyalgia.
While these things are a normal part of life sometimes, avoid making them the majority of your lifestyle.
We were never meant to do life alone; we all need help sometimes.
Chances are good that someone in your circle will be happy to step in where needed.
Having a community around you is essential even when you’re not having a flare.
Consider finding a fibromyalgiasupport groupin your local community or online.
If you’re unsure where to look, ask your healthcare provider for recommendations.
Summary
Living with fibromyalgia isn’t easy, and every day can be different.
Fibromyalgia can affect physical, mental, and emotional health between unpredictable symptoms and flares that disrupt daily life.
Bhargava J, Hurley JA.Fibromyalgia.
2021;16(7):e0254642.
Published 2021 Jul 16. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0254642
Vincent A, Whipple MO, Rhudy LM.Fibromyalgia flares: A qualitative analysis.Pain Med.
2016;17(3):463-468. doi:10.1111/pme.12676
NIAMS.Fibromyalgia: Diagnosis, Treatment, and Steps to Take.
Kocyigit BF.Assessment and management of fibromyalgia flares in clinical practice.Reumatologia.
2015;127(1):57-65. doi:10.1080/00325481.2015.992719
Stanford Medicine | Healthcare.Fibromyalgia symptoms.
2014;9(2):e89304.
Applying science to practice.Clin J Pain.
2017;76(2):318-328. doi:10.1136/annrheumdis-2016-209724
Sears B.Anti-inflammatory diets.J Am Coll Nutr.
2019;51(sup1):2-14. doi:10.1080/07853890.2018.1564360
