Although there is currently no generally accepted cure for fibromyalgia, a misunderstood and debilitating condition, there is a lot of fibromyalgia help available to support people suffering from this illness. The key to getting the right help is in knowing what you are looking for. Educate yourself as much as possible on Fibromyalgia, keep a journal of your symptoms, and consider making some lifestyle changes. These steps are part of an iterative process, which will allow you to seek the necessary fibromyalgia help for you personally, with continual support along the way.
Educate Yourself
Whether you are newly diagnosed, or have been suffering with fibromyalgia for years, actively seeking new information puts you in control, and can have a very positive effect. There are a lot of internet resources available offering the latest research news, information about ongoing clinical trials, treatment options and support groups. Searching the internet is a good place to start, and in and of itself is an excellent source for fibromyalgia help and information. Education is essential, not only in helping patients understand what can be done, but also teaching them to help themselves.
Keep a Journal of Your Symptoms
Fibromyalgia is a moving target with a multitude of varying symptoms. The intensity of symptoms experienced by patients can also wax and wane over time. Though an exact cause is not yet known, some experts believe stress and/or genetics may play a role. Fibromyalgia may also be connected to an emotional time in one’s life, including physical trauma. For these reasons it is important to keep a journal of your symptoms, including when you first experienced them, how often they occur, and the degree of severity.
Include in your journal life events, correlating these with the timing of symptoms, both present and in the past. Also determine if anyone in your family suffered from symptoms that could have been related to fibromyalgia. Then take this information, consider possible factors and triggers, and do more research.
Search for information specific to your experiences, and join a discussion forum in which you can share your experiences with others. This will lead you closer to finding the right fibromyalgia help and support for you personally, with likely reciprocal benefit.
Finally, document all treatment options explored, including natural help for fibromyalgia, in your journal. Record how you feel about each treatment, if and when you apply a specific treatment, and the results. Sharing your experiences and researching options specific to your case with an open mind benefits everyone affected by fibromyalgia, thus providing additional fibromyalgia help.
Consider Making Some Lifestyle Changes
Many studies have demonstrated that exercise can improve physical and emotional function, as well as reduce fibromyalgia symptoms, including pain. If you have not done so already, plan to take part in a long-term exercise program. Exercise programs should combine aerobic, strength-training, and flexibility exercises. Physical therapy, as well as physical activity can also be very helpful as it may reduce muscle overload and can help condition weak muscles. Both Physical therapy and exercise are considered to be natural treatment options for fibromyalgia, which you have some control over. A healthy diet and sleep routine are also considered “natural help for fibromyalgia”. If you have not done so already, establish a sleep routine and maintain a healthy diet low in animal fat and high in fiber, with plenty of whole grains, fresh fruits, and vegetables. The bottom line is to research the options available to you, and then make the necessary lifestyle changes to manage your condition and take ownership of your life and happiness.