Fibromyalgia Pain Flares: Preventive Strategies and Treatment Options

Managing fibromyalgia pain can be especially challenging for the millions of Americans who suffer from the condition, in part because researchers are still learning what causes it. But it’s also challenging because fibromyalgia symptoms vary from one patient to another, and the underlying cause can be difficult — if not impossible — to pinpoint precisely.

Fortunately, Marina Neystat, MD, Maria Dolgovina, MD, and Ivan Mikolaenko, MD, have the expertise and experience needed to help patients at Advanced Medical Care identify therapies that provide long-term, meaningful relief for their fibromyalgia symptoms, including painful flares. 

In this post, our neurology team offers some helpful pain management tips to reduce the severity of your fibromyalgia flares, along with an overview of the treatment options we offer.

Keep a journal

Keeping a daily journal is a great way to track your symptoms and your flares, which helps identify possible triggers that make your symptoms worse. Plus, journaling helps you understand your condition better, which can relieve some of the stress and anxiety that your symptoms can cause. 

It’s also a great tool to share with your doctor, helping them create a treatment plan that’s targeted at your specific flares and symptoms.

Practice stress management

Stress is a common problem for people with chronic medical issues, including pain syndromes like fibromyalgia. Stress tightens muscles and causes other physiological changes that can make your pain feel a lot worse. 

Yoga, meditation, journaling, and breathing exercises can help manage stress — anytime, but especially during a pain flare-up — as can engaging in a calming activity, such as listening to relaxing music.

Take a nap

Taking a nap or simply shutting your eyes for a brief period can be very helpful in reducing fibromyalgia pain flares. Clear your schedule, put your feet up, slip on a sleep mask, and turn off all electronics to avoid disruptions. Rest gives your body a chance to heal, and it also gives your mind an opportunity to relax and reset.

Get moving (but be gentle)

When your body is sore, moving around might seem like the last thing you want to do. But gentle activity, like walking or swimming, can help improve circulation, decrease inflammation, and even reduce stress and anxiety. Regular activity can help improve sleep, too, and if you’re overweight, it can help you drop those extra pounds and take some strain off of your joints.

Fill your tub

Soaking in a warm bath is a great way to relax tight, sore muscles, and it also can help reduce feelings of tension and anxiety. Add some scented bath salts for a dose of serenity, and try incorporating a bath into your bedtime routine to make it easier to get a good night’s sleep.

Use hot and cold treatment

Using a heating pad is another good way to relax tight muscles, especially in specific parts of your body. Cold packs can help numb discomfort in muscles and joints, providing quick relief for painful flares. You can also try alternating hot and cold to see how your symptoms respond.

Try over-the-counter medicines

Over-the-counter nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medicines, like ibuprofen, or pain relievers, like acetaminophen, can be very helpful in providing temporary relief during fibromyalgia pain flare-ups. Be sure to follow the directions on the bottle, and don’t take more than the recommended dose. 

See your doctor

One of the best ways to prevent flares and manage them when they crop up is to have a complete medical evaluation with the caring neurology team at Advanced Medical Care. Our providers are skilled in helping patients find real-life solutions for pain, and they’re based on each patient’s lifestyle and health profile.

Depending on your needs, we may recommend one or more therapies, such as:

• Prescription medication to help manage pain
• Anti-seizure medicines to relax tight muscles
• Antidepressants
• Physical therapy
• Alternative therapies, such as acupuncture or massage

We can also recommend resources to help you manage stress, improve your coping skills, and reduce the anxiety and depression that often go hand-in-hand with chronic conditions. 

There’s no cure for fibromyalgia — yet — but there are things you can do to reduce its impact and play a more proactive role in managing your symptoms. To learn more about fibromyalgia treatment, request an appointment online or over the phone with the team at Advanced Medical Care in Forest Hills, Queens, and Brighton Beach, Brooklyn, New York.