Take Note of These Warning Signs of Fibromyalgia

When it comes to managing your fibromyalgia, no single treatment can help you gain control over your symptoms and prevent flare-ups. In fact, most people gain the most benefits from a combination of therapies. 

One of the key components of your treatment plan is you. You know your body best, but you need to pay attention to catch those fibromyalgia warning signs. 

At Interventional Pain Associates in Austin, Texas, our pain management specialist, Dr. Sarosh Saleemi, is an expert in fibromyalgia care and takes a holistic approach.

Here, we want to share with you some of the warning signs of fibromyalgia. Taking note of these may help you stay in front of your pain. 

Fibromyalgia pain

All-over body pain. That’s the primary symptom of fibromyalgia. The pain affects your joints and muscles and may range from mild to severe with areas of tenderness. Your pain may come and go, and it may move around. 

In addition to pain, fibromyalgia makes you extremely tired and decreases your ability to focus. It also affects your ability to get quality sleep. And you may have other problems related to your fibromyalgia, like headaches, abdominal pain, or anxiety.

There’s no cure for this chronic pain condition, but there are many effective treatments that can help you manage the pain. 

Warning signs of a flare

Your fibromyalgia pain may come and go, but you may also have periods where it gets worse. This is known as a flare-up. Though you can’t prevent every fibro flare, knowing some of the triggers may give you an early warning. 

Common fibromyalgia triggers include:

• Change in routine
• Illness or injury
• Weather changes
• Hormonal fluctuations
• Lack of sleep
• Traveling
• Poor nutrition
• Change in treatment

Stress is one of the main triggers of fibromyalgia flare-ups. This includes work-related stress, emotional stress, and physical stress from an illness or overexertion.

Fibromyalgia triggers vary. Finding what triggers your flare-ups can help you gain control over the severity or longevity of your pain episodes. 

The importance of self-care

Even with the best medical treatment, to improve symptoms and daily life with fibromyalgia, you need to take care of yourself. 

Paying attention to the warning signs of fibromyalgia is part of your self-care routine. It makes you more aware of what triggers your pain so you can take steps to manage it — so the pain doesn’t disrupt your life.

Your self-care should also include lifestyle changes that help you avoid some of the common fibromyalgia triggers. This might include creating a healthy sleep routine, practicing meditation or mindfulness to manage stress, eating a balanced diet, and getting regular exercise. 

Fibromyalgia is a life-long pain condition, but there’s no need to let it dictate your life. We specialize in fibromyalgia care and can help you find freedom from pain. Call our office or click the “book online” button to make an appointment today.