Working Through the Pain of Fibromyalgia
By Stephen R. Farris
For people who suffer from fibromyalgia, it's no laughing matter. The pain you feel can be so excruciating to the point it affects even the easiest of daily routines.
Fibromyalgia is a chronic pain condition that affects people in different ways. One of the last things you would think someone with fibromyalgia would feel like doing is exercising. But experts suggest that exercising is one of the best ways to help manage the painful condition.
The trouble with exercising to help manage fibromyalgia is getting started and sticking with it. Even simple exercises can be so painful that folks simply give up.
Getting Started
One of the first things you should do is talk with your doctor or local chiropractor about starting an exercise routine. Be sure to ask lots of questions.
Start Slow
When it comes to exercise, start off slowly. As you become accustomed (and tolerant of working through the pain), you should gradually add to your routine, maybe add a few extra reps, or an additional set. If you walk for 10 minutes, maybe the next week add a minute or two more until you work your way up to say, 15 minutes (or whatever your goal). Speaking of goals, that is another thing to consider when starting an exercise routine -- making some goals that push your forward.
Choose Wisely
There are thousands of different exercises you can choose to start, or you can combine several into something like a circuit routine. However, choose them wisely. You don't want to pick an exercise that will crush your goals from the start. You might look into exercises that require gentle movements, such as yoga or tai chi. Walking or swimming are other low-impact exercises you can begin -- and you can set your own pace! Before you begin any workout, you should do some type of gentle stretching, especially in the areas you'll be using the most. For example, if you should take up walking, then you would want to stretch areas such as your core, hamstrings, quadriceps, and calves to help loosen up the muscles and joints as much as possible.
If you have questions about exercise or need treatment for pain in your back, joints, and neck, visit with your local chiropractor to find out tips and suggestions they have, or for relief from your pain.
To learn more about your health, wellness and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Cincinnati, Ohio.