Patients with fibromyalgia (FM) often report that weather conditions influence their pain. In fact, weather sensitivity is a minor criterion for the diagnosis of FM.
However, many people diagnosed with fibromyalgia say that weather has an effect on how they feel. Sudden drops in barometric pressure, as well as extreme temperatures may make pain much worse. Though it may not help all fibromyalgia sufferers, finding a better climate may help ease some symptoms of this condition.
Self-reported pain levels in patients with fibromyalgia may change according to weather conditions. Previous studies suggest that low barometric pressure (BMP) is significantly related to increased pain, but that the contribution of changes in BMP has limited clinical relevance.
Sunny days create a high barometric pressure while storms result in a sudden drop. These changes can trigger muscle aches in Fibromyalgia patients.
Fibromyalgia: According to the National Fibromyalgia Association, when the weather is humid, fibromyalgia symptoms worsen. Many patients who suffer from rheumatological conditions have a condition known as temperature sensitivity, which means any extreme temps, hot or cold, can lead to worsened symptoms or pain.
Biofeedback, deep breathing, meditation, self-hypnosis, or even just distracting yourself with a good book or some soothing music can help take your mind off the pain and make coping with a flare more manageable, say experts at the National Fibromyalgia Association.
Physical and emotional stress are the most common triggers of fibromyalgia flares. Other triggers include lack of sleep, weather changes, and hormone imbalances.
Magnesium
Women with fibromyalgia may be deficient in magnesium, studies suggest. And magnesium may help relieve fibro pain and other symptoms.
Fibromyalgia can make you extremely sensitive to pain all over your body, and you may find that even the slightest touch is painful. If you hurt yourself, such as stubbing your toe, the pain may continue for much longer than it normally would.
Fibromyalgia is often triggered by an event that causes physical stress or emotional (psychological) stress. Possible triggers include: a serious injury, such as after a car accident.
Is the sun good for fibromyalgia? Yes and no. Sunlight provides vitamin D, which may treat pain, inflammation, fatigue, poor sleep, and depression. However, some people with fibromyalgia find they easily overheat and have more severe symptoms when it's hot.
A fibromyalgia flare is a temporary increase in the number and/or intensity of symptoms. Some flares only last for a day or two but others may continue for several weeks or even months.
The Social Security Administration recognizes arthritis and fibromyalgia (FM) as qualifying disabilities for Social Security Disability Income (SSDI).
Although numerous studies have shown that fibromyalgia is not an autoimmune disease (conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, whereby the body attacks healthy tissues), reliable research concurs that this condition does weaken your immune system by causing various abnormalities and irregularities.
Results: There were four parent stages of FM identified and labeled: 1) regional FM with classic symptoms; 2) generalized FM with increasing widespread pain and some additional symptoms; 3) FM with advanced and associated conditions, increasing widespread pain, increased sleep disturbances, and chemical sensitivity; ...
Fibromyalgia can be associated with ocular symptoms (foreign body sensation, irritation) and visual disturbances (blurred vision), coexisting with dry eye syndrome and reduced corneal sensitivity. Cases of scleritis, including the necrotizing form, accompanying fibromyalgia have been reported.
People with fibromyalgia are more likely to be hospitalized because of pain, fatigue or mental health symptoms. You're also more likely to experience memory problems and have trouble concentrating.
Background. Fibromyalgia (FM) is defined by the American College of Rheumatology (ACR) as chronic (>3 months), widespread pain (axial plus upper and lower segment plus left and right sided pain) and tenderness in at least 11 of 18 tender points [1].
Over-the-counter pain relievers such as acetaminophen (Tylenol, others), ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB, others) or naproxen sodium (Aleve, others) may be helpful. Opioid medications are not recommended, because they can lead to significant side effects and dependence and will worsen the pain over time.
First-choice treatments for fibromyalgia are exercise and lifestyle changes. Studies prove these are very effective. Medications might help reduce fibromyalgia pain by 30% in some people. They work best in combination with non-medication therapies.
Fibromyalgia is associated with low levels of many vitamins and minerals, including B vitamins like vitamin B12, vitamin D, magnesium, selenium, and zinc. Many people are also deficient in vitamins A, C, E, and K. Many dietitians recommend getting all your vitamins and minerals through your diet.
This study showed that a short course of sublingual vitamin B12, 1000 mcg daily, can significantly improve the severity of FM as well as the anxiety score of FM patients. However, we did not find any improvement in the depression score and health status scales after vitamin B12 treatment.
Fibromyalgia was formerly classified as an inflammatory musculoskeletal disease but is now considered to be an illness that primarily affects the central nervous system.
Avoid Simple Carbs, Whole Wheat & Whole Grains
Fibromyalgia patients often experience general hypersensitivity which translates into increased sensitivity to blood-sugar highs and lows. Avoid simple carbs like white sugar, white flour, and even wheat if possible.