Tuesday, September 6, 2011

Fibromyalgia: What happens if you don't exercise?

Fibromyalgia pain is caused by a combination of things. Anything from stiff muscles caused by underuse to tender points that are naturally there. If you exercise the right way, the pain levels will decrease over time. But what will happen to you if you never exercise?

Muscles stiffen:

Your muscles are already stiff from fibromyalgia. But, if you don't stretch them, they will actually stiffen more and..more muscles will stiffen. That is why it is so important to stretch those stiff muscles everyday that you can. I say every day that you can because, let's face it, fibromyalgia is unpredictable and there will be days when you absolutely cannot exercise.

Pain increases:

Some people with fibromyalgia believe that it's the exercise that causes their pain to increase. Not true. At the start of an exercise program you may see an increase of pain, but if you continue to do the right kind of exercise, your pain will start to decrease gradually, making you feel better.

Increased fatigue:

It would seem that exercise would cause you to feel more fatigue. And it will at first. But, if you exercise lightly and regularly, you will notice an increase in your energy levels. Why? Because exercise gets your endorphins going, your heart pumping and your pulse up. This increased energy will last even hours after you have finished exercising.

So, Start an exercise program today, if you are not already exercising. And, if you are already exercising, that's great! You are already reaping the benefits of exercise!

4 comments:

  1. An early morning walk really helps me. Yoga (the easier kind with more stretching than anything) also helps.

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  2. Walking is a great exercise for not only fibromyalgia, but for weight loss and your overall health. Sounds like you are controlling your fibromyalgia the right way, by taking control. Good for you!

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  3. having too little exercise cqan cause weakness,and starts to make people depressed

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  4. Yes, your right...I feel that exercise is the best treatment for fibromyalgia symptoms including pain, fatigue and depression. Exercise makes you more limber and able to move muscles and joints with ease. The key to exercising if you have fibromyalgia is to start out slowly and work your way up so that you are exercising 5-7 days a week for 10-60 minutes. Not all people with fibromyalgia will make it to that level, but if you keep trying to improve then whatever level you are at will still decrease the symptoms of fibromyalgia.

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I will do my best to keep up with your comments. Please remember that I am in a lot of pain, most of the time and that does make it hard to keep up sometimes. I hope you understand as I value your comments and thank you for leaving them!