Back Aches, Pains, and Discomfort… Oh My!

If you suffer from Fibromyalgia then unfortunately, it’s no surprise that you struggle with pain every single day.

Different people struggle with pain in different parts of their bodies but one common issue my patients experience is backpain. When you have back pain, it’s hard to stand or sit for prolonged periods of time and it can interfere with your every day activities – bending over and tying your shoe can seem impossible.

According to Everydayhealth.com, “As many as two-thirds of people with chronic low back pain also have fibromyalgia. Looking at the numbers from the other direction, up to 49 percent of people with fibromyalgia have lower back pain.”

When you’re struggling from back pain AND fibromyalgia, it sometimes seems like you can’t win but believe me, there ARE things you can do to reduce the pain!

Moving and stretching can do wonders for relieving the pain you’re feeling. Now, I don’t want you to go overboard and walk 2 miles, I just want you to take time to stretch and work up a sweat a few times a week. This could mean lifting your arms above your head a few times or it could mean going for a walk around the block.

REMEMBER: Everyone is different and you shouldn’t compare yourself to anyone else. Instead, compare yourself to the person you were yesterday!

Also, try using moist heat on the areas of your back that are bothering you. Draw a warm bath with Epsom salt and soak in it for a while to loosen your tight muscles up. Not only will this help your muscles but a warm bath will most likely soothe you and help you relax.

If there is one specific area of your back that is bothering you, you can always use a heating pad. Heating pads are inexpensive ways to target specific problem spots.

Most importantly, understand that you can’t do it all. I know that often times your personal health can fall wayside to taking care of your children, doing chores, going to the store, etc. Our lives are filled with stress and “I have to do”s, but when you’re suffering from fibro, sometimes you have to ask for help.

It’s not always easy to do but by just asking your loved ones or your children to help you out with a few chores, it will take some of the stress off of you. Asking can be especially difficult if they’re having a hard time understanding your pain, but recognizing that doing it all when it’s hard to even get out of bed in the morning isn’t helping YOU.

Do what YOU can and get help with those things that you can’t.  

It’s all about taking each day one step at a time and making the changes that you can make. If there is ONE thing that I can guarantee you it’s that if you don’t do anything than you won’t feel any different.

Make positive changes in your life and relieve the pain when you can -  It won’t always be fun and it won’t always be easy but it will pay off.