4 Common Causes of Fibromyalgia Flares

Overexertion

It’s important to make sure you don’t push yourself too far physically. If you do, you can trigger a flare. The balance of staying healthy and exercising regularly while not overexerting yourself can be difficult. Make sure you increase your activity level gradually, rather than pushing to do too much all at once. This will help keep overexertion flares at a minimum. If you have a flare from overexertion, let yourself relax a little. If you keep pushing through it, the flare is going to get worse, not better.

Hormonal Changes

For many women, hormonal changes due to menstrual cycles and other hormone differences, such as menopause, trigger flares. Unfortunately, there is little you can do to keep these types of flares at bay. Some women might benefit from hormone therapy; however, this is something you need to discuss in depth with your doctor. If you have a flare due to hormone changes, it’s best to treat the symptoms as well as you can. Rest, try to stay relaxed, and take any medications that your doctor has prescribed.

Changes in Sleep Routine

One of the biggest issues for people with fibromyalgia is their sleep routines. You need to get good, restful sleep to function properly, but when you have fibromyalgia this isn’t always easy. In fact, most people with fibromyalgia have trouble falling and staying asleep. If you make changes to your sleep routine, it can cause flares. These changes can be as simple as altering the time you go to sleep. The best way to avoid a flare due to sleep issues is to stick to your normal sleep routine as much as possible. Changes that result in pain indicate that you need better sleep patterns.

Injury

Unfortunately, if you injure yourself you’re likely to suffer from a fibromyalgia flare. The injury doesn’t even have to be extreme. A stumble or fall that doesn’t result in any type of real injury can cause your fibromyalgia symptoms to increase. For many, all it takes is some sort of startle to the body to cause a new flare. Serious injuries are also likely to increase your symptoms. In these situations, take any doctor-prescribed medications and do what you can to rest and heal your body.

There are many activities and environmental issues that can cause your fibromyalgia to flare. Unfortunately, many of these things you simply can’t control. The best way to deal with these flares is to get as much rest as you can, eat properly, and take any medication your doctor has prescribed to deal with your symptoms.