Living with fibromyalgia is challenging. The condition causes widespread pain, fatigue, and brain fog, which can make even the simplest daily tasks feel insurmountable. It’s no surprise that many people with fibromyalgia feel powerless and frustrated, wishing they could push through the debilitating symptoms and enjoy a “normal” life. But is it okay to do so? Should people with fibromyalgia push through their condition, or is it better to rest and take it easy? In this blog post, we’ll explore these questions in more detail and offer insights from both a physiotherapist and a chiropractor.
Physiotherapists often see patients with fibromyalgia who are struggling to maintain their physical function. Commonly, fibromyalgia patients report feeling worse after exertion, which can make it difficult to stay active. Many people wonder if they should push through the pain and fatigue to try to maintain their mobility and fitness, or if they should take it easy. My answer, as with many questions in healthcare, is that it depends. While it’s important for people with fibromyalgia to remain active and engage in regular exercise, overexertion can actually make symptoms worse.
Chiropractors also see many patients with fibromyalgia seeking relief from their symptoms. Fibromyalgia often causes pain in joints and muscles, which can make it difficult to move without experiencing discomfort. While chiropractic adjustments can help alleviate some of this pain, overdoing it can lead to increased inflammation and more severe fibromyalgia symptoms overall. Chiropractors often advise patients with fibromyalgia to take it easy after an adjustment and use gentle stretches or exercises to maintain mobility.
So, how can people with fibromyalgia find a balance between pushing through their symptoms and resting? The key is to listen to your body and be mindful of how activities affect your symptoms. While it’s important to stay active, it’s equally important to rest when you need to. You may need to modify your exercise routine or daily activities to accommodate your symptoms. This could mean taking breaks throughout the day or scaling back your exercise intensity to allow for rest and recovery time.
Another important consideration for people with fibromyalgia is seeking out the right healthcare providers. A physiotherapist or chiropractor with experience working with fibromyalgia patients understands how the condition affects the body and can provide personalized recommendations for your care. They can work with you to find activities and exercises that are safe and effective for your individual needs and can help you develop a plan that balances activity with rest.
At the end of the day, it’s important for people with fibromyalgia to remember that there is no one-size-fits-all solution to managing their symptoms. It’s okay to push yourself to engage in positive activities, but it’s crucial to do so in moderation. By working with healthcare providers who understand your condition and listening to your body, you can find a balance that allows you to maintain your physical function while managing your symptoms.
In conclusion, whether or not it’s okay to push through fibromyalgia symptoms can vary from person to person. As healthcare providers, our job is to help patients find a balance between staying active and resting as needed. By working with a physiotherapist or chiropractor and being mindful of your body’s reactions, you can find a routine that works for you. With the right care and management, you can take control of your fibromyalgia and live your life to the fullest.
If you have any questions or would like to explore further, please book a free, no-charge online appointment with either myself, Dr. Tyler Baron, BASc, DC or another Kitchener chiropractor at CARESPACE. We are happy to listen and are here to help!
