Do You Have Fibromyalgia?

Many busy women feel tired and run-down. But if you feel tired and have pain in your joints and muscles, you might have a condition called fibromyalgia.

What Are the Symptoms?

More women than men have fibromyalgia. The main symptom is pain in different parts of your body. This can last for at least 3 months.

These are some places where you might feel pain:

Neck
Shoulders
Chest
Ribs
Lower back
Thighs
Knees
Elbows
Buttocks

You might also:

Feel very tired
Feel anxious or worried
Have numb hands and feet
Have headaches
Have problems digesting your food

These symptoms might come and go. But people with fibromyalgia always feel a little bit of pain. This can make fibromyalgia seem like arthritis or some other diseases.

Tips for Feeling Better

If you have fibromyalgia, your doctor can help you feel better. These are some tips your doctor might suggest:

Exercise regularly. Try swimming, water aerobics, or riding a bike. Start slowly. Then try to exercise for 30 to 60 minutes a day, 4 days a week.
Keep a routine. Keep your daily activity level the same. Don’t try to do too much on days you feel good.
Get enough rest.
Relax! Massage can help your painful muscles feel better. Relaxation therapy can make you feel less stressed-out.