What is a fibromyalgia flare up?

[KeithD]

A fibromyalgia flare-up is a period of increased pain, tenderness, and other symptoms of fibromyalgia. A flare-up can last for a few days to several weeks and can be triggered by a variety of factors, including:

1. Stress: Stressful events or periods of high stress can trigger a fibromyalgia flare-up.
   
2. Infection: Illnesses such as the flu or a respiratory infection can trigger a flare-up.
   
3. Weather changes: Changes in temperature, humidity, and barometric pressure can affect fibromyalgia symptoms.
   
4. Physical activity: Overdoing it physically or engaging in activities that place a lot of stress on the muscles and joints can trigger a flare-up.
   
5. Hormonal changes: Hormonal changes during menstruation, menopause, or pregnancy can affect fibromyalgia symptoms.
   
6. Lack of sleep: Poor sleep quality or a lack of sleep can trigger a fibromyalgia flare-up.
   
7. Certain medications: Certain medications, such as those used to treat high blood pressure or depression, can trigger a fibromyalgia flare-up.
   

A fibromyalgia flare-up can be difficult to manage, but there are steps you can take to minimize the impact on your daily life, such as:

1. Getting adequate sleep
   
2. Staying active through low-impact exercise
   
3. Managing stress through relaxation techniques and counseling
   
4. Taking pain-relieving medications as prescribed by your healthcare provider
   
5. Avoiding triggers that worsen your symptoms