If you’ve been fighting fibromyalgia, or any type of chronic pain, you’re probably familiar with the word “flare.”
You’ve come to hate that word.
Because it means an increase in pain and fatigue. The good news is that flares run their course. In due time.
Meanwhile, is there anything you can do to recover from a fibromyalgia flare up? Or start to feel better faster than you would otherwise?
I believe there is. Even though I’m not a doctor, or a medical professional, I can share my own story. I manage my symptoms naturally, without drugs. (Just remember, though, I’m writing about my personal experience. So don’t consider it medical advice.)
I’ve been battling chronic pain for more than a decade. It was once so bad I could barely walk. (Actually it reached the point I couldn’t walk normally. So I just dragged myself from place to place.
How To Recover From a Fibromyalgia Flare Up
Sometimes flares just happen. You don’t know why you’re having such a bad day, with increased pain.
Other times it’s the weather. For me, a day or two before a soaking rain is when I feel more pain. This doesn’t always happen. Sometimes storms take me by surprise. Normally, cloudless low humidity days are best. But I went through one stretch in which I felt better in damp weather.
Stress, lack of sleep and eating the wrong food can apparently cause more pain. Or there may not be a discernible reason.
Such is the unpredictable nature of this condition.
There’s one theory that fibromyalgia pain results from a build up of lactic acid in the body. This is the same reason you may feel pain after a workout.
This theory hasn’t been proven. Actually, it’s a controversial idea. One mainstream fibro publication called Fibromyalgia News Today declared definitively that excess lactic acid is not an issue, and is not the cause of pain.
However, at least one medical doctor with an interest in fibro believes lactic acid buildup is an underlying cause. Dr. Michael Platt, MD believes muscle tension possible caused by unresolved anger elevates lactic acid, and then we feel pain.
Regardless of whether this theory is true, one of the fixes for lactic acid buildup is adequate hydration. So make sure to drink enough water on flare days. Just make sure the water you drink doesn’t contain sodium fluoride. This chemical is added to many municipal water supplies. However, it’s well documented that fluoride toxicity can cause what we know as fibro symptoms. (This is why I drink bottled water instead of tap water.)
You should also prevent lactic acid overload by not exercising in spurts. Exercise consistently, and know when you’ve reached your limit.
Home Remedies for Fibromyalgia Flare Up
It’s been years since I’ve been at my very worst. It also took years to get better.
But, slowly but surely, my pain has receded. It’s not totally gone. But it’s manageable.
Occasionally, my pain flares up. This happened recently. I think it was because I took a new homeopathic remedy. Homeopathy has helped me so much. But remedies often make me feel worse for a day or two. Or sometimes longer. This typically starts the day after I take a certain remedy.
The same thing happens when I see a chiropractor. Sometimes my pain will increase for a few days. Occasionally, what my chiropractor calls “retracing” can last for a week. But after that I feel lasting relief.
With these kinds of of healing flare ups, I’ve found that it’s best to just ride them out.
How To Stop a Fibro Flare
The other kinds of flare ups are more problematic. Often I do gentle stretches. Or gentle walking. A good night’s sleep often makes a huge difference.
The best way I’ve found to break a flare is to take a well-selected homeopathic remedy. Even if this causes a temporary increase in symptoms. But I know that after a day or two I’ll see relief.
My body has healed a lot. But I still need regular homeopathic care. Homeopathy has helped me so much. That’s why I encourage others who live with chronic pain to find a good homeopath. I know these professionals can be difficult to locate. So inquire at your local health food store. Good chiropractors often know of good homeopaths.
Another way to help my body heal from a flare is what herbs. When pain hits I reach for an herbal blend called Oregon’s Wild Harvest Stress Guard. It’s not marketed specifically for pain. But it contains a number of plants known for their anti-inflammation action. (It’s inflammation that causes pain in the first place.)
Oregon’s Wild Harvest Stress Guard
Essential Oils To Relieve Pain Naturally
I also use a special essential oil blend designed to reduce pain and inflammation. Even though this probably doesn’t hit the root cause of pain, deep inside your body, it does offer relief. Or at least it does for me.
I use this pain blend to take the edge off, if I have a flare. It really does make me feel better. However, I have to be careful not to claim or promise it will help anyone else. However, it’s the best pain blend I’ve found.
Cooling Waters Anti Inflammatory Blend
Fibromyalgia Flare Up Diet
I don’t eat a special diet during a pain flare. Instead, I always watch what I eat. This is the best way I’ve found to control inflammation, from the inside out.
Unfortunately, there’s not a single diet that’s right for everyone. Some people report good improvements on a grain-free Paleo diet. However grain free is not for me. I tried it years ago. All it made me was weak. Some people need carbs. Carbs are not evil, as long as you don’t overdo it.
However, it’s safe to say that everyone should eat real food, instead of processed food. Processed food is filled with chemicals, and genetically modified ingredients. GMO’s have been linked to cancer and inflammation in animals. For people who need help preparing real food meals, I highly recommend Real Plans weekly healthy meal planning service. (At least for a month or two, until you can get up to speed cooking whole food meals.)
Also healing happens from the inside out. I had to do so many things to get healthy. Getting well again took years and a lot of work. You can read what I did in my easy-to-follow online course, which I priced ridiculously low because I know everyone who enrolls isn’t feeling well. The course is designed for people who don’t have a naturopath (because these doctors cost and arm and a leg) and who would like to get healthy while working with their regular doctor. Click on the image below for more information.
