The unpredictable nature of fibromyalgia pain might be one of the worst things about this condition. One day you might feel relatively normal, managing your daily activities with minimal discomfort. The next, you could wake up feeling like you’ve been hit by a truck, with every muscle fiber screaming in protest. This uncertainty creates a constant underlying tension—you never know when the next wave of intense symptoms might strike.
Fibromyalgia flares become major disruptors to every aspect of life, regardless of whether you’ve received an official diagnosis or are still seeking answers for your symptoms. They can derail important days of work, ruin dinner plans with friends, and make simple household tasks feel insurmountable.
Yet a flare-up is just that; a temporary increase in symptoms. It won’t last forever, and when it subsides, you’ll be more or less back to normal life. And beyond that, there may be steps you can take with the guidance of a physical therapist to reduce the likelihood and severity of future flares.
What is a fibromyalgia flare?
If you’ve been diagnosed with fibromyalgia, you know what it’s like to endure a flare-up. Even if you’re still navigating the diagnostic process, recognizing and documenting flare patterns can provide valuable insight into your condition.
A fibromyalgia flare refers to a temporary increase in the severity and frequency of fibromyalgia symptoms. During these periods, the chronic pain that typically simmers in the background of your body suddenly intensifies, often accompanied by a cascade of other different symptoms.
Unlike the baseline discomfort that many people with fibromyalgia learn to manage daily, flares represent a significant spike above your normal symptom level. They can occur without warning or be triggered by specific factors like stress, weather changes, physical overexertion, or disrupted sleep patterns.
Common symptoms of a fibromyalgia flare
If you’re seeking a diagnosis of fibromyalgia or attempting to find options for managing your experience, it can be helpful to track what happens before and during flares, making note of these or other common symptoms you might experience:
Pain and Physical Discomfort:
- Widespread muscle pain that feels deeper and more severe than usual
- Increased sensitivity at tender points throughout the body
- Joint stiffness and swelling
- Headaches or migraines
- Restless leg syndrome
Cognitive and Emotional Symptoms:
- “Fibro fog” – difficulty concentrating, remembering, or thinking clearly
- Increased anxiety or depression
- Mood swings and irritability
- Feeling overwhelmed by simple tasks
Sleep and Energy Issues:
- Severe fatigue that doesn’t improve with rest
- Disrupted sleep patterns or insomnia
- Feeling unrefreshed upon waking
- Complete exhaustion from minimal physical activity
Other Physical Symptoms:
- Digestive issues like nausea or stomach pain
- Increased sensitivity to light, sound, or touch
- Temperature regulation problems
- Dizziness or balance issues
How long does a flareup last?
The duration of fibromyalgia flares varies significantly from person to person and even from flare to flare in the same individual. This unpredictability can be one of the most frustrating aspects of managing the condition.
- Short-term flares might last anywhere from a few hours to several days. These brief episodes often coincide with identifiable triggers like a stressful event, poor sleep, or overexertion. Some people find that with prompt attention and rest; they can minimize the duration of these shorter flares.
- Moderate flares typically persist for one to two weeks. During this time, symptoms may fluctuate in intensity but remain elevated above your baseline. These flares might coincide with seasonal changes, hormonal fluctuations, or periods of ongoing stress.
- Extended flares can unfortunately last several weeks or even months. These longer episodes often occur during major life changes, after illness or injury, or during particularly challenging periods. Extended flares can be especially demoralizing and may require more comprehensive management strategies.
Several factors influence how long a fibromyalgia flare might last:
- Overall health status: People who maintain better overall physical conditioning may experience shorter flares
- Stress levels: Unmanaged chronic stress can prolong flare duration and intensity
- Sleep quality: Poor sleep often extends recovery time
- Treatment approach: Those who address flares promptly often see faster resolution
- Support system: Strong emotional and practical support can impact recovery time
Treating and shortening fibro flares
If there’s any good news to be found during a flare, many approaches can help manage symptoms and potentially reduce their duration.
At-home management strategies
- Rest and pacing: While it might seem counterintuitive, complete bed rest isn’t always the best thing for your fatigue. Gentle movement, when possible, can help prevent symptoms like stiffness from worsening. The key is finding the right balance between rest and activity for your body.
- Heat and cold therapy: Many people find relief through warm baths, heating pads, or cold packs applied to particularly painful areas. Experiment to see what works best for different types of pain.
- Stress management: Since stress often triggers or worsens flares, incorporating relaxation techniques like deep breathing, meditation, or gentle yoga can be beneficial.
- Sleep hygiene: Prioritizing good sleep habits becomes even more crucial during flares. This might mean improving your sleep environment, limiting screen time before bed, or using relaxation techniques to promote better rest.
Professional treatment options
Many people benefit from working with healthcare specialists who understand fibromyalgia from multiple angles. For example, our Physical Therapists can provide specialized techniques for managing pain and maintaining mobility during flares while also learning ways to change your routine to prevent flare-ups from being as bad as they have been.
The critical role of mental health
The psychological impact of fibromyalgia flares cannot be overstated, especially flare-ups that will seemingly never go away. The uncertainty of what each day may bring can lead to anxiety, while the pain itself can contribute to depression and feelings of isolation.
- Community support: Connecting with others who understand fibromyalgia can provide both practical tips and emotional validation. Whether through support groups, online communities, or friends who share similar experiences, finding and sharing with others who know exactly what you’re going through can significantly impact how you cope with flares.
- Comfort measures: Having a “flare care kit” ready can provide both practical relief and emotional comfort. This might include comfortable clothing, favorite beverages or snacks, heating pads, and entertainment options that don’t require much energy.
- Professional mental health support: Working with therapists who understand chronic pain can provide valuable coping strategies. Cognitive-behavioral therapy, in particular, has shown promise in helping people manage both the physical and emotional aspects of fibromyalgia.
Personalized fibromyalgia advice and treatments at Rehab Access
At Rehab Access Physical Therapy, we understand that fibromyalgia affects everyone differently. Our experienced team works with you to develop personalized strategies for managing flares and maintaining function during challenging periods.
We combine evidence-based treatments with compassionate care, recognizing that effective fibromyalgia management requires attention to both physical and emotional well-being.
Learn more about how we may be able to support you as you live and learn to manage fibromyalgia by calling one of our New Orleans clinics or by requesting an appointment online today.