Doctors usually decide that someone has the condition after doing a careful physical examination, taking a thorough medical history, and ordering a series of common laboratory tests to help rule out other possible causes of the symptoms. Among other symptoms are fatigue, morning stiffness, feelings of anxiety or depression, headache, bowel problems, dry eyes, menstrual cramps, cold fingers and toes, jaw pain, and allergies. Such factors as heat or cold, poor sleep, anxiety, humidity, stress, fatigue, and changes in the weather can make symptoms worse in some people. A variety of treatments may help reduce the severity of your symptoms. They include lifestyle changes and medications.
Exercise is one of the more effective ways to treat the symptoms of fibromyalgia.
But you must use good judgment when deciding how much to do. Exercising too vigorously may make your symptoms worse. You should also try to maintain a healthy, balanced diet. Massage therapy and moist heat seem to help some patients. Talk to your doctor about your options.