These may include physical stress, cold temperatures or draughty conditions, changes in the weather, and overexertion. Some patients find that with each flare-up they grow slightly weaker. Although FM is not life-threatening it can be debilitating. Some patients find that as they grow weaker they must rely on wheelchairs or electric scooters. Treatment at this time focuses on the various symptoms.
Most patients take a variety of medications.
Physical therapy and massage therapy are often benificial. Patients are advised to avoid any type of stress, physical or emotional. They are also told to conserve energy but at the same time stretch and exercise to their ability. Until recently FM patients were told that the symptoms were all in their head. Now that rheumatologists are able to diagnosis FM support groups are springing up all over the world.