Overview:
- Given the time of year (December), you may consider making a relatively common New Year’s resolution: losing weight.
- Beginning a fitness regimen is beneficial for a number of reasons (like losing weight and getting healthy), but according to a recent study, exercise can help reduce fibromyalgia pain as well.
- In this blog, the pain management specialists at Tulsa Pain discuss the many benefits of exercise for those suffering from chronic pain.
It may sound impossible to exercise with chronic pain, but hear us out! A study from the University of Granada in Spain (published in the Pain News Network) found physical activity could improve mood and decrease pain levels in those suffering from fibromyalgia pain.
Most patients are probably thinking, “Lifting heavy weights and running on a treadmill are the last two things I want to do with deep tissue pain, fatigue, and depression.” We get it, but researchers of the study analyzed the aerobic fitness levels, muscle strength, and flexibility of more than 468 female fibromyalgia patients and stated, “Overall, higher physical fitness was consistently associated with lower levels of pain, lower pain-related catastrophizing, and higher chronic pain self-efficacy.”
Another study that was recently published in the Journal of Clinical Rheumatology also found patients who didn’t exercise as much were more likely to be overweight, depressed, and were more likely to rely on their pain medications. For both studies, roughly 75% of patients where considered overweight or obese by the World Health Organization’s standards.
Researchers of this study stated, “Compared with normal-weight patients, obese FM patients in our study were taking more medications for FM, including SSRIs, other antidepressants, and antipsychotic drugs, as well as gabapentinoids (Lyrica and Neurontin), all known to potentially cause weight gain.”
The pain relief and health benefits of exercise could be due to the endorphin rush that’s produced within the body during and after a workout session. Blood flow also improves, which can aid damaged or painful muscles with much-need oxygenated blood and other nutrients. If you’re living with fibromyalgia pain and would like to begin a workout regimen, clear it with your Tulsa Pain physician first. There may be certain guidelines to keep in mind to reduce the risk of injury or further damage.
Call Tulsa Pain today to discuss treatment options for your fibromyalgia pain!
Tulsa Pain is a multi-location pain management practice in Oklahoma that specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of chronic pain. We are dedicated to helping those who are suffering find the relief they deserve. Our team uses a balanced approach by incorporating minimally invasive, outpatient procedures, complementary and alternative medicine, and medication to help patients take control of their pain. Call 855-918-PAIN or click on our “Request An Appointment” tab to meet with one of our talented pain management specialists today!
The advice and information contained in this article is for educational purposes only and is not intended to replace or counter a physician’s advice or judgment. Please always consult your physician before taking any advice learned here or in any other educational medical material.
