Taking Care of Yourself

Taking care of yourself can be an important part of getting better. Feeling the way you do now probably didn't happen overnight. Feeling better may take a little time, too.

As you begin taking Cymbalta, it is important to watch for changes in your pain symptoms. Your healthcare provider may suggest recording your symptoms in a diary on a regular basis so that he or she has as much information as possible to properly evaluate your treatment.

Use your diary to:

Rate your fibromyalgia pain on a scale of 1 (no pain) to 10 (worst possible pain)
List your activities
Write down any questions you may have about Cymbalta or other medications

Be Good to Your Body

Researchers and clinicians agree that regular, low- to moderate-intensity physical activity can help you manage some of your fibromyalgia symptoms.

However, it is important that you and your physician work together to find the right balance of exercise activity and intensity that will have a positive impact on your condition and avoid trauma to the muscles.

Some evidence suggest that people with fibromyalgia who maintain low to moderate exercise feel better and have improvements in pain and functioning:

There is some evidence to suggest exercise is associated with a reduced perception of pain
One study showed that supervised exercise programs over 6 months helped improve mood and physical function

Physical Activities

Many patients diagnosed with fibromyalgia may avoid exercise for fear of causing a flare-up, but working out doesn't have to mean pushing yourself to your limits. Even low-intensity activities may help maintain your physical health.

Moderation is essential to succeeding in your workout plan: if you work out too intensely, too frequently, or for too long, you may cause yourself more pain than you are already experiencing. A good general rule is to do less than you think you typically can accomplish.

Every fibromyalgia patient is different. You should work with your doctor or healthcare professional to develop your own individualized workout program. Some mild- to moderate-intensity activities you may want to discuss with your healthcare provider include:

Mild Activity

Baking
Slow dancing
Golfing (with cart)
Playing piano
Walking (2 mph)
Writing
Leisurely canoeing

Moderate Activity

Leisurely cycling
Gardening (without lifting)
Golf (without cart)
Slow swimming
Walking (3-4 mph)
Calisthenics (without weights)

Note: Before beginning or changing an exercise program, please consult your healthcare professional.