Routines & Fitness Resources for Fibromaylgia/Chronic Pain sufferers

[Emily Mattes]

I know there is another thread on fibro below, but I was wondering if anyone had specific routines or training programs I could recommend to a friend who is dealing with fibromyalgia and multiple neck deformities which cause them significant and constant pain. They have had little help from their doctors/specialists with regards to treating the issue--apparently they are unlucky enough to have been born with a whole bunch of separate neck deformities all concentrated on one or two vertebrae in the neck/upper back and everyone they've seen is a loss at what to do beside prescribe pain medication and send them on their way.

I have read that exercise and mobility work can help alleviate chronic pain issues, but also that sufferers should approach exercise carefully and slowly. If they didn't have these issues I could rattle off a whole host of different programs depending on their goals but as it is I'm at a loss. I'm reading a lot of stuff that says things like "Exercise can help!" and "Start out slowly!" but nothing about specific programming. What routines have you seen used with success with chronic pain sufferers? Do you know of any forums or trainers who specialize in this group or have had experience that I could either refer my friend to or at least discuss different methods?

As it is, they already do a good amount of walking five days a week, take fish oil, and have access to massages.

[Garrett Smith]

The neck issues are a major player in nearly every case of FM I have seen. She needs to find someone (PT, chiro, whatever) that can really help her with her neck

Other than that, I'd highly suggest she looks into the "From Fatigued to Fantastic!" book by Teitelbaum.

[Mike ODonnell]

Higher reps, plenty of rest between sets, don't fatigue them during a workout....that and diet is something to be improved (gut health focus).