Managing Fibromyalgia When You’re in the Office 

Fibromyalgia is a chronic illness that affects up to 10 million people in the United States. If you’re one of them, you know the frustration of “looking fine” but fighting an ongoing battle of hidden pain and fatigue to get through the simplest tasks.

At Spine & Pain Center of San Antonio in Live Oak and San Antonio, Texas, Dr. Sergio Alvarado and our team offer pain control, regular physicals, blood work, and lifestyle changes to guide your fibromyalgia management and help you maintain a good quality of life. 

Many people manage to work full or part-time with fibromyalgia. Good communication and flexibility help. The U.S. Department of Labor’s Job Accommodation Network offers tips on additional ways to approach workplace accommodations. Here are a few other ways you can make your time at work easier.  

Symptoms of fibromyalgia 

Classified as a type of arthritis, fibromyalgia can affect everyone differently. Some find they can manage pain flares easily once they know the triggers, while others fight pain every day. 

Known as an “invisible” disease because there are no evident signs or causes of pain, this invisibility takes a toll. Common fibromyalgia symptoms include:

• Pain throughout the body 
• Brain fog and fatigue 
• Anxiety; trouble sleeping 

Common triggers include stress, temperature changes, and poor ergonomics. There’s no cure for fibromyalgia, but it can usually be controlled with healthy habits and pain management. 

How to manage fibromyalgia at work 

Many people find ways to manage their fibromyalgia symptoms and live a relatively normal life. It all starts with building your support system and creating healthy habits — both at home and at work. This means:

Communicating on the job

Yes, it’s uncomfortable to tell your boss and co-workers you have a painful disease that can impact your work. However, if you can educate them about fibromyalgia, explaining that you might have days where you may not be up to your usual self, you can establish alternative ways to accomplish your work. 

For instance, you may be able to work remotely some days, or ask for a flexible schedule during pain flares. Or, you might benefit from a more ergonomically friendly computer set-up. 

Following a healthy diet 

Healthy foods are a cornerstone of good health, and healthy eating patterns can also help minimize fibromyalgia pain episodes. Many people find that eliminating sugary or processed foods help them feel better. Stick to fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins like chicken and fish. 

Managing the temperature 

If it’s cold in your office, dress in layers and take measures to stay warm. Colder temperatures are a common fibromyalgia trigger for many people. 

Managing your stress

Take breaks when you can. Some people find it helps to make detailed lists of their work responsibilities so they can follow a checklist to minimize mistakes. Try not to overload your calendar with responsibilities outside of work. It’s important to allow yourself downtime.

Comprehensive care for fibromyalgia 

Managing fibromyalgia symptoms requires making thoughtful adjustments. If you’ve been living with the disease for a while, you may have already found some proactive ways to manage your symptoms. Reducing stress is important; so is healthy eating. We can help you find other proactive ways to keep fibromyalgia pain at bay. 

Our Spine & Pain Center of San Antonio team can also help you manage your fibromyalgia symptoms — including creating a game plan for better coping when you have bad days on the job. Call or click online to schedule your appointment today.