Fibromyalgia

It seems I’m in the minority when I say my fibro is better in the hot weather. I will sweat up a storm, but I can function so much better in the summer. Conversely, I can’t tolerate cold well and even require extra medical treatment in the winter months. So these tip aren’t for me, but everyone else! Lol!

Tips for Chronic Pain Sufferers During Hot Weather

1. Drink more water than you think you need to before going out into the heat. Hydration is extremely important. When you become dehydrated, your chronic pain condition can flare, and headaches that occur with dehydration are extremely common. Most of the time, if you feel thirsty, you’ve waited too long to have something to drink. Make sure you have plenty of water with you wherever you are in the summer. Taking small sips on a frequent basis will help mitigate dehydration.
2. Think about where you will sit. Activities in the summer months often involve seating that is not particularly comfortable for the body, such as bleachers at a ball game, picnic tables, or the hard ground at the park. Keep a lightweight, easy to carry, and simple to set up chair in your car so you always have it if you need it. While any seat may be better than standing or sitting on the ground, try to find one that will be comfortable for you so you won’t make conditions, such as back pain, any worse.
3. Spend time where you can stay cool — the water. The happy place for many people with chronic pain during summer is the water. Swimming or even just very easy stretching and movement in the water can be a wonderful respite. Preventing your skin and your body from becoming overheated will go a long way in preventing pain or flare ups. Consider taking cool showers if you do not have access to a pool or other swimming area.
4. Stay inside to avoid extreme heat when you can and take proper precautions. The common advice for avoiding sun damage applies for chronic pain — stay indoors, preferably air conditioned environments, during the hottest parts of the day, seek shade, wear protective but loose fitting clothing, and apply sunscreen regularly. Plan to be outside during the early morning or late evening, and take a handheld fan with you wherever you go for a little bit of cooling power.
5. Keep an eye on air quality. During the summer, it is especially important to pay close attention to air quality ratings before heading outdoors. Evidence has shown that urban air pollution can increase inflammation, particularly for people diagnosed with fibromyalgia, chronic pain syndrome, and multiple sclerosis. If air quality is an issue, it may be best to cancel plans for being outside.
6. Boost your immune system with fresh summer foods. Keeping to an anti-inflammatory diet during the summer should be easy with so many fresh fruits and vegetables available. Enjoy the delicious fresh produce while boosting your body’s reserves of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and more. Cherries are a great example of a summer fruit that can have positive effects for those with chronic pain. The USDA found that cherries contain pain-fighting and inflammation-reducing compounds that can help lessen pain, particularly arthritis.

Source for tips: 6 Tips for Chronic Pain Sufferers During Hot Weather