terça-feira, 22 de maio de 2018


How to Understand an Autistic Person's Needs

Posted: 22 May 2018 01:00 AM PDT

The understanding and attitude towards autism varies between people and communities. Some notice the signs of autism in near and dear ones and immediately seek treatment. However there are some who are still ignorant or not very clear about the impact of autism in someone. If you have someone in your family, neighborhood, school or workplace who show these symptoms, you can be considerate of that individual and speak to them or their family so they can receive support.

EditSteps

EditUnderstanding Childhood Difficulties

  1. Look for developmental differences. Autistic children may develop more quickly in some areas and more slowly than others. They may need help learning to communicate, walk, read, and more. It has been described as a "different road entirely."[1]
    Boy Using AAC Button.png
    • Children who do not learn to speak right away can use AAC such as sign language, picture exchange communication systems (PECS), picture boards, and more. Don't be afraid that using alternative communication systems will hold back language; it won't hold them back, may actually encourage verbalizations, and can bridge the gap until they learn to speak (if they are ever able to).[2]
    • Children who have trouble controlling their bodies may not be able to let on that they are thinking more deeply than others realize.[3][4]
    • Some autistic children develop at an average or fast speed relative to their non-autistic peers. Delayed skills may not be visible until childhood, teen, or adult years.
  2. Keep an eye on communication struggles. Autistic children may have difficulty expressing themselves, and understanding others.
    Boy Speaks Tangled Words.png
    • They may find it hard to express how they feel.
    • They tend to think literally, and may have trouble understanding implications, hints, metaphors, or tasks that require them to "read between the lines."
    • They may not understand body language, and have difficulty recognizing what it means and how to use it.
    • Other people may judge them negatively for being different. Harsh, critical, or cruel feedback may make an autistic child feel anxious about socializing.
  3. Recognize how school can be harder for autistic children. Some autistic children may need extra help learning the material, while others may be underchallenged and bored. Regardless of intelligence, many autistic students struggle to stay organized, communicate with teachers, handle transitions, and stay on top of all the bustle of a school day. Extra support can help meet their unique needs.
    Man Consoles Teen Boy.png
    • A school can form an IEP to identify the student's strengths and needs, and set goals for learning at their individual pace.
    • Untreated co-occurring health problems, such as anxiety disorders or digestive issues, may cause them to miss school more often.
    • Not all support and "tutoring" is based in academic subjects, either. Autistic children may benefit from educational therapy or coaching for executive functioning and organization/time-management skills. Tutoring sessions on learning how to study, how to organize your time, and how to approach assignments can be just as helpful, if not more so, than tutoring focused on the actual academic subject.
  4. Consider how autistic kids may struggle to make friends. Autistic people find it difficult to read non-autistic body language, and understand what their peers are thinking. Therapies such as RDI can help autistic children learn to communicate well with people who are so different from them.
    Little Girl Hugging Toy Fish in Corner.png
    • Many autistic people describe the difference as a cultural divide, as if they had come from another planet with different customs.[5] Extra support can help lessen the "culture shock" and explain common non-autistic social norms, such as white lies and eye contact.
  5. Recognize the risk of bullying. Autistic people are more likely to be targeted by bullies, and may not know how to respond to it or recognize the types of bullying. A specialist can help them recognize when someone is being mean and develop an action plan for getting help (and what to do if adults are unhelpful).
    Girl with Down Syndrome Disapproves.png
    • Take your loved one seriously if they say someone is deeply upsetting them. Even if you don't fully understand it, let them know that their emotions are important and you care about the problem.
    • Autistic children may find an easier time making friends who are also disabled, as these children are less likely to judge the child for being different.
  6. Notice self care issues. The child may struggle with motor skills (e.g. tying shoes), disorganization, and confusion about how to do a task. A therapist can help them learn to take care of themselves, and teach life skills that they'll need in adulthood. Skills like brushing your teeth and preparing snacks can be taught in a structured setting, and then generalized with support until they can be practiced independently at home.
    Small Girl Zips Her Jacket.png
  7. Consider sensory issues. Hypersensitivity may make some things difficult or painful to tolerate, such as the sound of sirens or the feel of a scratchy tag. Hyposensitivity may mean a hyperactive child, who is always moving and has difficulty focusing or sitting calmly.
    Boy Covering Ears.png
    • An occupational therapist can help you build a "sensory diet" of activities to improve sensory issues, both by sating the need for input and acclimating the child to difficult input.
    • Sensory issues may lead to self-injurious stimming, which needs to be redirected into something non-harmful.
  8. Understand the need for routine. Uncertainty and unpredictability can be frightening to autistic children. Having a consistent routine helps them predict what happens next, and can help them feel calmer.
    Illustrated Bedtime Schedule.png
    • Having a calendar, picture schedule, or written schedule can help them understand what will happen.
  9. Consider the need to stim and fidget. Autistic children may move and act in different ways, like rocking back and forth, flicking their fingers, humming, spinning, and doing other unique things. While it can look unusual, it is important to the child's well-being.
    Sister Laughs While Autistic Brother Flaps Hands.png
  10. Recognize difficulties with stress. Painful sensory issues, social challenges, disruptions from routine, negative feedback from adults, and all kinds of difficulties can be very stressful for autistic people. Stress management can be hard for an autistic person, and they may melt down or shut down when they are overwhelmed.
    Big Sister Helps Stressed Little Sister.png
    • Autistic children may need more time to relax than other children do. This can help them stay calmer.
  11. Keep in mind that every autistic child is different. It's normal for autistic children to have problems that are not mentioned here, and to not have serious troubles in every area. As you get to know a child, you will learn about their unique abilities and needs.
    Cute Girl in REDinstead Shirt.png

EditUnderstanding Adulthood Difficulties

Autism is a lifelong disability, and its childhood symptoms continue into adulthood. Autistic adults face new challenges as they grow older.

  1. Recognize that childhood symptoms do not fade upon turning 18. Many autistic adults continue to struggle with understanding others, staying organized, sensory issues, and other challenges. This can impact future school, work, relationships, and home life.
    Disabled Man Walks in Woods.png
  2. Consider the existence of developmental delays. Autistic people learn skills at their own pace, sometimes faster and sometimes slower than their peers.[6] Thus, an autistic adult may be highly specialized, perhaps writing award-winning poetry while being unable to hand wash dishes or clean the bathroom. These developmental delays can pose a challenge during transitions to college, work, or one's own place to live.
    Woman in Hijab Smells Flowers.png
    • A 25-year-old could have the expertise of a 40-year-old in computer science, but have the self care skills of a 10-year-old. Just as it would be inappropriate to expect a 10-year-old to live independently, many autistic adults need continued support despite being at an age where neurotypicals can be independent.
  3. Realize they may need some accommodations in educational settings. Education doesn't have to stop after high school. However, in many countries, the university and college system is very different from the secondary school environment, and it may require autistic students to be self advocates in a way they haven't been before. In the US in particular, students may need to disclose their autism to their institutions in order to be eligible for accommodations.[7] Depending on their needs, they may be eligible for help like a note taker or extended time for tests.
    Girl Raises Hand in Class.png
  4. Recognize that autistic adults may have difficulty working. Some autistic people cannot handle complex or abstract tasks, and may need to work minimum-wage jobs, such as in an assembly line. Others may be quite capable intellectually, and struggle with issues such as disorganization,[8] chronic anxiety, and working in teams.
    Stressed Man 2.png
    • Support from specialists may be the difference between a waitressing job and unemployment, or between job-hopping and finding a stable and fulfilling job.
  5. Consider social challenges that autistic adults face at work. Work comes with a completely new set of unspoken social rules, which may be difficult for autistic adults to pick up. Many autistic adults rely upon mentors to help with questions from "What should I wear?" to "How do I handle this situation with my boss?"[9]
    Man in Blue Asks Question.png
  6. Look out for self-esteem issues, depression, anxiety, and other mental health problems.[10] Diagnosed late or early, autistic people may suffer from being left out and failing to meet non-autistics' expectations. Autistic people may need extra encouragement and support from their loved ones, to reassure them that they are loved just they way they are.
    Sad Teen Sitting Alone.png
  7. Recognize that relationships can be a struggle for autistic people. Autistic people find social interactions difficult, and this can include building and maintaining romantic relationships.
    Sad People Sitting Apart.png
  8. Consider needs in the household. Some autistic people struggle to keep their home in order. Cooking, cleaning, paying bills, and other everyday chores may be challenging or impossible. This may be related to motor skills, intellectual ability, and/or disorganization.
    Girl Stands in Living Room.png
    • If married, an autistic adult may be able to rely upon their spouse for housework. Others may continue living with parents or loved ones. Some are eligible for disability support, such as an agency that cleans for them.
  9. Remember that every autistic person is unique. An autistic person may struggle a lot in one area, and need no help in another. They'll have needs not described here, related to their background, personality, other traits, and other disabilities (if any). Look at the autistic person as an individual when considering what they need.
    Diverse Group of People.png
    • Different autistics will need different accommodations and supports. For example, one autistic person might desperately need a quiet workplace, while another enjoys noise and bustle. Tailor accommodations to the individual.
    • A therapy or approach that works for one autistic person may not work for another.

EditGetting Support

  1. Consider therapies and medications to help your autistic loved one. Many types of therapies are available that can teach the person needed skills, from cooking to asking for help. Medications can help with co-occurring conditions such as anxiety and epilepsy.
    Pill Bottle.png
  2. Look into living opportunities for autistic adults. They may be able and eager to live alone completely independently, or with minimal support from roommates or loved ones. However, there are also lots of alternatives available if they need or desire a more supportive structure. Get your loved one evaluated to see what types of services they qualify for. This may include...
    Peaceful Street.png
    • In-home services, such as cooking and cleaning
    • Group homes
    • Quality institutions
  3. Ensure that all caregivers have a support network. Caring for children and adults is a challenge, and parents/caregivers should get assistance as needed.
    Older Woman Talks to Young Man.png
    • Look into respite services, which allow caregivers to take a break to re-center themselves.
    • Encourage caregivers to engage with the Autistic community, which can offer advice, since its members were once autistic children.[11] (It can also show them what autistic adults look like, and autistic people can be good friends as well as non-autistics.)
  4. Recognize that not all autistic traits need to be treated. Autism also comes with positive traits: systematizing skills, attention to detail, and visual perceptiveness. Other traits, such as deep focus and most stimming, are different but harmless. Rather than stamping autism out of the autistic person, the goal should be helping them grow into a capable, happy, and confident autistic adult.
    Girl with Down Syndrome Enjoys Nature.png
    • Training people to act "normal" and blend in at all costs can be harmful. If your therapist pushes this, say that this is not okay with you, or get a new therapist.
  5. Celebrate and work on their strengths. Helping an autistic person doesn't only mean working on their weaknesses; it includes building their strengths. Encourage them to develop, explore, and share their skills.
    Autistic Girl and Grandma Read.png
    • Harness their strengths to help them learn new things. For example, a young child who loves dogs could learn to count by counting pictures of dogs, and a student interested in stars could practice public speaking by giving a presentation on stars.
    • Avoid overly intensive therapies. Autistic people (especially children) should be able to enjoy undirected free time, so they can explore things that interest them, and have fun.
  6. Encourage your loved one to interact with the Autistic community. In-person and online friendships with other autistic people can support their self-esteem, and they can share coping strategies with each other. Consider...
    Autistic Man and Woman Happy Stimming.png
    • Autism/disability play groups
    • Special Olympics
    • Support groups for disabled/autistic people
    • Online Autistic community, through #ActuallyAutistic, #AskAnAutistic, and #REDinstead
  7. Ensure that the autistic person receives plenty of love and support. It's challenging to be an autistic person in a non-autistic world, and your loved one may fear that no one will like them, or that they are a burden. Surround them with people who love them just the way they are. Give them plenty of evidence of their worth.
    Woman Hugs Girl 2.png

EditWarnings

  • Some therapies and institutions use abusive "aversives" to inflict pain as a punishment, or push the autistic person to act "normal," even though it may cause psychological pain. Do some research to ensure that your loved one is safe, and take notice if the therapy/institution is upsetting them.

EditRelated wikiHows


EditSources and Citations


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How to Use a Highlighter Stick

Posted: 21 May 2018 05:00 PM PDT

Highlighter sticks are so fun and easy to use—one swipe is all it takes to make your complexion glow! Start by selecting a highlighter shade that compliments your skin tone. Gently swipe the stick once across each cheek bone, down the bridge of your nose, and below each eyebrow arch for a sun-kissed glow. For a more dramatic strobing effect, lightly blend out the edges of each highlight. For a more natural-looking sheen, blend out a little more to get rid of hard lines. Lock in your look with a makeup setting spray and you're ready to go!

EditSteps

EditChoosing a Shade

  1. Choose an ivory or cream highlighter shade if you have fair skin. If you have a pale complexion, cream and ivory highlighters with a pearlescent or icy-silver tinge work really well. While these shades tend to look ghostly and unnatural on other complexions, they add a natural-looking glow to fair skin.[1]
    Use a Highlighter Stick Step 1.jpg
    • Look for highlighter shades that include words like "moonbeam," "ice," and "crystalline."
    • Avoid shades that are darker than cream and ivory. They can look unnatural on fair skin.
  2. Use a peach or gold highlighter shade for medium skin tones. Cream and ivory highlighter shades can look too frosty on medium tanned skin. Peachy and golden highlighters create a sun-kissed glow that works well with your natural complexion. Nude shades also work well.[2]
    Use a Highlighter Stick Step 2.jpg
    • Look for highlighter shades that include words like "sunbeam," "golden," and "bronze."
  3. Go with rose gold or bronze shades if you have a dark complexion. Stay away from frosty shades, since these can give darker complexions a grayish look. Highly pigmented highlighter shades in bronze, rose gold, and gold will give you the subtle, healthy glow you want.[3]
    Use a Highlighter Stick Step 3.jpg
    • Look for highlighter shades that include words like "sunset," "rose," and "copper."
  4. Opt for shades with a blue or purple tinge if you have cool undertones. If the veins on the underside of your wrists look blue or purple, you have a cool skin tone. Look for highlighters that have pearly flecks that are bluish, purple, or cool pink.[4]
    Use a Highlighter Stick Step 4.jpg
    • These highlighters often have names that include words like "lavender," "ice blue," and "strobe."
  5. Choose shades with champagne or gold if you have warm undertones. If the veins on the underside of your wrists appear green, you have a warm skin tone. Highlighters with warm, pearlescent flecks of champagne and gold will look best on you.[5]
    Use a Highlighter Stick Step 5.jpg
    • These highlighters tend to have names containing words like "moonstone," "glow," or "champagne."
    • Stay away from the blues and lavenders, which can look unnatural on people with warm undertones.
  6. Experiment with different highlighters if you have neutral undertones. If you can't tell if the veins on the undersides of your wrists are green or blue, you probably have a neutral skin tone. That means both cooler, icy shades and warm, golden shades will be flattering on you.[6]
    Use a Highlighter Stick Step 6.jpg
    • Experiment with a range of highlighters and pick your favorite!
    • Try shades with both warm and cool tones, like rose gold.

EditApplying the Highlighter Stick

  1. Apply your favorite foundation and concealer. Highlighter sticks should be applied near the end of your makeup routine. Go ahead and apply your usual foundation and concealer as you normally would. Dust your face lightly with translucent powder to set the makeup.[7]

    • You can also use highlighter sticks without makeup for a subtle, natural sheen.
  2. Contour with a darker shade under your cheekbones. Lightly contouring your cheekbones will make your highlighter pop. If you like to contour, feel free to go beyond just the cheekbones and contour your nose, jaw, and chin, as well. If contouring isn't your thing, just apply foundation or powder that's 2 shades darker than your skin tone to the hollows of your cheek bones.[8]

    • Blend out gently at the hairline to get rid of any harsh lines.
    • If you prefer, you can skip contouring and just apply highlights. This effect is called "strobing."
  3. Swipe the highlighter stick lightly across both cheek bones. Place the stick at the bottom of your cheek bone, close to your nose, right above the dark contour line you just created. Press down lightly and sweep the highlighter stick up to the hairline 1 time. Do this for both cheeks.[9]

    • Highlighter sticks are creamy formulas that have a lot of staying power. Use a light hand – you can always apply more!
    • Highlighting the cheek bones brightens your face and provides a sun-kissed glow.
  4. Swipe the highlighter stick down the bridge of your nose. Start at the top of your nose, close to your eyebrows. Place the stick lightly against the bridge of your nose and sweep it down to the tip of your nose. You only need to do a single swipe.

    • Applying highlighter here creates a natural-looking glow and can make your nose look slimmer.
  5. Add highlighter above and below the arch of your eyebrows. Place the highlighter stick right beneath your eyebrow in the center, lined up evenly with your iris. Press down gently and make 1 swipe along your brow bone, underneath the eyebrow. Stop at the tail end of your eyebrow. Move the stick to the same starting position right above your eyebrow and swipe again.[10]

    • Do this for both eyes. You'll make 2 swipes for each eyebrow – 1 below the eyebrow and 1 above it.
    • Highlighting these areas brightens your face and gives you a youthful glow.
  6. Dab the highlighter stick just above your top lip. The little "V" that your top lip creates in the center, just below your nose, is called your Cupid's bow. Place the highlighter stick there and make 1 light dab to illuminate the area. This will brighten up your face and accentuate your top lip.[11]

    • This can also create the illusion of a fuller upper lip.[12]
  7. Dab the highlighter stick once in the corner of each eye. Close your left eye, then lightly dab the highlighter stick in the corner. You only need to dab once! Repeat the same thing with your right eye. Using your highlighter stick in the corners of your eyes can brighten up your face and make you look more alert.[13]

    • You can dab once at the center of each eyelid if you want to brighten up your eyes even more.
  8. Dab the highlighter stick once in the center of your chin. Place the highlighter stick right below your lower lip at the center of your chin. Press down lightly and dab the stick once. This will accentuate your lower lip and add to your overall dewy glow.[14]

    • This can also create the illusion of a fuller lower lip.[15]
  9. Add highlighter above the jawline to soften a strong jaw. Swipe the highlighter stick along your jaw, a little above the natural jawline. Stop just before you reach your chin. Blend the highlighter in for a slimming, softening effect.[16]

  10. Highlight the center of your forehead to elongate your face. If you have a round or square face, highlighter in the middle of your forehead can add length and minimize width. Dab the highlighter stick to create a circular shape in the center of your forehead.[17]

EditBlending and Completing the Look

  1. Blend just the edges of each highlighted area for a strobing effect. "Strobing" is essentially just amped up highlighting. It creates a bolder look and can be fun to wear on a night out. Use a makeup sponge or your fingertips to gently fade the edges of each line or dab you made with the highlighter stick.[18]

    • Keep in mind that strobing isn't as natural-looking as traditional highlighting.
  2. Blend additionally to create a more natural-looking sheen. If you want to create a softer, dewy look, use a makeup sponge or your fingertips to blend each highlighted area into your skin. Blend gently by rubbing in soft circles until you're happy with amount of highlighter on your face.[19]

    • This will get rid of any hard lines.
  3. Use a makeup setting spray all over your face to lock in the look. To keep your makeup in place all day, close your eyes and gently mist a makeup setting spray all over your face. Keep your eyes closed for a few seconds to let the spray penetrate.[20]

    • Don't set your final look with translucent powder, since this will diminish your highlighter and take away from your glow.
  4. Carry your highlighter stick in your bag for touch-ups. One of the great things about highlighter sticks is that they're super portable and easy to use. A quick midday swipe over your cheekbones and the bridge of your nose can rejuvenate your faded glow. Blend gently with your fingertips and you're all set!
    Use a Highlighter Stick Step 20.jpg

EditThings You'll Need

  • Highlighter stick
  • Mirror or compact
  • Makeup sponge or beauty blender

EditSources and Citations


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How to Diagnose Fibromyalgia

Posted: 21 May 2018 09:00 AM PDT

Fibromyalgia is a condition characterized by chronic muscle pain and weakness. It is commonly associated with symptoms including widespread muscle pain, fatigue, and problems with sleep and concentration. While your symptoms may indicate you have fibromyalgia, the best way to diagnose this chronic condition is to consult with your healthcare provider regarding medical tests.

EditSteps

EditRecognizing Fibromyalgia

  1. Determine your risk for developing fibromyalgia. You may be at higher risk of fibromyalgia if you are a woman, have a family history of fibromyalgia, are middle-aged, or suffer from a rheumatic disease such as rheumatoid arthritis or lupus. Review your medical history and talk to your family to check your personal risk factors.[1]
    Diagnose Fibromyalgia Step 1 Version 2.jpg
    • Symptoms may also sometimes begin after a physical trauma such as surgery or infection.
  2. Monitor muscular symptoms including spasms, tightness, and chronic pain. The most prominent fibromyalgia symptoms are the pain and fatigue of your entire muscular systems. Keep track of how often you experience pain or irregular sensations in your muscles, such as numbness, tingling, burning, twitching, or itching. Write your symptoms down if need help keeping track of their frequency or severity.[2]
    Diagnose Fibromyalgia Step 2 Version 2.jpg
    • Chronic, widespread muscle pain is often characterized as a constant dull ache that lasts for an extended period of time on both sides of your body, and above and below your waist.
    • Muscle pain may also lead to tingling in the limbs, stiffness, or soreness in muscles that have been at rest. For example, you may feel unable to walk or bend after sitting for a long time.
  3. Keep track of how tired you are and how well you sleep. Fibromyalgia is often accompanied by fatigue and decreased energy levels all day long. Take note of how often you feel tired throughout the day, and check to see if you are sleeping completely through the night. Many fibromyalgia patients also struggle with insomnia due to the pain.[3]
    Diagnose Fibromyalgia Step 3 Version 2.jpg
    • Even patients who get a full night's sleep may experience fatigue with fibromyalgia.
  4. Consider times you struggled to remember things in your daily life. Feelings of mental fogginess, also known as "brain fog," may indicate you are struggling with fibromyalgia. This is characterized by being slow to recall basic things such as names or directions in your daily life.[4]
    Diagnose Fibromyalgia Step 4 Version 2.jpg
    • Trouble sleeping or fatigue coupled with chronic pain is an indicator of fibromyalgia. If you experience fatigue or trouble sleeping but do not have muscular pain, you are likely dealing with a different condition.
  5. Check for sensitivity to external stimuli. Fibromyalgia can cause sensitivity to noise, specific foods, odors, bright lights, cold temperatures, and medications. If you notice yourself having adverse reactions to any of those in addition to muscular pain, you may want to talk to your doctor about fibromyalgia.[5]
    Diagnose Fibromyalgia Step 5 Version 2.jpg
    • These sensitivities can often lead to severe headaches. Migraines are a common problem for patients with fibromyalgia.
  6. Keep track of any digestive problems you may have. Common abdominal symptoms include bloating, nausea, constipation, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and frequent, urgent bouts of urination. If you notice that any of these occur regularly throughout the day or week, it may be an indicator of fibromyalgia.[6]
    Diagnose Fibromyalgia Step 6 Version 2.jpg
    • Some patients with fibromyalgia may develop or be diagnosed with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).
  7. Talk to your doctor to eliminate other possible conditions. Unfortunately, fibromyalgia shares symptoms with other conditions. This means that your doctor should eliminate those conditions as possible causes for your symptoms. Your doctor will want to do a physical examination and will likely order diagnostic tests.
    Diagnose Fibromyalgia Step 7 Version 2.jpg
    • Your doctor may want to do a blood test, as well as nerve tests.

EditGetting a Medical Diagnosis

  1. Make an appointment with your healthcare provider. You should contact your healthcare provider as soon as you notice any severe or chronic muscle pain or fatigue. Let them know what symptoms you have or are currently experiencing. You should also tell your healthcare provider if you have any risk factors for or a family history of fibromyalgia.[7]
    Diagnose Fibromyalgia Step 8 Version 2.jpg
    • You can talk to your general practitioner about your symptoms, or you can visit an internist or a rheumatologist.
  2. Have your doctor test for other conditions with similar symptoms. Some other conditions have symptoms to fibromyalgia. Your doctor can perform a series of tests to rule out these other conditions, such as blood tests, X-rays, and biopsies.[8]
    Diagnose Fibromyalgia Step 9 Version 2.jpg
    • There are several conditions that have similar symptoms to fibromyalgia, but you shouldn't be worried about a long list of possible causes. Talk to your doctor about which of these conditions match your specific symptoms. The doctor will then determine if one of those conditions is causing your symptoms, or if you may have fibromyalgia.
  3. Have your doctor test all your body for constant pain. According to rules put in place by the American College of Rheumatology (ACR) in 2010, fibromyalgia can be diagnosed by determining whether you experience constant pain in the 4 quadrants of your body. These quadrants are divided into the left and right sides of your body, and above and below the waist.[9]
    Diagnose Fibromyalgia Step 10 Version 2.jpg
    • For a diagnosis to be made, you need to have experienced pain in a quadrant for a minimum of 3 months.
    • Your doctor may also test for tenderness in the neck, between your shoulder blades, on your elbows, upper hips, inner knees, and the back of your head. These are all areas commonly associated with fibromyalgia.
  4. Ask your doctor to check for related conditions. Patients with fibromyalgia also commonly experience depression, anxiety, and irritable bowel syndrome. Talk to your doctor about all of your physical and mental symptoms to see if you should be screened for any of these conditions in addition to fibromyalgia.[10]
    Diagnose Fibromyalgia Step 11 Version 2.jpg

EditManaging Fibromyalgia Symptoms

  1. Talk to your doctor about taking pain relievers. Over-the-counter pain medication including acetaminophen, ibuprofen, and naproxen sodium may all be helpful in managing your fibromyalgia pain. Talk to your doctor about which medication is right for you. Ask your doctor about what dose you should take and how often you should take it, since they may prescribe a different dose than the packaging suggests.[11]
    Diagnose Fibromyalgia Step 12 Version 2.jpg
    • If you find that over-the-counter drugs aren't helping, let your doctor know. They may be able to provide you with prescriptions medications commonly used to treat fibromyalgia including painkillers.
  2. Work with a physical therapist to improve strength and stamina. A physical therapist can provide you with an exercise routine that will help you manage your fibromyalgia symptoms. Talk to your healthcare provider to get a recommendation for a physical therapy center in your area that specializes in working with fibromyalgia patients.[12]
    Diagnose Fibromyalgia Step 13 Version 2.jpg
    • Likewise, an occupational therapist can help you make adjustments to your workplace layout and routine that may help make your symptoms more manageable throughout the day.
  3. Incorporate strength training into your daily exercise routine. Both strength training and aerobic activity are important for managing fibromyalgia. Strength training, in particular, can help manage muscle stiffness and soreness. Start with to weights and build up slowly with common strength exercises like bicep curls, squats, and bench presses.
    Diagnose Fibromyalgia Step 14 Version 2.jpg
    • Try to give your body a day to rest in between every strength training workout.
    • Shorten the range of motion if you feel it is to painful or strenuous to complete a full exercise. You can even talk to a physical therapist about the right exercise form for you to help accommodate your fibromyalgia.
    • You may want to try activities like water aerobics, yoga, and Pilates, which can help you build strength with a lower impact to your body.
    • Remember that the point of strength training with fibromyalgia isn't to grow your muscles or the amount of weight you can lift. It's to help keep pain away. Always start with smaller amounts of weight and progress gradually.
  4. Allow your body time to rest and recuperate. The physical limitations caused by fibromyalgia make it especially important to give your body time to rest and recover. This goes for daily physical activity as well as work outs. Go slow when you have to and pace yourself throughout the day. Schedule time every day to let your body relax and recover from physical stress.[13]
    Diagnose Fibromyalgia Step 15 Version 2.jpg

EditWarnings

  • Don't start treating yourself for fibromyalgia until you've consulted with your healthcare provider. Your healthcare provider can run a series of tests to determine whether you truly have fibromyalgia, or whether you require treatment for another condition that exhibits similar symptoms.

EditSources and Citations

EditQuick Summary


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