At present there is no cure for fibromyalgia. Patients can work with their doctor to address individual symptoms like sleep, pain and orthostatic intolerance. There are a few pharmaceuticals approved to treat fibromyalgia pain. However successful management will require lifestyle adjustment. It should be noted that people with fibromyalgia often have sensitivities or abnormal responses to medications. It is wise to start at low doses and increase gradually.

Sleep is very important to maintaining good health. Patients may need to consult a sleep specialist. However, management techniques aimed at reducing symptom severity will also help to improve the quality of sleep.

Like ME/CFS, the symptoms of fibromyalgia are exacerbated by over exertion, stress or anxiety. Careful day to day management will require limiting activities. Patients need to observe what activities, situations or foods may aggravate symptoms and consider ways to avoid triggering onset. Things like reducing activities, taking rest periods, avoiding stressful situations are helpful. See the article on pacing.

It is not uncommon to have food sensitivities. The best way to isolate harmful foods is by trial and error. As with all chronic conditions a healthy diet is recommended consisting of an abundance of fresh fruits and vegetables and low in sugars and processed foods.

Exercise is important, however patients with fibromyalgia should approach exercise with caution. It is important to understand your limits. Lighter activities more often may be better than short sessions of strenuous exercise. Low impact forms of exercise include Tai Chi, yoga and swimming while meditation is good for relaxation and stress reduction.