Fibromyalgia: New Report Suggests Modest Exercise Helps Patients with Chronic Pain

A new report presented at the 24th Annual Meeting of the American Academy of Pain Medicine (February 15, 2008: Abstract 105) suggests your level of physical fitness can have dramatic effects on pain, both immediately and over the long term.

A lack of physical fitness often goes hand in hand with chronic pain, because when you hurt, you may exercise less. This vicious cycle can also result in weight gain. The study's investigator, Dr. Burleson from the Cleveland Clinic Foundation, studied chronic pain patients over a three week period focusing on brief 10 minute aerobic exercises (only five hours per week), and how this protocol affected mood, pain and perceived exertion. The patients reported immediate effects on these factors, which is surprising since the program was so brief.

There were also improvements in heart function after the end of three weeks as well as improvements in depression and anxiety scores. This suggests a reduction in mortality risk when exercise is part of person's life-style. The research also means exercise may be a helpful non-drug alternative to some types of medications for pain and depression. It's important to always consult a medical doctor before discontinuing any prescription medication.

Our clinic works closely with patients to implement a safe and effective exercise program that you can continue over the long term. We will address limitations and injuries, which we all have. It's important to implement a new exercise program gradually to reduce the risk of injuries. You may also need help with weight-loss, which is best done before starting rigorous exercise. Excess weight can make the risk of injury greater, which will ultimately curtail any exercise program.

You generally cannot lose weight with exercise alone. Perhaps you could when you were 19-yrs-old, but boomers need to get the weight down first, because of the stress on spinal and knee joints. There may also be certain nutrients lacking in your diet, which makes the risk of over-training greater. It's important to use vitamin and mineral supplements when dieting since you will be consuming fewer calories and generally fewer critically important nutrients. Adequate rest is also needed so that you have time to recover and rebuild after a round of exercise. Moderate and modest exercise levels are keys to sustaining a program over the long run.