Fibromyalgia is a syndrome characterized by pain in the soft tissues and muscles that
can be felt below and above the waist. In order to have been diagnosed with
fibromyalgia, a sufferer has to have pain or tenderness in at least 11 of the overall18
trigger points on the body when pressure is applied. There is no cure for fibromyalgia,
but there are a variety of methods that can be combined in order to help control it's
devastating symptoms.

Simple changes in lifestyle have the ability to go a long way when it comes to prevention
of any chronic illness. Since fibromyalgia's main symptoms are pain, certain action is
necessary to take in order to help control it from becoming any worse. Pilates and
stretching exercises can be performed to help alleviate some of the pain associated with
fibromyalgia. Pilates is basically an exercise that was invented to build strength in the
core muscles, and to help reduce pain. The movements are small and safe. Anyone can
do them, even if they have a chronic condition like fibromyalgia. With fibromyalgia, there
needs to be some form of physical activity that can help to strengthen the body.

Unlike heavy weight lifting or aerobic activity, Pilates and stretching will not tire you out.
Instead, strength of the spine and core muscles is mastered through small, controlled
movements that are done on a comfortable floor mat. There is no pressure whatsoever.
The movements are not meant to be uncomfortable in the least bit. They were strictly
designed to help the body reduce pain, regain it's natural spinal alignment, and to build
inner strength.

Pilates and stretching exercises can be done as many times per day as you see fit, but
two will be enough to see a difference. The workouts are usually no longer than 10
minutes, depending on which one that you would like to perform for the day. There is a
lot of stretching and toning involved in the workouts, which makes this an even more
beneficial exercise for fibromyalgia sufferers. Be careful not to push yourself too far when
performing these movements. If they begin to cause pain, then the best thing to do is
stop the exercises, relax, stretch, and then try again without overdoing it. Fortunately,
Pilates movements have been designed to be so safe that it is quite difficult to overdo it.
There shouldn't be too much of a concern for injury if everything is done correctly, and
slowly.

It all comes down to living a more healthy lifestyle. Pilates and stretching exercises help
to increase pain tolerance because a considerable amount of strength is added to the
body. When those inner core muscles become stronger, they become more resistant to
stress. Exercising naturally increases the chemicals in the brain associated with pain
relief, which in turn increases the benefits of performing a daily Pilates and stretching
routine. These exercises also increase mobility in those that have a hard time
performing a full range of movement. The benefits are very plentiful, and the pain
reduction is real.

There are a range of DVD's on sale at http://www.pilatesorstretchforbackpain.com which
have been recommended by a leading British Osteopath/Physiotherapist.
Please visit my blog at http://stretchorpilatesforbackpain.com/wordpress/?feed=rss2