A fibromyalgia flare (or flare-up) is a temporary increase in the number and/or intensity of symptoms.  Worsening pain and fatigue are generally the first two symptoms noticed in a fibro-flare.  But other symtpoms like poor sleep, increased cognitive dysfunction and digestive disturbances are often experienced as well.  

Some flares only last for a day or two but others may continue for several weeks or even months.  It's those long flares that are the hardest to deal with because it feels like they will never end.  When you start to feel discouraged in the midst of a long flare, it's important to remind yourself that flares are temporary.  They will eventually begin to subside. 

The best way to prevent FM flares is to identify what causes them and when possible, try to avoid the circumstances that trigger them.  Keep in mind that a flare may not occur for up to 48 hours after the event that triggered it. 

Causes of Fibromyalgia Flares

In my experience, 10 of the most common causes for fibromyalgia flares are:

1.  Weather changes

Possibly the most common cause of short-term fibro-flares can be attributed to changes in the weather.  Whenever the barometric pressure changes and a new front passes through, many people with FM experience an increase in their symptoms – particularly in their pain level.  Fortunately, these flares usually only last for a day or two.

2.  Over-exertion

Any time we push ourselves too far physically, we're in danger of triggering a flare.  On those rare days when we feel pretty good, it's so hard not to try to catch up with all of the chores and activities we've been unable to do for the past month or two.  But overdoing, even when you feel good, will usually come back and bite you in the form of a fibro-flare.  It's better to increase your activity level gradually so that hopefully you'll have more good days with fewer setbacks.

3.  Stress

Stress may be the granddaddy of fibro-flare triggers.  We're always hearing how prolonged stress negatively affects our health and can lead to heart attacks and strokes.  What we don't always realize is that stress can have a significant impact on fibromyalgia symptoms as well. 

Stress can be a particularly insidious culprit when it comes to fibro-flare triggers because it often sneaks up on us.  Our responsibilities gradually increase, the economy gets worse, our child gets sick – without consciously thinking about it our stress levels have gone through the roof.  Then one day we find ourselves in the midst of a major flare and wonder what caused it.  It's been my experience that stress-related flares often last the longest because they can be the most difficult to identify and then find ways by which we can manage the stress. 

4.  Illness or injury

Just as an illness or injury often triggers the onset of fibromyalgia, another illness or injury can trigger a flare of FM symptoms.  Even something as simple as the common cold can result in a fibro-flare.