Low-intensity gradual exercise
Start low-impact aerobics such as walking, cycling, or swimming, as well as flexibility and strength exercises, at a level lower than your current functioning and increase them in small increments.
Sleep/activity pacing and psychotherapy
Maintain consistent wake and sleep times, and avoid using all your energy even on good days. Use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) to address the interpretation of pain, avoidance, and life goals.
Medication based on symptom goals
Antidepressants and anticonvulsants are selected by monitoring pain, sleep, mood, and side effects together, while reviewing the sedative effects and interactions of multiple medications.
Do not push for intense exercise all at once
While exercise is essential, a sudden increase in intensity can lead to worsening symptoms. Gradually increase activity while recording activity and recovery time.
Do not rely solely on repeated use of NSAIDs
Since fibromyalgia is not primarily centered on tissue inflammation, the effect of general anti-inflammatory painkillers (NSAIDs) is limited; their role is distinguished when other pain disorders are present.
Do not adjust opioids or sedatives arbitrarily
Carefully evaluate the benefits and risks for long-term pain. If already taking these medications, do not suddenly stop or increase the dose; instead, create a plan with your prescribing healthcare provider.
How Baekrokdam approaches care
At Baekrokdam, we first rule out new inflammatory, neurological, or cardiopulmonary causes and place gradual exercise, sleep, pacing, psychotherapy, and necessary medications at the center of standard care. Korean herbal medicine treatment does not delay responses to acute risks or suicide crises. Only when chronic or recurring pain, fatigue, and sleep discomfort remain after sufficient treatment do we determine the scope of supplementary care after checking for interactions.
- Pain, fatigue, sleep, cognition, and functioning in work and housework
- Differential diagnosis results for inflammatory, neurological, endocrine, and sleep disorders
- Participation and response to exercise, pacing, cognitive behavioral therapy, and acceptance and commitment therapy
- Current medications, sedatives, and health supplements, including their effects and side effects
- Changes in joint swelling, high fever, muscle strength, sensation, or bowel and bladder function
Avoid overlapping roles with existing treatments
Maintain your exercise, psychological, and sleep management along with prescribed medications, and set specific goals for pain, fatigue, and sleep that Korean herbal medicine will support.
Monitor the rhythm between overexertion and prolonged rest
Reduce the cycle of overactivity on good days followed by bed rest after a flare-up, and track consistent activity levels and recovery time.
Judge response based on actual function rather than pain
Observe changes in walking, housework, work, outings, and sleep; if there is no change or if symptoms worsen, the diagnosis and treatment will be reassessed.
The standard treatment for fibromyalgia is a combination of gradual exercise, sleep, activity pacing, psychotherapy, and medications tailored to specific symptoms. Acute joint swelling, high fever, progressive neurological symptoms, chest pain, difficulty breathing, and suicidal crises require immediate priority medical care; Baekrokdam Korean herbal medicine treatment does not replace or delay these.
