Fibromyalgia is a chronic pain condition that makes daily activities challenging. One of the biggest struggles for people with fibromyalgia is finding a balance between activity and rest. Many people push themselves too hard on “good days”, only to suffer from increased pain, fatigue, and flare-ups afterward.
So, what happens when you do too much with fibromyalgia? Overexertion can lead to severe physical and mental exhaustion, triggering a pain flare-up that can last for days or even weeks.
In this article, we will explore the consequences of overdoing it, why it happens, and how to prevent flare-ups while staying active.
Why Overexertion Is a Problem for Fibromyalgia Patients
How the Nervous System Reacts to Overexertion
People with fibromyalgia have a heightened pain response due to overactive nerves in the brain and spinal cord. When you overdo physical or mental activities, your nervous system goes into overdrive, amplifying pain signals and increasing fatigue and stiffness.
The Cycle of Activity and Pain
Many people with fibromyalgia fall into the “push and crash” cycle:
- You feel good and try to do as much as possible.
- Your body becomes overworked, but you don’t notice it immediately.
- Symptoms intensify hours or days later, leading to a flare–up.
- You are forced to rest, sometimes for several days.
- Once you recover, the cycle repeats.
Breaking this cycle requires listening to your body and pacing your activities.
Symptoms of Overexertion in Fibromyalgia
When you push yourself too hard, your body reacts with a variety of physical and mental symptoms.
1. Increased Widespread Pain
- Muscle and joint pain worsen after excessive activity.
- Burning, aching, or stabbing pain spreads throughout the body.
- Pain lingers for days, making it hard to recover.
2. Severe Fatigue and Energy Crashes
- Feeling completely drained after a period of overexertion.
- Needing longer rest periods than usual.
- Difficulty waking up, even after extended sleep.
3. Cognitive Impairment (“Fibro Fog”)
- Memory problems, forgetfulness, and trouble concentrating.
- Difficulty processing information or making decisions.
- Slower reaction times and mental exhaustion.
4. Muscle Stiffness and Soreness
- Tight, sore muscles that feel worse in the morning.
- Feeling like your body is “locked up” after overdoing it.
- Increased sensitivity to touch and pressure.
5. Emotional Distress and Anxiety
- Frustration and anger at feeling “trapped” by symptoms.
- Increased anxiety about future flare-ups.
- Feeling isolated and misunderstood by others.
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What Triggers Overexertion in Fibromyalgia?
1. Physical Overexertion
- Doing too much physical activity in one day (e.g., cleaning, shopping).
- Skipping rest breaks while working or exercising.
- Lifting heavy objects or doing repetitive motions.
2. Mental and Emotional Overload
- Too much mental focus or stress (e.g., work deadlines, problem-solving).
- Emotional distress, such as arguments or financial worries.
- Overstimulating environments, like loud places or bright lights.
3. Sleep Deprivation and Poor Recovery
- Not getting enough deep sleep, leading to worse symptoms.
- Ignoring early signs of exhaustion and continuing activity.
- Failing to plan rest days between activities.
How to Prevent Overexertion and Fibromyalgia Flare-Ups
1. The Importance of Pacing Activities
Pacing helps you spread out energy use and prevent crashes.
Break large tasks into smaller steps
Rest before exhaustion sets in
Use assistive devices to reduce strain
2. Using the “Spoon Theory” for Energy Management
The Spoon Theory is a method for managing energy:
Each activity takes a “spoon” of energy
People with fibromyalgia start with fewer spoons than healthy people
Once spoons are used up, exhaustion sets in
