Fibronomics Rule #3: Support Always Welcome
Mark Pellegrino, MD posted:
Fibronomics definition: the art of properly manipulating our fibromyalgia bodies in the environment to enable completion of an activity with minimal pain.
The 4 Rules of Fibronomics
1. Arms stay home
2. Unload the back
3. Support always welcome
4. Be naturally shifty
Thank you for your participation so far. It's time to bring on Rule #3: Support always welcome. This one is easy: whenever possible, take advantage of existing structures in our environment to relieve some of the force on our bodies.
Examples of common support structures:
Arms
Let's hear some specific examples and tips that work for you.
Dr. P
The 4 Rules of Fibronomics
1. Arms stay home
2. Unload the back
3. Support always welcome
4. Be naturally shifty
Thank you for your participation so far. It's time to bring on Rule #3: Support always welcome. This one is easy: whenever possible, take advantage of existing structures in our environment to relieve some of the force on our bodies.
Examples of common support structures:
Arms
- Armrests
- Rest arms on head, lap, or body
- Cross arms
- Hold one arm with other arm
- Furniture (table, desk, counter-top)
- Pockets, muffs, slings
- Chair
- Wall
- Foot stool
- Brace, belt
- Stair rails
- pillows, cushions
- Adjustable car seat/armrests
- Another person
Let's hear some specific examples and tips that work for you.
Dr. P
22 Replies |Watch This Discussion | Report This| Share this:Fibronomics Rule #3: Support Always WelcomeFibronomics definition: the art of properly manipulating our fibromyalgia bodies in the environment to enable completion of an activity with minimal pain.<br /><br />The 4 Rules of Fibronomics<br />1. Arms stay home<br />2. Unload the back<br />3. Support always welcome<br />4. Be naturally shifty<br /> <br />Thank you for your participation so far. It's time to bring on Rule #3: Support always welcome. This one is easy: whenever possible, take advantage of existing structures in our environment to relieve some of the force on our bodies.<br /> <br />Examples of common support structures:<br /> <br /><b>Arms</b><br /> <ul><li>Armrests</li><li>Rest arms on head, lap, or body</li><li>Cross arms</li><li>Hold one arm with other arm</li><li>Furniture (table, desk, counter-top)</li><li>Pockets, muffs, slings</li></ul><b>Back</b><br /> <ul><li>Chair</li><li>Wall</li><li>Foot stool</li><li>Brace, belt</li></ul><b>Both arms and back</b><br /> <ul><li>Stair rails</li><li>pillows, cushions</li><li>Adjustable car seat/armrests</li><li>Another person</li></ul>And remember the best support of all, your FMily!<br /> <br />Let's hear some specific examples and tips that work for you.<br /> <br />Dr. P<br /><b></b>
Dollbug responded:
Dr. P..... really good things.....I know since I have been sleeping in a recliner for several years now....and I have pillows and a lot of them....my neck, my arms...my back and my legs...ok....I really sleep on pillows while in the recliner....I think that is a better description....
Last night I laid down in the bed for an hour...and I could hardly move to get up...
So I can relate to all of these....
Thanks for sharing....
MiMi
Last night I laid down in the bed for an hour...and I could hardly move to get up...
So I can relate to all of these....
Thanks for sharing....
MiMi
Report This| Share this:Fibronomics Rule #3: Support Always WelcomeDr. P..... really good things.....I know since I have been sleeping in a recliner for several years now....and I have pillows and a lot of them....my neck, my arms...my back and my legs...ok....I really sleep on pillows while in the recliner....I think that is a better description....<br /> <br />Last night I laid down in the bed for an hour...and I could hardly move to get up...<br /> <br />So I can relate to all of these....<br /> <br />Thanks for sharing....<br /> <br /> <br />MiMi
alispazz responded:
Well Doc, I do not enter a store without a shopping cart, I can easily walk, and if I get tired I can rest for a minute leaning on the cart.
When I put my jeans on I stand with my back to the wall and lift one leg at a time....It takes less effort than sitting down and I don't lose my balance.
Ali
When I put my jeans on I stand with my back to the wall and lift one leg at a time....It takes less effort than sitting down and I don't lose my balance.
Ali
Follow your heart and not your dreams..the dreams are from your mind and can lead you astray, the heart never can..SMOLOL
Hugs
Ali
Report This| Share this:Fibronomics Rule #3: Support Always WelcomeWell Doc, I do not enter a store without a shopping cart, I can easily walk, and if I get tired I can rest for a minute leaning on the cart.<br /><br />When I put my jeans on I stand with my back to the wall and lift one leg at a time....It takes less effort than sitting down and I don't lose my balance.<br /><br />Ali
Ali,
You're right! I tried your 'back to the wall" tip to put on my dress socks (high calf-style) and it was much easier than sitting. I'm impressed that you taught me a new simple tip. Hear Hear board, we have a new Fibronomics Master!
Dr. P
You're right! I tried your 'back to the wall" tip to put on my dress socks (high calf-style) and it was much easier than sitting. I'm impressed that you taught me a new simple tip. Hear Hear board, we have a new Fibronomics Master!
Dr. P
Report This| Share this:Fibronomics Rule #3: Support Always WelcomeAli,<br /> <br />You're right! I tried your 'back to the wall" tip to put on my dress socks (high calf-style) and it was much easier than sitting. I'm impressed that you taught me a new simple tip. Hear Hear board, we have a new Fibronomics Master!<br /> <br />Dr. P
Tany84 responded:
I prop up my pillows when I sleep and I put a buckwheat heat pack under my neck (even when I don't heat it up) because it supports my neck well. The pillow is long and narrow and the buckwheat is firm enough to provide support. I have arthritis in my neck so it's very hard for me to get comfortable and this is about the only way I can sleep.
Thanks Dr. P for all of the great info!
Brittany
Thanks Dr. P for all of the great info!
Brittany
Report This| Share this:Fibronomics Rule #3: Support Always WelcomeI prop up my pillows when I sleep and I put a buckwheat heat pack under my neck (even when I don't heat it up) because it supports my neck well. The pillow is long and narrow and the buckwheat is firm enough to provide support. I have arthritis in my neck so it's very hard for me to get comfortable and this is about the only way I can sleep.<br /> <br />Thanks Dr. P for all of the great info!<br /> <br />Brittany
I too use pillows, lots and lots of pillows. And I do the same as Brittany in that I have a hot/cold wrap for my neck that I will sometimes use at room temp just for the support it gives.
If I'll be riding in the car long distance, I take a small pillow for lumbar support as well as a neck rest pillow.
The armrests on my desk chair are up so my arms are always supported while typing. I keep a foot rest under my desk too.
If I'll be riding in the car long distance, I take a small pillow for lumbar support as well as a neck rest pillow.
The armrests on my desk chair are up so my arms are always supported while typing. I keep a foot rest under my desk too.
Being happy doesn't mean everything's perfect. It means you decide to see beyond the imperfections.
hugs Sharon
Report This| Share this:Fibronomics Rule #3: Support Always WelcomeI too use pillows, lots and lots of pillows. And I do the same as Brittany in that I have a hot/cold wrap for my neck that I will sometimes use at room temp just for the support it gives.<br /> <br />If I'll be riding in the car long distance, I take a small pillow for lumbar support as well as a neck rest pillow. <br /> <br />The armrests on my desk chair are up so my arms are always supported while typing. I keep a foot rest under my desk too.
MagPrincess replied to Tany84's response:
okay
I use a foot stool at my desk. It helps so much to keep your feet just a bit off the floor. I find i miss it at home as i only have one at work. it has a little wood slat that slides back and forth.
I also have a lumbar support on my chair as well.
Ali- i will have to try that wall thing.
I use a foot stool at my desk. It helps so much to keep your feet just a bit off the floor. I find i miss it at home as i only have one at work. it has a little wood slat that slides back and forth.
I also have a lumbar support on my chair as well.
Ali- i will have to try that wall thing.
Report This| Share this:Fibronomics Rule #3: Support Always Welcomeokay<br /> <br />I use a foot stool at my desk. It helps so much to keep your feet just a bit off the floor. I find i miss it at home as i only have one at work. it has a little wood slat that slides back and forth. <br /> <br />I also have a lumbar support on my chair as well.<br /> <br />Ali- i will have to try that wall thing.
MagPrincess replied to MagPrincess's response:
Ohhhh forgot my favorite thing.........it gets me lots of strange looks........
I use a pair of kitchen scissors to cut chicken ,steak, pizza. anything i would have to use a knife and fork for. I found my muscles tired out before my appetite when i used a fork and knife. Now i just cut it all up at once with scissors.
I use a pair of kitchen scissors to cut chicken ,steak, pizza. anything i would have to use a knife and fork for. I found my muscles tired out before my appetite when i used a fork and knife. Now i just cut it all up at once with scissors.
Report This| Share this:Fibronomics Rule #3: Support Always WelcomeOhhhh forgot my favorite thing.........it gets me lots of strange looks........<br /> <br /> <br />I use a pair of kitchen scissors to cut chicken ,steak, pizza. anything i would have to use a knife and fork for. I found my muscles tired out before my appetite when i used a fork and knife. Now i just cut it all up at once with scissors.
Foxgrove responded:
Good stuff.. I loved Ali's tip for putting on pants!! I almost fell over when me knee gave out but that's beside the point. 
I found that wearing what we used to call kangaroo shirts... hooded sweatshirts with a front pouch in cool weather had a double purpose.. they keep your head warm and give you a pouch to keep your hands in. It takes a little bit off the shoulder when you are standing still as well as warming up those chilled hands.. DON'T try it while you are walking or you'll end up with a dent in your nose like me..
I found that wearing what we used to call kangaroo shirts... hooded sweatshirts with a front pouch in cool weather had a double purpose.. they keep your head warm and give you a pouch to keep your hands in. It takes a little bit off the shoulder when you are standing still as well as warming up those chilled hands.. DON'T try it while you are walking or you'll end up with a dent in your nose like me..
Report This| Share this:Fibronomics Rule #3: Support Always WelcomeGood stuff.. I loved Ali's tip for putting on pants!! I almost fell over when me knee gave out but that's beside the point. <img src="http://img.webmd.com/community/images/wink.gif" align="top" border="0"><br /><br />I found that wearing what we used to call kangaroo shirts... hooded sweatshirts with a front pouch in cool weather had a double purpose.. they keep your head warm and give you a pouch to keep your hands in. It takes a little bit off the shoulder when you are standing still as well as warming up those chilled hands.. DON'T try it while you are walking or you'll end up with a dent in your nose like me.. <img src=http://menwithfibro.com/community/Smileys/mwf/tongue.gif class=post_img />
MagPrincess replied to Foxgrove's response:
Thought of a few more
* have a note pad attached to my windsheild and pen to write down stuff when i think about it.
* have blind spot mirrors so i don't have to turn my head as much while driving
* Heated seats for the car. LOVE THESE!
* Cruise control. Use it all the time. one less muscle is being used.
* add any appt or things to remember in cell phone calander
* have a note pad attached to my windsheild and pen to write down stuff when i think about it.
* have blind spot mirrors so i don't have to turn my head as much while driving
* Heated seats for the car. LOVE THESE!
* Cruise control. Use it all the time. one less muscle is being used.
* add any appt or things to remember in cell phone calander
Report This| Share this:Fibronomics Rule #3: Support Always WelcomeThought of a few more<br /> <br />* have a note pad attached to my windsheild and pen to write down stuff when i think about it.<br /> <br />* have blind spot mirrors so i don't have to turn my head as much while driving<br /> <br />* Heated seats for the car. LOVE THESE!<br /> <br />* Cruise control. Use it all the time. one less muscle is being used.<br /> <br />* add any appt or things to remember in cell phone calander
Bedilya replied to MagPrincess's response:
If I find myself standing too long, in front of the sink rinsing dishes I lean forward and rest my forearms on the counter in front of the sink while I finish. The result: huge relief. Try it! This also works in other applications of having to stand in front of a counter, like for chopping or other prep work in the kitchen.
Report This| Share this:Fibronomics Rule #3: Support Always WelcomeIf I find myself standing too long, in front of the sink rinsing dishes I lean forward and rest my forearms on the counter in front of the sink while I finish. The result: huge relief. Try it! This also works in other applications of having to stand in front of a counter, like for chopping or other prep work in the kitchen.
Booch007 responded:
Dr P,
When driving home from work I can get into trouble...I often lean back and rest the head to the head rest..and unload the neck. (It also stops poor posture and straightens me and my muscles out.)
I stand against the wall when stressing the patients, to take some burden off my back and lift a leg to the treadmill for the same reason too.
Pillows are our best friend, support under the arms on the couch is valuable.
Biggest joy is having personal and professional support. I have a great husband and he has turned my children around from picking on me. They know this is real and a horror to live with. I have a doctor who *gets it and does a great job fixing me. When I didn't have that validation, the effort for the day were so much more difficult.
I also wear support hose on my legs (knee highs) I have lace top thigh highs also*. There are days that that is what is holding me up (literally). The added support to those muscles makes the walking I do better for me.
So knee high support socks for the men would probably do the same. We do what ever works............Nancy B
When driving home from work I can get into trouble...I often lean back and rest the head to the head rest..and unload the neck. (It also stops poor posture and straightens me and my muscles out.)
I stand against the wall when stressing the patients, to take some burden off my back and lift a leg to the treadmill for the same reason too.
Pillows are our best friend, support under the arms on the couch is valuable.
Biggest joy is having personal and professional support. I have a great husband and he has turned my children around from picking on me. They know this is real and a horror to live with. I have a doctor who *gets it and does a great job fixing me. When I didn't have that validation, the effort for the day were so much more difficult.
I also wear support hose on my legs (knee highs) I have lace top thigh highs also*. There are days that that is what is holding me up (literally). The added support to those muscles makes the walking I do better for me.
So knee high support socks for the men would probably do the same. We do what ever works............Nancy B
Report This| Share this:Fibronomics Rule #3: Support Always Welcome<i><b>Dr P,<br />When driving home from work I can get into trouble...I often lean back and rest the head to the head rest..and unload the neck. (It also stops poor posture and straightens me and my muscles out.) <br /><br />I stand against the wall when stressing the patients, to take some burden off my back and lift a leg to the treadmill for the same reason too.<br /><br />Pillows are our best friend, support under the arms on the couch is valuable. <br /><br />Biggest joy is having personal and professional support. I have a great husband and he has turned my children around from picking on me. They know this is real and a horror to live with. I have a doctor who *gets it and does a great job fixing me. When I didn't have that validation, the effort for the day were so much more difficult.<br /><br />I also wear support hose on my legs (knee highs) I have lace top thigh highs also*. There are days that that is what is holding me up (literally). The added support to those muscles makes the walking I do better for me.<br />So knee high support socks for the men would probably do the same. We do what ever works............Nancy B<br /><br /><br /></b></i>
Booch007 replied to MagPrincess's response:
Hey, DH got me a machete for a knife....HUGE. I have trouble with cabbage and some other things, the butcher cuts up the chicken for me.......But if you saw the knife you would say YIKES...but it is sharp and deadly for the cabbage, looks silly when i am cutting lemons (but who is looking)..hee hee Nan
Report This| Share this:Fibronomics Rule #3: Support Always Welcome<i>Hey, DH got me a machete for a knife....HUGE. I have trouble with cabbage and some other things, the butcher cuts up the chicken for me.......But if you saw the knife you would say YIKES...but it is sharp and deadly for the cabbage, looks silly when i am cutting lemons (but who is looking)..hee hee Nan</i>
I have a set of sharp knives, but I received a mandolin for Christmas 2 years ago....great for cutting veggies and really makes fast easy work of it...if not food processor comes out...chicken salad in less that 5 minutes after cooking the chicken of course....LOL
I wear jeans most of the time and I buy the diabetic socks...not diabetic...because they don't squeeze the legs...and when I have to dress up...long basic black pants, and knee highs...
When I have to travel far...anything over 20 miles...I take along a pillow, and put it were ever it is un comfortable....
Ali
I wear jeans most of the time and I buy the diabetic socks...not diabetic...because they don't squeeze the legs...and when I have to dress up...long basic black pants, and knee highs...
When I have to travel far...anything over 20 miles...I take along a pillow, and put it were ever it is un comfortable....
Ali
Follow your heart and not your dreams..the dreams are from your mind and can lead you astray, the heart never can..SMOLOL
Hugs
Ali
Report This| Share this:Fibronomics Rule #3: Support Always WelcomeI have a set of sharp knives, but I received a mandolin for Christmas 2 years ago....great for cutting veggies and really makes fast easy work of it...if not food processor comes out...chicken salad in less that 5 minutes after cooking the chicken of course....LOL<br /><br />I wear jeans most of the time and I buy the diabetic socks...not diabetic...because they don't squeeze the legs...and when I have to dress up...long basic black pants, and knee highs...<br /><br />When I have to travel far...anything over 20 miles...I take along a pillow, and put it were ever it is un comfortable....<br /><br />Ali
Asillia replied to MagPrincess's response:
I 'fell' into the wall thing about a yr ago- literaly!!! i was trying to put pants on and fell back against my bathroom wall- then thought- hey this is so much easier this way! wish i had though of it rather than fell it!
Report This| Share this:Fibronomics Rule #3: Support Always WelcomeI 'fell' into the wall thing about a yr ago- literaly!!! i was trying to put pants on and fell back against my bathroom wall- then thought- hey this is so much easier this way! wish i had though of it rather than fell it!
Helpful Tips
Weight Loss and pain
I am a 43 yr old female with fibromyalgia and numerous other dx's attached to my medical records...overweight, depressed, immune ... More
Was this Helpful?
60
of
67 found this helpful
- Living Well with Fibromyalgia
- Vitamin D level checked ***
- Focus on the positive and try to look for ways to help others and take the fo...
Helpful Resources
Related News
Related Drug Reviews
- Drug Name User Reviews
Report Problems to the
Food and Drug Administration
You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit the FDA MedWatch website or call 1-800-FDA-1088.
Other Fibromyalgia Information
More Related Communities
The opinions expressed in WebMD User-generated content areas like communities, reviews, ratings, or blogs are solely those of the User, who may or may not have medical or scientific training. These opinions do not represent the opinions of WebMD. User-generated content areas are not reviewed by a WebMD physician or any member of the WebMD editorial staff for accuracy, balance, objectivity, or any other reason except for compliance with our Terms and Conditions. Some of these opinions may contain information about treatments or uses of drug products that have not been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. WebMD does not endorse any specific product, service, or treatment.
Do not consider WebMD User-generated content as medical advice. Never delay or disregard seeking professional medical advice from your doctor or other qualified healthcare provider because of something you have read on WebMD. You should always speak with your doctor before you start, stop, or change any prescribed part of your care plan or treatment. WebMD understands that reading individual, real-life experiences can be a helpful resource, but it is never a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment from a qualified health care provider. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or dial 911 immediately.
Health Solutions From Our Sponsors
About WebMD Advertise With Us Terms of Use Privacy Policy Sponsor Policy Site Map Careers Contact Us
First Aid WebMD Magazine WebMD Health Record WebMD Mobile Newsletters Dictionary Physician Directory
©2005-2013 WebMD, LLC. All rights reserved.
WebMD does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. See additional information.