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There is no known way to prevent fibromyalgia. Instead, the most important thing is to find a way to manage it and a health care team to help you.

Once diagnosed, you should monitor your pain, noting activities that increase it and therapeutic approaches that reduce it. Repetitive activities may temporarily make things worse, such as sitting in one position for long stretches of time. Pain can also flare when doing chores like cleaning, typing or driving for hours with your arms in the same tensed position. Even reading in a slumped position may trigger pain.

The key is to make adjustments—change positions, take a quick break or give your back, arms or neck more support—before the pain worsens. You can also make adjustments to your cleaning routine, using lighter appliances to minimize muscular distress.

Obviously, fibromyalgia can interfere with work, especially if your job involves a repetitive physical task, heavy lifting or working outdoors when it's cold. Research finds that fibromyalgia patients tend to do better if they work, however, so if the disease is affecting your ability to work, talk to your health care professional about how you can reduce the strain.

Most important is to improve your physical conditioning and endurance, find ways to manage and reduce stress and maintain a regular schedule.