Fibromyalgia Syndrome or FMS is a relatively common condition characterized by widespread muscle pain, stiffness, sleep disorders , chronic fatigue, headaches, sensitivity to changes in temperature, and specific bilateral tender points often localized in the back of the neck, shoulders, hips, back, forearms and around the knees. Not all people suffering from fibromyalgia present the same symptoms. Severe cases may be accompanied of irritable bowel syndrome, restless leg syndrome, and memory problems.

FMS sufferers tend to feel hopeless based on the common assumption that this chronic condition has no cure. However, being actively involved with our own health issues has proven beneficial in multiple conditions and illnesses, and FMS is certainly not an exception. Many FMS sufferers have reported varying degrees of success and some others claim a total remission after trying alternative and complimentary therapies as well as behavior modification techniques.

The following tips will help you deal with your daily aches and pains, while following your doctor's advice and taking your medications.

1. Attitude - Keeping a positive attitude will help you better cope with your symptoms.

2. Diet - Eat a balanced diet including protein and plenty of green leaf vegetables. Limit sugar and carbohydrates. Proper nutrition will give you more energy and make you feel better in general.

3. Exercise - Join a club! People that suffer FMS tend to avoid movement because it causes pain. However, many have reported a significant decrease in pain and stiffness after a few weeks of exercising that includes stretching and a mild aerobic workout (the "Pilates" method is a good place to start). For best results, practice between 3 to 5 times a week, 30 minutes each time.

4. Myotherapy - Getting a massage twice per month or even once per week has helped some fibromyalgia sufferers.

5. Vitamins - Many have reported improvement in their symptoms by increasing their intake of magnesium, potassium and calcium, as well as adding a soy supplement to their diet. Contact the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine at http://www.nccam.nih.gov for specifications as to how to include vitamins/minerals in your diet. And always consult with your doctor about any alternative medication as to prevent interaction with the drugs you may be taking.

6. Aromatherapy and Meditation - It is believed that prolonged periods of stress may contribute to the development of FMS. Therefore, dedicating some daily time to the practices of meditation and relaxation has brought relief to many FMS sufferers. Give it a try!

7. Sleep - Getting enough sleep as well as the right kind of sleep has helped ease the pain and fatigue felt with fibromyalgia. Go to bed and wake up at about the same time every day. Avoid exercise or work related duties during the 3 hours before going to sleep. Do not watch news or violent shows on TV right before you go to bed. Avoid day time naps and keep your room cool, dark and quiet. Also, avoid spicy foods at dinner and do not eat or drink two hours before going to bed. You may want to consult with your doctor for some mild sleep medication if these practices are not helping you.

8. Join a Support Group - Remember that almost 1 in 50 people in the US alone suffer from FMS. You are not alone. Joining a support group and sharing your condition will help. Also, listening to what has worked for others will give you ideas to help you improve your symptoms.

9. Be Pro-active - Get involved in your treatment. Take your medications. Go to your doctor's visits. Ask questions. Keep yourself informed about new studies, new research, and promising new treatments for FMS and CFS.