Conquering Sjogren’s: Follow us on our journey to change the face of Sjogren’s

Joint and muscle pain in Sjogren’s syndrome may result from a variety of causes including inflammation, fibromyalgia, age-related osteoarthritis, vitamin D deficiency, hypothyroidism etc.

Work with your rheumatologist to identify the specific cause(s) of your pain and find the best treatment regimen for you. Maintain a positive attitude and be an active partner in the management of your pain.
The tips below will also help:

• Become knowledgeable about your medications
  
• Get a good night’s sleep
  • Maintain a regular sleep schedule.
  • Set aside an hour before bedtime for relaxation. Listen to soothing music.
• Consider taking a warm bath before going to bed
  • Make your bedroom as quiet and comfortable as possible.
  • Avoid caffeine and alcohol late in the day.
  • Avoid long naps during the day.
• Exercise regularly with the goals of improving your overall fitness and keeping your joints moving, the muscles around your joints strong and your bones strong and healthy
  • A physical therapist, occupational therapist, or your health-care provider can prescribe an exercise regimen appropriate for your joint or muscle problem.
  • Start with a few exercises and slowly add more.
  • Make your exercise program enjoyable. Do it with your spouse or a friend. Include recreational activities, such as dancing, walkingand miniature golf.
  • Try different forms of exercise, such as Tai chi, yoga and water aerobics.
• Balance rest and activity
  • Pace yourself during the day, alternating heavy and light activities and taking short breaks to rest.
• Control your weight
• Protect your joints and muscles
  • Use proper methods for bending, lifting, and reaching.
  • Use assisting devices, such as jar openers, reach extenders and kitchen and garden tools with large rubber grips that put less stress on affected joints.
• Use various therapeutic modalities that can relieve joint and muscle pain
• Use heat (heating pads, warm shower or bath, paraffin wax) to relax your muscles and relieve joint stiffness.
• Use cold packs to numb sore joints and muscles and reduce inflammation and swelling of a joint
• Consider massage therapy.
• Practice relaxation techniques, such as guided imagery, prayer and self-hypnosis.