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The Effect of Airplanes on Fibromyalgia

Fibromyalgia is a chronic condition characterized by widespread muscle, nerve and ligament pain. A common aggravating factor for fibromyalgia sufferers is air travel. However, if you have to travel by air, there are things you can do to minimize your discomfort and fend off a fibromyalgia flare.

  1. Causes

    • Air travel may exacerbate fibromyalgia symptoms due to dehydration, poor air circulation, sitting in one position for too long, changes in atmospheric pressure or altitude changes.

    Nausea and Migraine Headaches

    • Between 40 and 70 percent of fibromyalgia patients suffer from occasional or chronic nausea, which can be aggravated by the motion, vibration and poor air circulation on an airplane. Migraine headaches, which are a common fibromyalgia symptom, can be a side effect of air travel and contribute to extreme nausea.

    Muscular pain

    • Widespread muscular pain and specifically back pain can plague air travelers due to excessive time spent sitting in a cramped position. This pain will be particularly severe for a fibromyalgia patient.

    TMJ

    • Prolonged sitting can also aggravate TMJ (temporomandibular joint disorder), which is a common side effect of fibromyalgia.

    Managing Symptoms

    • Come prepared. You may be able to stop a fibromyalgia flare by taking a few simple precautions. Take a lumbar support pillow or headrest. Stay hydrated by drinking eight to 16 glasses of water per hour. Talk to your doctor about trip precautions and any medications that may help circumvent nausea and pain, and make sure all necessary medications are within arm's reach.

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