Answer Summary

Members rallied around the conversation about safe exercises with fibromyalgia, spinal stenosis, and severe arthritis, with the strongest... Read more

Members rallied around the conversation about safe exercises with fibromyalgia, spinal stenosis, and severe arthritis, with the strongest consensus being to consult a doctor or experienced physical therapist before starting any program given the serious nature of spinal stenosis. Several members shared what has worked for them personally, including aqua classes and swimming for low-impact movement, chair exercises and stretches, tai chi paired with meditation and mindfulness, gentle walking at one's own pace, and even dancing to music for short bursts, with one member crediting their puppy for increasing daily movement and joy. A recurring theme was that fibromyalgia affects everyone differently, so finding what your individual body can tolerate through slow starts, frequent rest, and self-compassion is essential, along with frustration over doctors dismissing real pain as being all in one's head.