Multiple Methods To Treat Fibromyalgia

Fibromyalgia, abbreviated as FM, is a condition that results to musculoskeletal pain, localized tenderness, and fatigue. The underlying cause of this condition is currently unknown. However, genetic play a big role in its development.

Symptoms of FM might actually develop after injuries, physical trauma, and psychological stress. Depression, headaches, and poor concentration are other symptoms that might manifest in those with FM.

The key to managing fibromyalgia is to treat fatigue, pain, and other associated symptoms. The good news is, multiple options can be used to help manage and easy symptoms of FM. These methods can help improve a person’s quality of living.

Methods Used To Treat Fibromyalgia

The pain associated with fibromyalgia can be minor or severe. However, it can still interfere with a person’s day-to-day activities. Treatment can be used to manage or even reduce pain.

Yoga

Researches have stated that persons suffering from fibromyalgia reported reduced fatigue and pain after participating in yoga classes. In addition, they also reported improved moods. Yoga classes involved meditation, gentle poses, group discussions, and breathing exercises.

If you are advised to take yoga, try to do so. It helps strengthen meditation practices, enhance muscular strength, and encourages you to implement various relaxation techniques. However, you have to ensure that the yoga instructor is wary of your condition. In this way, they can adjust the poses to your needs.

Pain Relievers

Medication can be used to help reduce and manage fibromyalgia pain. Doctors might recommend over-the-counter medication to relieve pain (e.g. naproxen sodium, aspirin, ibuprofen). These pain relievers can help enhance sleep quality, reduce muscular aches, and decrease inflammation.

Anticonvulsants

Anticonvulsants are seizure medications that can help with pain relief. The first drug used for seizures approved for FM treatment in the United States is pregabalin (Lyrica). Gabapentin might also be recommended as it helps reduce nerve pain. However, these types of medications have certain side effects. Some include swelling, weight gain, dizziness, and dry mouth.

Antidepressants

Antidepressants can be used to reduce fatigue and pain. Using antidepressants for fibromyalgia must be discussed with your physician. They can cause a variety of side effects including weight gain, nausea, and reduced sexual desire.

Physical Therapy

Techniques used in physical therapy might lead to enhanced range of motion and improved muscular strength. It can also be used to relieve fibromyalgia pain. Your physical therapist will create a customized program that will help in the management of particular symptoms.

They will also teach you techniques for taking care of yourself. This might include education on FM allowing you to manage pain and fatigue on your own. One specific study has found out that education in pain management can result to enhanced performance in exercise.

Acupuncture

Pain relief is one of the major benefits of acupuncture. This ancient Chinese technique involves pricking a person’s skin with needles. Thus, it leads to enhanced blood circulation, promotions of self-healing, and changed neurotransmitter levels within the brain. It also leads to reduced pain and treatment of a variety of medical conditions.

One study published concluded that people suffering from fibromyalgia who participated in acupuncture experienced significant pain relief compared to participants who didn’t. If you are able to tolerate needles, you might want to consider acupuncture.

Risks associated with acupuncture include minor bleeding, soreness, and bruising after the session. It is important to note that you must ensure that you are working with a licensed acupuncturist to avoid risk of infection due to unsterilized needles.

Treating Fibromyalgia Fatigue

One of the most common symptoms of FM is fatigue. People suffering from this condition might find themselves tired in the morning even though they had a full night’s sleep. In addition, they might find it difficult to do simple daily activities. Treatment options for fibromyalgia fatigue include, but are not limited to, the following:

Exercise

Exercise is a great way to combat fatigue and enhance energy levels. When you work out, your brain releases endorphins which leads to reduced depression and improved sleep quality. People suffering from FM is suggested to try swimming, biking, and walking.

It might be difficult to get started with exercising regularly due to pain. However, it is best to start slow and gradually increase the intensity of your exercises. Physical activity is one of the most researched avenues in combating fatigue in controlled trials.

Vitamin D

People suffering from fibromyalgia usually have vitamin D deficiency. In a study conducted in 2013, the researchers discovered that patients suffering from FM reported less fatigue and felt better physically when they took supplements for vitamin D. It is best to talk to your physician before taking these supplements as it can be toxic in high doses.

Alternative Treatments For Fibromyalgia

Alternative treatments are great ways to manage fibromyalgia. You should get the advice of your physician first before trying out these non-traditional methods.

Medical Marijuana

Although, it might sound ridiculous to most people, medical marijuana can be used to ease FM symptoms. A study discovered that when patients with FM took medical marijuana, they experienced improved relaxation states, enhanced quality of sleep, improved feelings of well-being, reduced stiffness and pain, and improved mental health.

Further research has to be implemented in order to prove the benefits of medical cannabis with regards to FM. Multiple side effects such as poor concentration and judgement should be the focus of future studies.

Biofeedback

Biofeedback focuses on helping you control your bodily functions. This can be used to reduce the pain associated with FM. It can also help ease muscle tension. Biofeedback has no side effects. However, people who partake in a session might feel exhausted or overwhelmed afterwards. Talk to your doctor and try to find out if you’re a good candidate for this technique.

Tai Chi

A mind-body art form, Tai Chi, involves meditation, deep breathing, and controlled movements. It helps to strengthen the muscles, improve balance, and increase stamina. It is not a strenuous activity. However, overdoing Tai Chi might lead to sprains and sore muscles.

Massage Therapy

Massage therapy can be used to relax muscles, enhanced flexibility and range of motion, decrease stress levels, and reduce anxiety. The benefits of massage for helping you manage and ease pain are astounding. Multiple research has found out that massage therapy is beneficial and leads to reduced pain and enhanced sleep quality.

Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT)

CBT focuses on helping patients to set realistic, attainable goals. Patients are educated on how to determine dysfunctional and damaging thought patterns. They are also taught techniques on managing and reduce negative thoughts. Techniques learned through cognitive behavior therapy can help reduce and manage fibromyalgia pain.

To Wrap It All Up

Fibromyalgia can be a debilitating, chronic condition that affects one’s daily activities. It causes fatigue, pain, and tenderness. While the cause is unknown, there are a variety of methods you can implement to treat fibromyalgia.

You can talk to your physician about your options. Medication, alternative treatments, traditional medical techniques, and even supplements can help you combat fibromyalgia. You can even try massage therapy to massage pain and help you sleep. Remember that you can still have a healthy, normal life even if you have fibromyalgia.