Fibromyalgia treatment

Fibromyalgia is a rheumatic illness that is closely related to arthritis. Fibromyalgia has been a condition that has been misunderstood for sometime and is often misdiagnosed. Fibromyalgia symptoms include fatigue, muscle and joint pain, and often many other symptoms as well. This condition can become very painful and hard to live with, which can often lead to depression.

When a person suffers from fibromyalgia it can cause them to ache throughout their body. Often the person will become extremely fatigued even after sleeping a full 8 hours or more. When diagnosing, the doctors often look for trigger points. These are specific spots on the body that are very sensitive to the touch. People suffering from fibromyalgia usually experience pains and muscle cramping even without reason. These pains are often felt in the back, shoulder, neck and hip areas. There are lots of symptoms that can be associated with fibromyalgia. Symptoms like chronic headaches, anxiety, depression, lack of concentration, irritable bowel syndrome, restless leg syndrome, stiffness and poor circulation can all be related to the underlying condition, fibromyalgia. There are several different treatment methods for fibromyalgia. Medication, physical therapies, alternative health treatments and simple lifestyle changes can all improve the symptoms of the condition. Medications may include pain relievers, muscle relaxers, anti-depressants, anti-anxiety medications or sleeping medications to help ensure a better nights rest. Also heat therapies to help relax muscles and relieve pain can be used.

Often patients suffering from fibromyalgia feel unable to perform regular duties so the thought of exercise can seem like a huge challenge. They expect their pain to worsen when in reality regular physical exercise and therapies can offer relief over time. By exercising the muscles, you can strengthen them slowly. Exercising is not only good for your health physically but also for your mental well being. People who suffer from fibromyalgia tend to be out of shape which can cause the body to feel worn out and without regular exercise our bodies do not get to release the endorphins that cause our bodies to ward off pain as well as boost our moods. This does not mean that you should go out and start running. The best thing for people suffering from fibromyalgia to do in regards to physical exercise is to start off at a slow pace. Try walking or swimming for 10 minutes just a couple days a week until you are feeling up to increasing your time and intensity. People who participate in regular physical activity have shown a much higher percentage rate in lessening the symptoms of fibromyalgia, while others have noticed that their symptoms almost disappeared completely. Although this is not an over night remedy, a person may start feeling a big improvement within just a few months.

Other ways to improve your condition are by eliminating smoking, eating a low animal based diet, getting plenty of vitamins and omega-3 oils and setting regular bedtime routines. Unfortunately there is not a cure for fibromyalgia and there is no specific medication that can treat all symptoms of the condition. It is important to work with your doctor on ways to control your symptoms. Not everyone will experience the same symptoms or suffer from the same severity of the condition. Although living with fibromyalgia can be tough on you physically and mentally, there are steps that you can take that can help lesson the symptoms and make living with the condition manageable. In order to get the best treatment for your fibromyalgia you need to discuss all options with your doctor. Make sure to talk about all therapies and stay open minded regarding treatments. You never know what can work best for your situation.

Last updated on Jun 26th, 2009 and filed under Musculoskeletal Disorders. Both comments and pings are currently closed.

1 Response for “Fibromyalgia treatment”

  1. Frank Cook says:

    Thank you for your cogent thoughts on fibromyalgia; this is an important and often misunderstood affliction that needs more attention.

    The organization I work for, the Pacific Northwest Foundation, is devoted to researching alternative modes of healing for a variety of illnesses, including fibromyalgia. I wanted to share with you a video presentation of a case study about an adult female who had been disabled for eight years with diagnosed fibromyalgia. Within four months of treatment, she was able to backpack, regularly work a full day and have little or no pain. While this was not a study undertaken by the Foundation, it was a case with which we have had access to in virtually every detail. The link to the presentation is http://pnf.org/html/fibromyalgia.html.

    I’d like to thank you so much for your contribution to the subject of fibromyalgia, and hope you will find the case study above helpful in your continued exploration into the subject.

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