Treatment of Fibromyalgia

Treatment

As doctors search for an effective treatment that works, patients urgently search for help. There is no cure for fibromyalgia, but it is also not life threatening. Treating your symptoms with the right medicine will take some time. The important things to look for in your treatment are decreases in pain and overall improvement in your daily functioning. What works for one person may not work for the next. There are several treatment methods available that target specific symptoms. Understanding your options is important.

Conventional medicine

As of yet, there is no magic pill that cures all fibromyalgia symptoms. Patients often find that the right combination goes a long way. There are currently pharmaceutical drugs approved for treatment of fibromyalgia with promising results. Talk to your doctor about which ones are right for you.

• Pain Killers-Over the counter analgesics are relatively ineffective against fibromyalgia pain. Stronger pain killers prescribed by a doctor,such as opioids and NSAID's are more effective.
• Antidepressants-They help with both pain and depression by stabilizing neurotransmitters. Many are familiar with Cymbalta, a drug that recently approved by the FDA as a fibromyalgia treatment.
• Sleep Aids- Insomnia is a common symptom of fibromyalgia. Getting the right sleep aid can help you have better rest at night and your energy levels where they should be.
• Stimulants- For better concentration, doctors may prescribe stimulants. These can also help keep energy levels up by reducing fatigue.

Alternative medicine

If you wish to take a more natural approach to your treatment, you also have several options. Patients will often combine therapy with their traditional medication. For example if someone is taking antidepressants or pain killers, they may also incorporate massage into their treatment.

Treating the body from the outside is just as important as the inside.Bodywork such as massage, reflexology and acupuncture are painless and have proven to be effective in reducing pain and overall tension in the body. Ancient medicine encourages relaxation techniques that you can find in yoga or in tai chi. These can calm your nerves and relax your muscles.

Taking supplements as part of your daily regime can contribute to better health. Vitamins such as B12 boost the immune system as well as energy levels. Magnesium is strongly reccommended for its effects against pain.

Herbs can also do wonders for fibromyalgia. Taking some Valerian root or Chamomile may help with anxiety and induce sleep. Some patients take St John's Wort for depression, which has been compared to antidepressants.There are a number of herbs and supplements that you can take in order to improve your symptoms. Many of them have little or no side effects.

Lifestyle

Treating your fibromyalgia does not only mean taking medicine. Medicine will treat your symptoms, but taking care of your body from the inside out is crucial to feeling healthy. There are ways you can contribute to your recovery with small changes in your lifestyle. A little may go a long way.

Improving your sleeping habits, eating a healthy diet, and being mindful of your emotional state are important factors in your overall well being. Patients that engage in light exercise tend to see improvements in their pain and fatigue levels. It can also ensure restful sleep. Moderation is the key. Opting for organic fruits in vegetables can help your energy levels. Staying away from canned foods, fried foods and any kind of junk may be your best bet.

Being healthy involves a good emotional state. Though we cannot control what happens around us, minding your attitude and taking a little time to breath every once in awhile may help your stress. Activities such as meditation and yoga have been known to relax mind.

Coping for Family and Friends

If you have fibromyalgia, family and friends may have difficulty understanding your condition. It is important to explain to them the nature of your condition. They may want to be overprotective or fearful that you may get hurt. As a fibromyalgia patient you may need additional care. Giving care back to the people you love can be beneficial for both.

If someone in your family has fibromyalgia, be supportive. People with Fibromyalgia do not look sick.Many times people may feel that the person with fibromyalgia is getting away with things or simply making excuses. Understanding their pain is a prime factor in helping them recover. People with partners that are affected by this condition should focus on positive activities that the person can engage in.