Fibromyalgia Treatments

Fibromyalgia is a mysterious disorder, but there are many treatment options available to help reduce your symptoms. The articles below highlight a variety of treatments that may relieve your chronic pain and fatigue.

Fibromyalgia is a mysterious disorder, but there are many treatment options available to help reduce your symptoms. Photo Source: 123RF.com.

Medications for Fibromyalgia
There are a variety of drugs and medications available to treat your fibromyalgia symptoms—symptoms such as chronic pain, fatigue, depression, and sleep disorders. However, medications won't cure the disorder. The FDA has approved three medications to treat fibromyalgia—pregabalin (marketed as Lyrica), duloxetine (Cymbalta), and milnacipran (Savella). However, they are not your only options. Anti-depressants, muscle relaxants, and over-the-counter medications may also reduce your pain.

Alternative Treatments for Fibromyalgia
Many patients achieve fibromyalgia pain relief from complementary and alternative medicines (CAM). Acupuncture, biofeedback, and massage are popular treatments. Herbal supplements and meditation may also provide chronic pain relief and reduce your fatigue.

Exercise for Fibromyalgia
Your chronic pain and fatigue may make exercising seem unbearable, but exercise will likely be an essential part of fibromyalgia treatment. Physical activity reduces symptoms such as fatigue, depression, and will even help you sleep better. Developing an exercise program that's effective is an essential part of managing your symptoms.

Physical Therapy for Fibromyalgia
You may want to try physical therapy to manage your fibromyalgia symptoms. Passive treatments, such as heat and cold therapy, massage, and ultrasound, will reduce chronic and acute muscle pain. Active treatments, including core stability and muscle flexibility exercises, will strengthen muscles and help relieve pain.

Counseling for Fibromyalgia
A significant portion of fibromyalgia sufferers experience some sort of mood disorder, typically depression and/or anxiety. Taking care of your mental and emotional health is a key component to reducing your fibromyalgia symptoms.

Rest Better (and Sleep Better) to manage Fibromyalgia
A majority of people with fibromyalgia have trouble getting a good night's rest. Regardless of your specific sleep problem, sleep issues worsen your fibromyalgia pain and fatigue. This article explains why sleep is important and includes tips on achieving a quality night's rest.

Stress Management for Fibromyalgia
There is a connection between stress and pain. In fact, researchers have found that people with fibromyalgia are more susceptible to stress than those who don't have the condition. This article overviews the importance of reducing stress and ways to do so.