Treatment for Fibromyalgia

Published by admin on January 21, 2010

Fibromyalgia has always been known as somewhat of a mystery condition. Though it has been recognized as a definite medical illness, the cause of it is still unknown. Therefore, many different treatments are used to help relieve the symptoms of this debilitating disease. Symptoms can vary somewhat for different people so different treatments may be necessary. The following are is a list of treatment for fibromyalgia that are commonly used for the various symptoms.

Fibromyalgia and Pain

For persistent pain and soreness commonly found in fibromyalgia patients there are a variety of medications and therapies that can be prescribed. These may include prescription pain relievers, physical therapy, water therapy, gentle exercise programs to help strengthen and loosen up muscles, or even acupuncture. It may even be necessary to devise a special diet for the patient. If the patient has had a noticeable weight gain, this can add stress to the body and cause additional aches and pain. By creating a diet plan to help the patient lose the excess weight, some pain may be relieved as well.

Fibromyalgia and exercise

Fibromyalgia and fatigue go hand in hand in many patients suffering from the ailment. Treatment for these symptoms may include prescription sleep aides, cutting out caffeine in the diet, scheduling regular naps, taking herbal sleep supplements, or even changing the eating schedule or work schedule of the patient so that getting the efficient amount of sleep each night is more easily achieved. It may even help to start a light exercise routine in the evening so that the body will crave sleep more and be more likely to rest peacefully.

Those who suffer from fibromyalgia may also develop difficulty in breathing. They may or may not notice that their breathing has changed from regular long breaths to rapid short breaths. Patients who have these breathing problems may be advised to do a series of breathing exercise to help them breathe more freely and naturally. This may also be treated with a medication known as Guafanesin. This is a common medication in many over the counter cough syrups. It can help in loosening up fluids in the lungs that have caused tightness and thus have made breathing more difficult. Guafanesin is also used for fibromyalgia patients who may also be having bladder problems. The ingredients in this medication have been known to help flush out the kidneys and prevent further problems with the bladder.

One of the most common symptoms of fibromyalgia is a feeling of being “down” or depressed frequently. This symptom can be treated with anti-depressants, counseling, or both if necessary. The depressed feelings of the patient may tend to become more severe when bodily aches and pains increase. Sometimes in treating the pain, the patient’s sense of happiness can be more easily obtained and depression may not be an issue any longer. Meditation may also be used as a stress reliever to help prevent bouts of depression.

Chronic Fatigue Treatment

Chronic fatigue and lack of energy is also common among those diagnosed with fibromyalgia. This can mean they are unable to do their usual daily routines or even hold down a job that normally they would have had no problem working. Treatment for this symptom can be quite difficult. Normally, patients have no idea when they are going to have a good day with little to no fatigue or a bad day of feeling exhausted all day long. Taking daily naps may help to some extent. This allows the person to get additional rest that may make bouts of excessive tiredness more manageable. However, this may still not prevent them completely. Doctors often advise patients who suffer from this particular symptom to let their family, friends, and coworkers know what to expect in case they do have bad days on occasion.

It is clearly obvious that fibromyalgia is a definite medical illness. Symptoms may vary in severity from day to day or even vary completely in different people. However, any or all symptoms of fibromyalgia can make the routine daily lives of patients agonizing at times. The best way to manage this condition is to approach it from all angles. Do not expect that one family physician may be able to provide all of the fibromyalgia symptoms treatment. This is the type of illness that may require a patient to work with a team of different physicians or specialists to help keep each symptom as manageable as possible. The more medical experts you have providing your care, the better your success may be at preventing fibromyalgia from taking control of your life.