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Treatment for Fibromyalgia
Surveys show that the American College of Rheumatology, fibromyalgia affects 3 to 6 million Americans. It primarily occurs in women of childbearing age, but children, the elderly, and men can also be affected. Fibromyalgia is a common condition. However it can get severe enough to start intruding into your day to day life. Fibromyalgia literally means, fibrous tissues (fibro-) and the muscles (-my-) being affected by pain (-algia). Fibromyalgia is a chronic musculoskeletal disorder characterized by fatigue, and tender points which refers to pain and tenderness that occurs in precise, localized areas, particularly in the neck, spine, shoulders, and hips. People with this syndrome also experience sleep disturbances, morning stiffness, irritable bowel syndrome, anxiety, and other symptoms. Fibromyalgia is a common condition. However it can get severe enough to start intruding into your day to day life. Fibromyalgia literally means, fibrous tissues (fibro-) and the muscles (-my-) being affected by pain (-algia). Fibromyalgia does not have any outward manifestation; therefore others might not understand your physical pain and tiredness.
How does one treat Fibromyalgia?
- Exercises have been arrived upon as the best medication for fibromyalgia.
- Treatment of fibromyalgia requires a comprehensive approach. The physician, physical therapist, and patient may all play an active role in the management of fibromyalgia. Exercises that increase blood circulation in your system by making you breathe harder will help alleviate the situation to a great extent. Swimming and brisk walks therefore are extremely helpful in these situations.
- Paracetamol and anti depressants can also be taken by your doctor's advice.
- Heat and massage may also give short-term relief. Antidepressant medications may help elevate mood, improve quality of sleep, and relax muscles. Patients with fibromyalgia may benefit from a combination of exercise, medication, physical therapy, and relaxation.
- Antidepressants, antifungals, antihistamines, antivirals, CNS depressants (or stimulants), immunoglobulins, cardiac medications, anti-inflammatories, anticonvulsants, corticoids, and expectorants are recommended to Fibromyalgia patients. There is however no FDA approved medicines available.
- Physicians advise patients with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome to pace them carefully and avoid unusual emotional or physical stress.
- You are advised to follow a regular and manageable daily routine and take modest regular exercise under the supervision of a physician or physical therapist.
- In numerable instances, acupuncture, aquatic therapy, chiropractic, massage, self-hypnosis, stretching, tai chi, therapeutic touch, and yoga have proven helpful in managing Chronic Fatigue Syndrome.
- Psychotherapies such as family therapy also show promise in the development of coping skills that are necessary to counter the adverse effects of chronic illness on the family.
- Traditional treatments are geared toward improving the quality of sleep and reducing pain, which means that a sleep study may aid with individualizing your therapy. Deep level (stage 4) sleep is crucial for many body functions (such as tissue repair, antibody production, and the regulation of various neurotransmitters, hormones and immune system chemicals).