1. Take a Pain Relieving Medication
Over-the-counter pain relievers are often successful in treating the pain of fibromyalgia. Ibuprofen and acetaminophen are both good choices. Your doctor may prescribe a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) for pain that is more intense. This type of drug needs to be taken with food, as it can irritate your stomach. For very severe pain that can't be controlled in other ways, your doctor may prescribe you an opioid drug. However, these drugs are used as last resorts, as they can be very addictive.
2. Try Trigger Point Therapy
Many people with fibromyalgia suffer from sore trigger points in various places on their bodies. If this describes you, finding and releasing these trigger points can provide enormous pain relief. Trigger points are tiny knots of tough, fibrous tissue in the muscles. These knots pull on the muscles, causing soreness and pain. In trigger point therapy, your massage therapist locates these points--which can often be deep in the muscle tissue and difficult to find--and works them out through the application of pressure and rubbing. Once the trigger points have been broken up, you'll experience a lot less pain. However, it can take several sessions to work out some tough trigger points completely.
3. Get Hypnotized
Hypnosis can be effective at relieving the pain from fibromyalgia. You can go to a certified hypnotherapist, or you can use a hypnosis CD. Whichever method you choose, you'll focus on a sound or image in order to be put into a trance. While in the trance, you'll be highly susceptible to suggestions. Your therapist or the CD will put the suggestion of not being in pain into your subconscious mind while you're not entirely aware of it. When you come out of the trance, you'll be more relaxed and will feel less pain from the fibromyalgia.
4. Get Acupuncture
Acupuncture is effective at relieving pain of all kinds, including fibromyalgia pain. The insertion of long, thin needles at certain points on your body stimulates the release of feel-good endorphins that cause a mild feeling of euphoria that significantly reduces your perception of pain. One to two acupuncture treatments a week are often adequate for controlling the pain associated with fibromyalgia.
