Fibromyalgia causes recurring or constant pain throughout the body. A dull aching pain arises from the muscles. Symptoms usually consist of trigger points where pain is aggravated when pressure is applied. The head, neck, shoulders, chest, arms, hips and knees are affected. Fatigue and sleep disturbances also accompany the pain. Symptoms are similar to chronic fatigue syndrome. Headaches, arthritis and depression occur in some patients. Fibromyalgia treatment focuses on minimizing symptoms and improving general health as much as possible through therapy, medicine and self-care.
Identification
Health care providers educate patients about the disease. They first ask about patients' symptoms and frequency of flare-ups to understand their particular conditions, according to Johns Hopkins Arthritis Center. Patients learn to make lifestyle changes to adapt to or manage their symptoms. For example, people who feel fatigued after physical activity learn ways to exercise mildly over a short period of time to stay in shape and avoid overtaxing muscles. Doctors work with patients to prescribe the right medication that works for their unique symptoms.
Expert Insight
Patients are often referred to cognitive behavior therapists who teach coping skills and pain management techniques. In therapy, patients can also discuss their feelings about the negative impact fibromyalgia has on their lives and learn how to deal with the disorder. Cognitive behavior therapy includes helping patients turn negative thoughts into positive thinking to overcome the depression, anxiety and stress in some patients' lives. Support groups are also recommended for patients to discuss and share ideas with other people who have fibromyalgia.
Medication
Medicine ranges from aspirin, ibuprofen or acetaminophen to prescription pain relievers to help people with fibromyalgia, depending on the individual and symptoms. Many fibromyalgia patients suffer from depression because of the disease and may benefit from antidepressants. Antidepressants may promote sleep to combat the sleeplessness associated with the disease. They also relieve pain and fatigue for some patients, the Mayo Clinic notes. Muscle relaxants and antiseizure drugs used to treat epilepsy have been found to ease pain in fibromyalgia for some patients. Injections with lidocaine in trigger points may help relieve pain in those areas.
Therapeutic Benefits
Physical therapy, occupational therapy, acupuncture, acupressure, chiropractic care, therapeutic massage and gentle exercise programs are among the methods used to treat fibromyalgia. Water therapy helps fibromyalgia patients, just as it does arthritis patients, by making it easier to exercise. Yoga, breathing exercises, aromatherapy, biofeedback, hypnosis and nutritional supplements are suggested. Certain techniques may work for some people and not for others, but fibromyalgia patients can try out various treatments to find one or more that relieves their symptoms, Johns Hopkins Arthritis Center points out.
Considerations
Patients take great care in identifying and controlling the factors that aggravate their symptoms. Sitting in a hot tub or taking a hot shower eases muscle pain and stiffness for many people, according to the Fibromyalgia Network. Sticking to regular sleeping patterns by going to bed and getting up at the same time each day may help reduce sleeping difficulties. A pleasant bedroom environment is important for sleep. Beds and room temperatures need to remain comfortable to combat sleep disorders. Avoiding caffeine and taking medication for a restful sleep often helps fibromyalgia patients.
