Fibromyalgia is a syndrome in which sufferers feel pain in multiple areas of the body, known as trigger points. The pain ranges from tenderness to severe pain. Patients often complain of "hurting all over." The typical patient can feel exhausted a good deal of the time and has an insufficient quantity of deep, restorative sleep. Fibromyalgia is much more common in women than men, explains the National Fibromyalgia Association. While it can strike at any age, it often begins between ages 20 and 40. Several tools may improve the quality of life for sufferers of this syndrome.
Heat
Some patients feel relief from the application of a warm, wet towel or washcloth to an especially painful area. Alternatively, a heating pad or hot water bottle may be applied. These should be used for no more than 15 minutes to avoid skin or tissue damage. A warm bath or whirlpool may reduce overall pain and relax the sufferer prior to bedtime.
Cold Pack
The application of cold is beneficial for some fibromyalgia patients. A cold pack can be applied to the tender area for up to 15 minutes. Some patients respond poorly to cold while others find it reduces their pain and tenderness.
Exercise
While high-impact exercise is not recommended, suitable low-impact exercises are considered beneficial, according to the National Fibromyalgia Association. Daily stretching on an exercise mat can reduce pain in the long run. Walking, swimming and bicycling are good options on days when aerobic exercise is possible. Yoga can also reduce pain and chronic stress levels. When beginning an exercise routine, seek the advice of a physician or physical therapist for recommendations on the most helpful exercises for fibromyalgia.
Counseling
MayoClinic.com relates that cognitive behavioral therapy can assist the fibromyalgia patient in developing effective stress management techniques. It may also prove beneficial in helping her become more confident, a trait sometimes lacking after years of coping with chronic pain. This type of therapy may utilize counseling tapes, CDs or other media to reinforce the message between individual counseling sessions.
Journal
Keeping a journal of daily activities can help the fibromyalgia patient learn what improves her symptoms. She can actively chart whether new exercises, therapeutic techniques or activities are improving her pain and mobility. A journal is also beneficial for the individual receiving counseling for her condition as she can write down and thus more likely remember the guidance she is given. It also allows her to write down the issues she wants to discuss with her counselor at the next treatment session.
Comfortable Bed
A comfortable, clean bed and a quiet, soothing bedroom are important for healthy sleep. A calming bedroom atmosphere without annoying noises or lights is conducive to obtaining the deep sleep often deficient in patients with fibromyalgia.
Acupuncture
Acupuncture is a procedure in which thin needles are placed into specific areas of the body in an effort to diminish pain. According to MayoClinic.com, insertion of these needles may change neurotransmitter levels in the brain, providing relief for some fibromyalgia patients. This technique should be performed only by a person trained in acupuncture and should not replace conventional medical treatment. It should be obtained only upon the consent of the treating physician.
References
- "Medical-Surgical Nursing"; Donna Ignatavicius, M.S., R.N. and Linda Workman, Ph.D., R.N.; 2002
- National Fibromyalgia Association: Newly Diagnosed Patient
- MedlinePlus: Fibromyalgia
- MayoClinic.com: Fibromyalgia
- Fibromyalgia Network: Coping Tips
