Fibromyalgia (FM) is a condition that causes a physical, emotional and mental effect on the body. Chronic fatigue and pain are the main symptoms that occur with this condition. According to the National Fibromyalgia Association (NFA), fibromyalgia is a syndrome rather than a disease, and it affects approximately 10 million people in the United States; 75 to 90 percent of whom are women. Pain can be relieved through conventional and natural treatments.
Step 1
Use an over-the-counter formula. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can help relieve pain. Examples of these are naproxen sodium, ibuprofen, acetaminophen and aspirin.
Step 2
Talk to your doctor about a prescription formula. Medications that can help reduce pain and other symptoms of FM are tramadol (pain reliever), duloxetine and milnacipran (antidepressants) and pregabalin (anti-seizure). Milnacipran and pregabalin have been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration specifically for FM treatment.
Step 3
Get daily exercise. According to the Mayo Clinic, exercise can be painful when you first start out, but doing it on a regular basis can help decrease your symptoms. Do something you like and feel comfortable with every day. Examples are walking, water aerobics, biking and swimming. These are also non-impact activities.
Step 4
Do not overdo it. When you are doing daily activities or exercise and you feel good, do not do too much. If you are having a good day and you overexert yourself, you can cause your pain to become worse on the following days.
Step 5
See an acupuncturist. Acupuncture is a type of Chinese medicine that involves the insertion of tiny needles into the skin at various meridian points. This causes changes in the flow of blood and levels of neurotransmitters in the brain and spinal cord to help relieve pain.
Step 6
Get a massage. Massage therapists use their hands, fingers and knuckles to manipulate the soft tissue under the skin. This can eliminate wastes and improve the flow of circulation and nutrients to sore muscles. This is also an effective treatment to reduce anxiety and stress.
