Fibromyalgia is characterized by widespread pain, particularly in tender points such as the back of the head, the shoulders and around the neck. Other symptoms typically accompany this condition such as trouble sleeping, anxiety, fatigue and depression. The exact cause has not been pinpointed but theories have been proposed such as alterations in how the brain processes pain signals or changes in the release of hormones that affect your response to pain. Treatments entail managing symptoms through a mix of strategies including medications, self-care, lifestyle changes and stress management.
Exercise Recommendations
While exercise might be the last thing you feel like doing when you suffer from fibromyalgia, it can help on several fronts. It stimulates the release of chemicals that act as natural pain killers, reduces fatigue, fights stress, lessens anxiety and depression and gives you more energy. The University of Maryland Medical Center says research has shown that regular low-intensity exercise is one of the most effective treatments for this condition. Examples of low-impact activities include walking, cycling and swimming. Start out slowly to ease into a routine. For example, if you choose to walk, start your first day with a five-minute walk and add a minute every day until you reach 60 minutes; then aim for a 60-minute walk three to four times a week. If you find it difficult to reach this goal at this pace, do what feels most comfortable but try to reach that 60-minute mark. If you want to try swimming, eventually work up to 30 minutes of laps. The most important thing is to find a form of exercise you enjoy and to stick with it.
Mind/Body Techniques
A study published in 2010 in the journal "Pain" found that a combination of yoga, meditation and breathing eased symptoms of fibromyalgia. Conducted at the Oregon Health Sciences University, women suffering from this condition for at least a year took a weekly two-hour program. Before the program, this group and the control group rated their symptoms on a scale of 1 to 100; the yoga group went from an average of 48 to 35 while the control group's average remained the same at 49.
The National Institutes of Health recommends acupuncture as a treatment for fibromyalgia. The University of Maryland Medical Center says research has shown that chiropractic care might also ease symptoms.
Natural Supplements
Particular vitamins, herbs and minerals can possibly address various aspects of this condition but you should not use these treatments without first consulting with your doctor. If you have an interest in using these treatments, consider consulting with a health care professional who is well-versed in natural therapies, such as a naturopathic physician. Calcium, magnesium, l-carnitine, malic acid and coenzyme Q10 play an important role in musculoskeletal health, which could help reduce pain. Supplements that combat inflammation and pain include omega-3 fatty acids, turmeric, bromelain, cat's claw and, when applied topically, capsaicin. Treatments that might address symptoms related to mood and energy level include rhodiola, NADH and SAMe.
Medications
Medications can address different aspects of this condition. Low doses of tricyclic antidepressants can address sleep disturbances Anti-seizure medications, analgesics, anti-spasm drugs and topical treatments like lidocaine can relieve pain and muscle spasms.
