About 10 million people in the United States suffer from fibromyalgia.
Fibromyalgia is a condition that causes and pain and can even be debilitating if not properly diagnosed and cared for.
There is currently no cure for fibromyalgia, but that doesn’t mean you have to live in pain. Fortunately, there is a treatment for fibromyalgia and we will explore some of those treatment options in this article.
What is Fibromyalgia?
Fibromyalgia is, simply, musculoskeletal pain. It can also cause fatigue due to the inability to control the pain. Pain can be all over or localized.
Symptoms of fibromyalgia may include:
- Pain that lasts for longer than three months
- Lack of sleep due to pain
- Difficulty concentrating or focusing on simple tasks
There are a few reasons why fibromyalgia may occur.
Trauma can be a large part of the onset of fibromyalgia. A traumatic event, whether physical or emotional could be the cause. One of the reasons for this is because medical professionals believe that fibromyalgia is deeply embedded in the brain’s neuropathways and how they change after trauma.
Some infections can make fibromyalgia worse.
If you have someone in your family who suffers from fibromyalgia, there’s a likelihood that you may eventually have it as well because it could be genetic.
Fibromyalgia is more common in women than in men. Other diseases like lupus or rheumatoid arthritis increase your chances of developing fibromyalgia.
Treatment For Fibromyalgia
Pain can be a huge stressor in our daily life. It interferes with our job and family life, making it hard to do anything at all.
Thankfully, there are ways to manage fibromyalgia and control pain and symptoms.
1. OTC
Simple over-the-counter medications are helpful to relieve some of the pain if it’s not too severe. Medications like Tylenol, Aleve, and ibuprofen are all acceptable.
2. Antidepressants
Your doctor may decide to prescribe antidepressants to help manage pain. Some heavy side effects are associated with antidepressants, like weight gain or nausea. Talking with your doctor can help you gain an idea of which side effects to expect from the medication.
3. Muscle Relaxers
Muscle relaxants can be used to control the pain of fibromyalgia. One of the benefits of taking a muscle relaxer is that it aids in sleeping and fighting fatigue. There are a few available and your doctor can help you choose the right one for you.
4. Physical Therapy
Physical therapy isn’t just for people that have broken bones, but for anyone that is suffering from pain. Exercising your range of motion can help you find relief and give your muscles strength.
5. Yoga
Yoga is a wonderful way to manage the pain associated with fibromyalgia. Yoga is a great way to relieve stress and learn techniques that can alleviate some of the tightness in your muscles. Through gentle movements and deep breathing, you can experience relaxation.
6. CBD Oil
CBD oil is another alternative medicine that has been known to combat chronic pain. Since it’s release on the market, many people are reading more info on CBD oil have used it to assist them with depression, anxiety, and chronic pain and more without the use of side effects.
7. Acupuncture
Acupuncture is a method of pricking your skin with fine needles to stimulate the body to heal itself. There may be some pain associated with acupuncture, but it’s a reliable technique that has shown to help combat pain.
8. Exercise
Exercise, like physical therapy, can strengthen your muscles and increase range of motion. Exercise also can help with fatigue because it produces endorphins, which make you feel good and energized. Because pain can be a hindrance to exercise for those with fibromyalgia, find an activity that’s easy on you and increase your stamina as you exercise.
9. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is a type of therapy that works to change the way that people think. Fibromyalgia can bring a sense of defeat and frustration to your life. CBT can help you manage stressful situations and learn to work out your negativity through positive thinking techniques.
10. Massages
Massage therapy is another great way to relax your muscles. Massage therapy can also relieve stress which can trigger fibromyalgia symptoms. Before your appointment, be sure to let the massage therapist know about your condition so they don’t apply too much pressure.
How to Live With Fibromyalgia
Living with fibromyalgia can be a challenge, but with treatments it’s doable. Here are some tips for living with fibromyalgia.
Take it easy. Don’t push yourself past your limits and rest when you need to.
Reduce your stress levels. Yoga and massage therapy are perfect methods to relieve stress. Take a few moments out of your day to prop up your feet so your pain does not become excruciating.
Make sure you get enough sleep. While it may be hard to sleep because of pain, it’s vital to get adequate sleep because it can impact other areas of your life.
Lifestyle choices can interfere with your pain management. Making healthy choices can help you handle your pain well. Choosing unhealthy choices like drinking too much caffeine or eating too much food that causes inflammation can wreak havoc on your fibromyalgia.
Fibromyalgia Pain Relief
Fibromyalgia can be painful, but it can also be managed well. With the right treatment for fibromyalgia, you can live a fuller life that’s not consumed by pain.
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