There is no cure for fibromyalgia, but there are several treatment options that can help manage the symptoms and improve quality of life. Treatment typically involves a combination of medications, lifestyle changes, and therapies. Here are some of the best treatment options for fibromyalgia:
Medications: There are several types of medications that can help relieve the pain, fatigue, and other symptoms of fibromyalgia. These may include:
- pain relievers, such as over-the-counter or prescription painkillers
- antidepressants, which can help regulate sleep, pain, and mood
- anti-seizure medications, which can help reduce nerve pain.
Lifestyle changes and home remedies: Self-care is critical in the management of fibromyalgia. These include:
- Exercise: Regular physical activity can help reduce pain and improve overall health and well-being. Low-impact exercises such as walking, swimming, or yoga can be especially helpful for people with fibromyalgia.
- Stress management: Managing stress is important for people with fibromyalgia, as stress can trigger or worsen symptoms. Techniques such as deep breathing, meditation, and mindfulness can be helpful for reducing stress and improving overall well-being.
- Sleep hygiene: Getting enough restful sleep is important for managing fibromyalgia symptoms. Practices such as establishing a regular sleep routine, limiting caffeine and alcohol, and creating a comfortable sleep environment can all help improve sleep quality.
- Pace yourself. Keep your activity on an even level. If you do too much on your good days, you may have more bad days. Moderation means not overdoing it on your good days, but likewise it means not self-limiting or doing too little on the days when symptoms flare.
- Maintain a healthy lifestyle. Eat healthy foods. Do not use tobacco products. Limit your caffeine intake. Do something that you find enjoyable and fulfilling every day.
Therapies: A variety of different therapies can help reduce the effect that fibromyalgia has on your body and your life. Examples include:
- Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT): CBT is a type of therapy that focuses on changing negative thought patterns and behaviors to improve overall mood and reduce pain. CBT can be helpful for managing the emotional and psychological aspects of fibromyalgia.
- Massage therapy: Massage therapy can help reduce muscle tension and improve circulation, which can relieve pain and improve overall well-being.
- Physical therapy. A physical therapist can teach you exercises that will improve your strength, flexibility and stamina. Water-based exercises might be particularly helpful.
- Occupational therapy. An occupational therapist can help you make adjustments to your work area or the way you perform certain tasks that will cause less stress on your body.
- Counseling. Talking with a counselor can help strengthen your belief in your abilities and teach you strategies for dealing with stressful situations.
Alternative medicine
Complementary and alternative therapies for pain and stress management aren’t new. Several of these treatments do appear to safely relieve stress and reduce pain, and some are gaining acceptance in mainstream medicine. But many practices remain unproved because they haven’t been adequately studied.
- Acupuncture. Acupuncture is a Chinese medical system based on restoring normal balance of life forces by inserting very fine needles through the skin to various depths. According to Western theories of acupuncture, the needles cause changes in blood flow and levels of neurotransmitters in the brain and spinal cord. Some studies indicate that acupuncture helps relieve fibromyalgia symptoms, while others show no benefit.
- Yoga and tai chi. These practices combine meditation, slow movements, deep breathing and relaxation. Both have been found to be helpful in controlling fibromyalgia symptoms.
It’s important to work with a healthcare provider to develop a treatment plan that is tailored to your individual needs and symptoms. By using a combination of these approaches, many people with fibromyalgia are able to manage their symptoms and improve their quality of life.