Treatment for Fibromyalgia
Treatment for fibromyalgia attempts to relieve some of your symptoms and improve your quality of life, but there is currently no cure.
Your GP will play an essential role in your treatment and care. They can help you decide what is best for you based on your preferences and what treatments are available.
In some cases, several different health professionals may be involved in your care, such as:
- A rheumatologist is a specialist in diseases that affect muscles and joints
- Neurologist: a specialist in ailments of the central nervous system
- Psychologist: a specialist in mental diseases and psychological healing
Fibromyalgia has numerous symptoms, meaning no single treatment will work for all of them.
Treatments that are effective for some people may not certainly work for others.
You may need to try different treatments to find a combination that works for you.
This is usually a combination of medication and lifestyle changes.
Pharmaceutical Drugs
You may need to take several medicines for fibromyalgia, including pain relievers and antidepressants.
Pain relievers
Regular painkillers available over the counter at a pharmacy, such as paracetamol, can sometimes help relieve the pain accompanying fibromyalgia.
But these aren’t for everyone, so be sure to read the manufacturer’s instructions that come with the medicine before using them.
If over-the-counter pain relievers don’t work, your GP (or another healthcare professional who treats you) may prescribe a more potent pain reliever, such as codeine or tramadol.
However, these pain relievers can be addictive, and their effect tends to wane over time.
This means that your dose may need to be increased gradually, and you may experience withdrawal symptoms if you stop taking them.
Other side effects include diarrhea and extreme fatigue.
If regular painkillers don’t help, you may need to get some prescription drugs for fibromyalgia, including painkillers and antidepressants.
Antidepressants
Antidepressant medication can also help relieve the pain of some people with fibromyalgia.
They increase the levels of certain chemicals, known as neurotransmitters, that carry messages to and from the brain.
Low levels of neurotransmitters can be a factor in fibromyalgia, and it is believed that increasing levels can alleviate the generalized pain associated with the disease.
There are different types of antidepressants. The choice of medication depends mainly on the severity of your symptoms and any side effects the medication may cause.
Antidepressants used to treat fibromyalgia include:
- Tricyclic antidepressants, such as Elavil, Endep, Vanatrip, amitriptyline, Effexor, Effexor XR,
and venlafaxine
- Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), such as fluoxetine (Prozac) and paroxetine
A medication called pramipexole, which is not an antidepressant but also affects the levels of neurotransmitters, is sometimes used.
Antidepressants can lead to a variety of side effects, including:
- the dire state of health
- dry mouth
- drowsiness
- feeling excited, shaky, or anxious
- dizziness
- weight gain
- constipation
Information on the side effects of a particular drug can be found in the accompanying patient information leaflet. For information on the side effects of your particular medication, check the patient information leaflet that comes with it.
Medication to help you sleep
Since fibromyalgia can affect your sleep patterns, you may need medications to help you sleep.
If you sleep better, you may find that other symptoms are less severe.
Talk to your GP if you think this medication might help you.
They may recommend over-the-counter medication or a shorter course of more potent medication.
Some antidepressants can also improve sleep quality.
Read more about treating insomnia to learn about good sleep techniques and medications to help you sleep.
Muscle relaxants
If you have muscle stiffness or cramps (when the muscles contract painfully) due to fibromyalgia, your doctor may prescribe a brief treatment with a muscle relaxant such as diazepam.
These drugs can also help you sleep better, as they can have a calming (sleep-inducing) effect.
Anticonvulsants
You may also be prescribed an anticonvulsant (anti-seizure) medicine, as these can be effective for those with fibromyalgia.
The most frequently used anticonvulsants for fibromyalgia are pregabalin and gabapentin.
These are usually used to treat epilepsy. However, research has shown that it can relieve some people’s pain associated with fibromyalgia.
Some common side effects of pregabalin and gabapentin are:
- dizziness
- drowsiness
- Swelling of your hands and feet (edema)
- weight gain
Antipsychotics
An anticonvulsant medication (an anticonvulsant drug) may also be prescribed, as these may be effective in patients with fibromyalgia.
Antipsychotics, also called neuroleptics, are sometimes used to relieve long-term pain.
Research has shown that these drugs can help with conditions like fibromyalgia, but more research is needed to confirm this.
Possible side effects include:
- sleepiness
- tremors (tremors)
- anxiety
What is fibromyalgia?
Fibromyalgia is a chronic condition that affects about 5 million Americans. Doctors diagnose fibromyalgia based on a patient’s symptoms and physical exam. Patients experience muscle pain and stiffness, but X-rays and most lab tests do not show any measurable findings. While fibromyalgia does not damage the joints or organs, constant aches and fatigue can significantly impact daily life.
Fibromyalgia is a condition that is characterized by acute pain in the muscles and tendons of the body. Many other symptoms in both men and women accompany the diseased condition. It is mainly associated with an increased pain sensation, and women are the worst sufferers of this condition.
About 20% of men may account for the total cases of fibromyalgia. Musculoskeletal pain, soft tissue tenderness, and sleep disturbances are all symptoms of fibromyalgia. It primarily affects the neck, back, shoulder, and pelvic girdle.
Fibromyalgia is a physical problem that can be relieved with the help of proper treatment. The natural treatment of fibromyalgia is very effective in giving relief from the pain associated with fibromyalgia. These natural treatments for fibromyalgia can also relieve fatigue and normalize the person’s ability to carry on daily activities as a part of fibromyalgia treatment.
Note: Fibromyalgia is a non-contagious disorder and not life-threatening. Nevertheless, it can affect different parts or body systems, one after the other or simultaneously. Fibromyalgia symptoms manifest in the respiratory, central nervous, digestive, gastrointestinal, genitourinary, and muscular systems.
Symptoms of Fibromyalgia
The most common symptoms of fibromyalgia are:
- Pain all over, fatigue, and sleep difficulties
- Morning stiffness, cramping, and weakness
- Digestive system disorders, headaches, and migraines
- Balance problems, itchy and burning skin
Symptoms of Fibromyalgia in Women
- Most women with fibromyalgia encounter the problem of an aching body, and the pain can be a muscular ache or burning sensation across the body.
- Common tender points of pain can be found between the shoulder blades, upper chest, back of the head, inner knees, and front sides of the neck.
- Falling and staying asleep can be difficult for men suffering from fibromyalgia.
- Another fibromyalgia symptom is jaw pain, which causes pain in the face and head.
- Problems related to memory can also cause some essential fibromyalgia symptoms in men.
- Other related symptoms include morning stiffness, irritable bowel syndrome, chronic headaches, and palpitations.
Causes of Fibromyalgia
The exact causes of fibromyalgia are not known, and it is suspected that certain people can have a genetic predisposition to develop this condition.
Listed below are possible causes of fibromyalgia:
- Stress plays a very important role and is considered an aggravating factor for fibromyalgia.
- Several neurotransmitters regulate the pain sensation, and fibromyalgia may be related to abnormalities in the levels of neurotransmitters.
- Some other factors that can induce an outbreak of fibromyalgia are hormonal fluctuations, weather changes, depression, and lack of sleep.
A natural treatment for fibromyalgia
Treating fibromyalgia can be difficult because no one is sure what causes it. As there is no root cause to treat, it is often necessary to manage the symptoms. However, natural fibromyalgia treatment has proven to be very effective in relieving the pain associated with fibromyalgia.
Listed below are Natural treatments for fibromyalgia
Exercise for fibromyalgia: an essential natural treatment for fibromyalgia
Exercise is an effective natural remedy for fibromyalgia that helps combat tiredness and improve energy levels. Exercise increases the brain’s production of endorphins, improves sleep, and reduces depression.
Exercise for fibromyalgia includes walking, biking, and swimming. For some, getting started is difficult with widespread pain; start slow and increase gradually.
A diet for fibromyalgia is an essential part of any natural treatment for fibromyalgia.
One of the most helpful changes that can be made to suit the diet for fibromyalgia is to increase the level of essential fatty acids. Fish such as halibut, salmon, cod, trout, mackerel, and flaxseed oil all contain high levels of the essential fatty acid omega-3 alpha-linolenic acid. This acid contains substances that the body requires to create different substances that can significantly assist with the ease of arthritic-style pain, such as is present in fibromyalgia.
Willow extract is another helpful diet for fibromyalgia that can often assist with generalized pain relief. If you suffer mainly from weakness or stiffness, a mild analgesic such as willow extract can help alleviate this problem. Many people prefer willow extract as a natural treatment for fibromyalgia because it has pain-relieving properties and is appropriate for ongoing chronic conditions. Ginger can also assist with easing pain in some sufferers and keeping circulation in good condition. This can be a useful dietary supplement for those experiencing numbness in the extremities and, therefore, is suited to a diet for fibromyalgia.
One of the most responsive moves you can make in the new diet is to remove the consumption of certain beverages. Carbonated drinks such as soda pop, coffee, caffeine-enhanced sports drinks, chocolate drinks, and alcohol should all be cut out entirely from a diet for fibromyalgia. Additionally, artificial sweeteners and sugar should be eradicated. If you must continue to sweeten your drinks, honey is the best option for sufferers. Honey is also beneficial dietary-wise, providing a naturally relaxing, antiseptic, and energizing ingredient.
As with many other diets, a diet for fibromyalgia should decrease or eliminate processed and artificial foods as much as possible. Removing sugar and white flour, MSG, and salt have all been proven to assist fibromyalgia sufferers. Foods that should be taken in abundance include leafy greens, cooked and raw vegetables, fruits, grains, and proteins. Attention should be given to increasing the amount of fiber-rich fruits and vegetables that are taken on a diet for fibromyalgia. Magnesium-rich foods can help some fibromyalgia sufferers and may also be helpful to you. Magnesium can often be found in vitamin supplements if you do not enjoy many foods that contain them. These recommendations should assist when planning a diet for fibromyalgia.
Yoga for Fibromyalgia: An ancient Indian natural treatment for fibromyalgia
Yoga is a natural remedy for fibromyalgia that has been proven effective in pain management. It is one of the recommended treatments for fibromyalgia. It can be a gentle way to stretch your body and loosen up tight muscles and joints. It also helps with balance and strength; becoming more advanced can give you a cardiovascular workout.
The first step before you can start yoga for fibromyalgia is to see your doctor to make sure it is safe for you. Once you get the official deal, it is best to go very slowly. Try a simple pose daily and pay close attention to your feelings. Once you are sure this does not worsen your symptoms, you can start adding more slowly.
Because you are starting so slowly, you will likely want to do it alone or with a personal instructor. If you are doing a self-guided program, make sure you understand the poses before trying them out and start with simple poses that allow you to sit or lie on the floor. A video or book with good pictures can help.
Remember that fibromyalgia is prone to dizziness when adding standing poses, especially when standing. Focusing mainly on lying, sitting, or standing positions in a very stable position can prevent a problem.
Massage for fibromyalgia: the most popular natural treatment for fibromyalgia
Massage is a natural treatment of fibromyalgia that has been proven to reduce the symptoms of fibromyalgia. Massage for fibromyalgia reduces pain and tension, improves your ability to sleep, and energizes your entire body since it can increase your circulation.
Massage for fibromyalgia is ideal for helping you relax and reduce your stress levels. It also directly impacts what seems to be the underlying cause of fibromyalgia: the production of your brain’s chemical messengers.
Some researchers also believe that massage for fibromyalgia increases the production of neurotransmitters (i.e., endorphins). These block feelings of pain. The Touch Research Institutes in Miami, Florida, has also found that massage therapy reduces substance P (a chemical messenger) responsible for pain. Whenever the brain’s chemistry is improved, patients report that they are in a better mental state and can reach a deeper state of sleep.
Note: All forms of massage benefit fibromyalgia because they help your body release toxins, improve blood flow, relieve pain, and improve your mental well-being. Finding a therapist who knows about fibromyalgia and has experience treating patients with this syndrome is vital.
Herbs for fibromyalgia: a popular natural treatment for fibromyalgia
Herbs for fibromyalgia are a form of natural treatment for fibromyalgia that helps address the symptoms of this syndrome, which causes many people to become debilitated.
There are a lot of reasons why herbs for fibromyalgia are effective
- Conventional medications provide relief that may be effective initially but will not increase wellness. As such, they are not effective for long-term relief. On the other hand, herbs for fibromyalgia can return your body to a state of balance.
- Prescription drugs have adverse side effects.
- While herbs for fibromyalgia may not be instantly compelling, they will create more profound healing and excellent relief over time. This is because herbs won’t hide your symptoms; they will heal them instead.
One of the best ways to take herbs is tea (a.k.a. infusion). You will need two teaspoons of dried herbs and one cup of boiled water to make tea. Allow the herbs to be infused in the water for 10 minutes. It is important to note here that herbs don’t need to be taken separately since they are usually more effective when used together. With this in mind, here are some of the different types of herbs for fibromyalgia:
- Black Cohosh or Meadowsweet: Ease stiffness and joint pain
- Burdock Root, Red Clover, Bogbean, or Dandelions: remove toxins from your body
- Chamomile: relieves muscle tension
- Ginger or Prickly ash: increases blood circulation
- Skullcap, Jamaican dogwood, Passionflower, or Valerian: relieves pain.
Note: Herbs for fibromyalgia work best when taken daily. Given some time, they will bring your body back to a healthy, harmonized state wherein your fibromyalgia symptoms are reduced. This result should be seen within three months if you drink the tea regularly.
Homeopathy for Fibromyalgia: The #1 natural treatment for fibromyalgia
Homeopathy Fibromyalgia is a natural remedy for fibromyalgia that contains homeopathic ingredients, such as Rhus Tox, Arnica Montana, and Kali Phos, for the temporary relief of fatigue, muscle pain, cutting, crampy pain with numbness, hypersensitivity, and sleeplessness.
Homeopathy has an excellent scope in managing fibromyalgia and relieving the symptoms of aches and pains when everything else fails to help. Listed below are homeopathic remedies for fibromyalgia
- Rhus Tox is the top-listed homeopathic remedy for fibromyalgia. It is indicated in cases where there is widespread pain in the body. Tearing, shooting, or stitching are all potential causes of muscle, tendon, and ligament pain. It is seen to get worse with exertion and during the night. Sleep gets disturbed, and there is marked stiffness in the body. Back pain is very prominent, and it gets better with motion. Rhus Tox is also indicated for numbness and a prickling sensation in the limbs.
- Arnica is a popular homeopathic remedy for fibromyalgia
prepared from the Leopard’s Bane plant. It belongs to the family Composite. It is primarily used in cases of fibromyalgia with sore, bruised pains in the body. The body feels lame and sore, as if beaten. It is sensitive to touch, and the person feels afraid to touch the painful parts. Fatigue, numbness, and tingling of the limbs may be present. A history of injuries is usually present in people needing this medicine.
This homeopathic remedy for fibromyalgia treats marked fatigue and sleep issues in cases of fibromyalgia. There is intense weakness and tiredness, and the whole system feels drained. The affected person gets easily fatigued and has body aches. Exertion worsens the condition. Sleeplessness is another major issue that is treated well with this medicine. A prickling sensation in the hands and feet and fibromyalgia linked with stress also indicate this remedy.
Acupuncture for Fibromyalgia: An ancient oriental natural treatment for fibromyalgia
Acupuncture for fibromyalgia relieves patients, making it an efficient method of managing fibromyalgia symptoms because it plays a beneficial role. Also, due to the unavailability of medical treatment for the cure of fibromyalgia, Acupuncture for Fibromyalgia as an alternative natural treatment for fibromyalgia, complementary medicine helps to give patients some respite when diagnosed early and administered. Acupuncture is notable for reducing different forms of chronic pain, and this explains why it is a popular treatment for people with fibromyalgia, of whom 5 million are estimated to be Americans and a more significant percentage are women. Fibromyalgia is a rheumatic condition that impairs soft tissue and joints.
Symptoms of fibromyalgia vary in individuals, but one factor common to all is pain. Other symptoms include headaches, muscle stiffness, sensitivity to bright light, sounds, and temperature, and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). The exact causative factor of fibromyalgia is unknown, but the hypothesis suggests numerous injuries and stressful lifestyles over time. Some other research links it to rheumatoid arthritis and lupus, but the underlying fact is that it can be difficult to diagnose if other forms of the disorder are not first ruled out. This calls for urgent medical diagnoses to start treatment in earnest.
History of natural treatment for fibromyalgia in general and acupuncture for fibromyalgia in particular
Acupuncture has been an ancient Chinese practice for thousands of years. Acupuncture is used as a treatment for pain relief for many ailments. The traditional Chinese practice of acupuncture strategically inserts needles into the skin with the knowledge that it balances the energy in the body, known as qi, which is pronounced as chee. Correction of the energy imbalance brings the body’s required healing from pain and other ailments.
Western medicine did not recognize the practice of acupuncture and its advantages for many years until recent studies showed its effectiveness. One such study showed that acupuncture is almost twice as effective for treating headaches and arthritis as traditional drugs. Also, a study conducted on Acupuncture for Fibromyalgia shows an alleviation of debilitating symptoms in patients for an extended period of months.
Acupuncture for Fibromyalgia—the modern form of ancient medicine—is the natural treatment for fibromyalgia
Managing fibromyalgia requires a combination of treatments that will eventually control the symptoms.
Due to the not-yet-discovered medical treatment for fibromyalgia, patients turn to complementary medicine such as massage, hydrotherapy, and acupuncture. 1 out of 5 patients turns to acupuncture for relief. Acupuncture for Fibromyalgia works early in diagnosing fibromyalgia, and it is worth trying to relieve you of your pain. Fibromyalgia patients enjoy the following benefits from acupuncture treatment: reduced pain, improved sleep, better body relaxation, and boosted body immunity. Acupuncture for Fibromyalgia is a better alternative to the use of antidepressants, which, in the long run, alter the brain’s chemistry. Why not go the natural way?
Acupuncture for Fibromyalgia: How it works
The Acupuncture for Fibromyalgia procedure involves using very fine needles inserted into the strategic point of the body at various depths. These needles are left for 20 minutes or more, depending on what is needed. These needles are sometimes stimulated with heat or electricity, and the procedure is safe when carried out by a well-trained practitioner. Needles are used on the pressure points, back, neck, shoulder, and other affected body areas, and the body goes through its self-healing ability. This happens by gently twisting these needles, releasing endorphins (the body’s natural opioids) into the blood. The acupuncture practitioner believes this procedure removes energy blocks in the affected areas, causing a free energy flow along the meridians.
The result of single acupuncture for fibromyalgia treatment could last weeks in some patients, significantly relieving chronic pain and improving their quality of life.
Can acupuncture help with fibromyalgia?
Before you undergo acupuncture for fibromyalgia, endeavor to do the following:
- Seek the services of a qualified acupuncture practitioner.
- It is safer and more proper to list all your major life events from the past. This will save your practitioner the time he spends asking for background information.
- List all symptoms of chronic pains you experience in your body to make the diagnosis accurate and for later reference to this valuable piece of information.
- Come with a list of all drugs you use, whether related to the pain you are experiencing or other ailments, including supplements you take. Some drugs you currently use or have used in recent times might be responsible for the symptoms you are experiencing in your body.
- Start wearing loose clothing, as tight clothes might hinder the ease of energy flow the acupuncture procedure is trying to achieve in your body.
- Avoid alcohol, sugar, and caffeine before you embark on the treatment. This abstinence should be maintained after treatment for a healthy lifestyle.
Natural Treatment for Fibromyalgia in Philadelphia
You can also add natural remedies for fibromyalgia to your acupuncture treatment that may increase effectiveness and relieve symptoms, such as sleep, rest, diet, supplements, reducing stress, massage, yoga, and tai chi.
At the Philadelphia Acupuncture Clinic, Victor Tsan, MD, and David Wu, LAc, successfully treat fibromyalgia. The remission after treatment usually lasts for a year or longer.
Visit our Book Appointment page to schedule your consultation and treatment, or contact us at (267) 403-3085, and we will assist you.
Telephone No.267-403-3085