There are many potential ways you can manage your fibromyalgia pain, including both conventional and unconventional treatments. Medications are the most commonly used method, although some therapies and alternative remedies have also proven beneficial for many patients. It is up to you to try various methods and determine which one or combination of them works best for you.
The primary purpose for treatment in this condition is to alleviate fibromyalgia pain, fatigue, and depression. Pain medications are often one of the first courses of action, as they may allow you to sleep better and regain some of your mental clarity so that other treatments can be more successful. The type of medication and dosage you are given may vary based on the severity of your pain and your individual preferences. Antidepressants are also commonly given to fibromyalgia patients to alleviate any stress, anxiety, or depression.
Cognitive behavioral therapy may also be used to treat fibromyalgia pain. It is not always determined what causes pain with this condition, and some believe that it is partially psychological in nature. By undergoing therapy to “re-train” the brain’s way of thinking, some patients may be able to get rid of pain by telling themselves it is no longer affecting them. This method may also be beneficial for emotional pain and depression.
Some alternative therapies may also help relieve fibromyalgia pain. These can include acupuncture, acupressure, massage, and meditation. Some methods, such as acupressure and meditation, may be performed by the patient himself. Others must be done by a trained practitioner and may not be available in all areas.
Aside from medicinal and alternative treatments for fibromyalgia pain, taking care of yourself and eating a balanced diet is one of the most beneficial things you can do. Getting regular exercise may help to alleviate pain by strengthening muscles and increasing blood flow throughout the body. It also helps to alleviate stress and depression by releasing endorphins into the blood stream. Eating plenty of nutritious foods is also beneficial because it increases energy, boosts overall health, and may allow bodily cells to rejuvenate themselves.
To determine the best treatment for your condition, it is best to first speak with your doctor. He will be able to give you an accurate diagnosis, and may help you determine the best course of action from there. Once you know that fibromyalgia is the cause of your symptoms, you can also speak with naturalists, dietitians, or nutritionists to discuss additional unconventional treatment options. The ones available to you may depend on your general health, age, and symptoms.