Fibromyalgia is a condition in which a person suffers from excess musculoskeletal pain and fatigue without having any physical injury or inflammation. The cause(s) of fibromyalgia is still unknown; however, many doctors suggest it to be genetics. The symptoms may develop after an illness, physical trauma or stress. There are various options for pain relief for fibromyalgia, but first, let us have a look at its symptoms.
Symptoms of Fibromyalgia
Common symptoms associated with fibromyalgia are as follows:
- Pain and localized tenderness
- Fatigue
- Difficulty in sleeping
- Problems in concentrating
- Depression or anxiety
- IBS, Irritable Bowel Syndrome
- Headaches
- Morning stiffness
- Tingling in the hands, arms, and feet
- Painful menstrual cramps
Treatments for Fibromyalgia Pain Relief
Fibromyalgia pain can be minor or acute enough to muddle with one’s everyday activities. Thankfully, there are some natural remedies as well as medical treatments that are helpful in acquiring fibromyalgia pain relief. Some of the most common ones are listed below.
Painkillers
There are many over-the-counter medicines available that help to reduce the pain associated with fibromyalgia, such as aspirin or naproxen. You can consult your doctor before taking any of these. However, their long-term use is not recommended. Generally, painkiller medicines help to
- reduce pain and inflammation,
- reduce the severity of muscular aches, and
- diminish sleep problems.
Antidepressants
Antidepressants are another alternative for relieving fibromyalgia pain and fatigue. However, these medicines can cause certain side effects such as nausea and vomiting, weight gain, and loss of sex drive. Thus, it is important to understand the potential risks and consult your medical professional before their intake.
Narcotic Pain Medications
Narcotic pain medicines, also known as opioids, alter the way your brain responds to pain. These medicines have been found helpful in treating different kinds of pain. However, these are generally addictive, and so, their limited use has been recommended.
Diet
A healthy diet can play a vital role in achieving fibromyalgia pain relief. In fact, there are a plenty of foods that can help in easing the symptoms. For instance, because fibromyalgia is mainly liked to inflammation, consuming an anti-inflammatory diet can prove to be helpful. Such a diet includes foods like onions, nuts, raspberries, and fish. On the other hand, foods that may increase inflammation such as salt, packaged foods, and alcohol should be avoided.
Apart from this, doctors suggest the following dietary changes:
- Avoiding foods containing monosodium glutamate as it stimulates the nervous system
- Consuming a diet low in fructose
- Avoiding the consumption of lactose, which is a protein found in milk
- Avoiding all artificial sweeteners
You can also consult a doctor or a nutritionist for formulating a diet that best suits your health.
Vitamins and Supplements
Certain nutritional deficiencies in the body can further aggravate the symptoms of fibromyalgia. Your doctor can test for any deficiencies and prescribe some vitamins or supplements for treating the same. For instance, some doctors hold that low levels of magnesium or Vitamin D can cause the symptoms of fibromyalgia.
Stress Management
Stress can also worsen the pain and fatigue associated with fibromyalgia. Consequently, stress management techniques can help to find fibromyalgia pain relief. Indulging into new hobbies, activities or spending quality time with friends or family can help in easing the condition.
Complementary Therapies
A lot of people suffering from fibromyalgia turn to complementary therapies such as acupuncture, biofeedback, massage therapy, and guided imagery for pain relief for fibromyalgia. These therapies work well for some people, especially when combined with traditional treatments.
Exercise
This is a good way to fight fatigue and boost your energy levels. Exercise helps in increasing the brain’s production of endorphins, decrease depression, and improve sleep. You can partake in activities like walking, swimming, biking, yoga, etc. to relieve your symptoms.
Lifestyle Modifications
Making some easy lifestyle modifications can also help in finding fibromyalgia pain relief. These changes include
- using a comfortable mattress and pillow,
- using a comfortable and relaxed chair, especially while working,
- maintaining a good and upright body posture, and
- consistent sleeping routine.
Cognitive Behavior Therapy
Certain studies suggest that that talk therapy can help people in coping with fibromyalgia. This doesn’t imply that the condition is affecting one’s brain. Instead, it shows that the pain is affecting a person’s both psychological and physical health. Cognitive behavior therapy is one such technique that helps people in combating depression and symptom-related distress. It also motivates them to indulge in relaxation techniques to cope with pain.
Fibromyalgia can be a lifelong condition that afflicts pain and suffering. It is important to experiment with a few treatment options to find fibromyalgia pain relief. You can talk to your doctor and try out certain medications or physical therapy options to ease your symptoms and improve your quality of life.
