If you have fibromyalgia, you must know the various treatments you can choose from. These include medications, aerobic exercise, and complementary or alternative therapies. You may also be able to find some helpful self-care strategies.
Self-care Strategies
Fibromyalgia is a chronic widespread pain disorder that causes muscle fatigue. This fatigue can also be exacerbated by emotional and work-related stress. To combat this, you can use nonpharmacological strategies. These include exercise, limiting overexertion, eating a balanced diet, and maintaining a healthy lifestyle.
There is no cure for fibromyalgia, but you can make lifestyle changes that may reduce the severity of your symptoms. The key is to find a combination of strategies that will help you.
You can start by talking to your doctor. They can help you develop an exercise plan that can be done at home. They may also suggest medications. It is essential to discuss your treatment goals and limitations with your physician.
A therapist can also provide support. They can help you adjust your working and living environments and recommend exercises to improve your quality of life. It is also recommended that young adults join a fibromyalgia support group for young adults to learn about the disease from the experiences of others.
You can also use relaxation techniques, such as deep breathing exercises. These can help reduce pain and improve your sleep. Music can also be a beneficial tool.
Medications
There is no cure for fibromyalgia, but there are medications that can help you manage your pain and fatigue. The first step is to find a doctor. Your doctor will evaluate your symptoms and check your health history to determine if you have fibromyalgia. You may need lab tests to rule out other conditions.
Fibromyalgia medications are available as generics and over the counter. They cost between $6 and $500 per month. Therefore, it is essential to read the manufacturer’s instructions and warnings and to use them only as directed.
If your symptoms are not improving, you may want to try other types of medication. These include antidepressants, muscle relaxants, or other drugs. However, these medicines can have some severe side effects.
Some medications can be addictive. For example, opioid painkillers can be dangerous and can lead to dependence. However, anxiety and sleep issues can be treated by taking antidepressants. Antidepressants can also help you deal with feelings of sadness.
For many people, simple painkillers such as paracetamol are effective. However, these can have adverse side effects, including drowsiness and dizziness. Depending on your condition, you may need more potent painkillers.
Aerobic Exercise
Exercise is an integral part of treatment for fibromyalgia patients. However, research has yet to be conclusive on its benefits. It is still unclear whether exercise improves pain, sleep, and other symptoms. A systematic review of studies is needed to answer these questions.
The researchers searched the Cochrane Library, PubMed, EMBASE, the Web of Science, and the Wan fang Database for published articles evaluating exercise’s effects on fibromyalgia. They found a total of 45 randomized controlled trials.
The studies evaluated the effectiveness of exercise on three aspects of fibromyalgia: pain, physical function, and quality of life. Results showed that aerobic and resistance training had a positive effect on pain. In addition, the combination had a better impact on physical function and quality of life.
The findings of this systematic review are helpful for patients who have fibromyalgia. There is little doubt that aerobic exercises can reduce pain, but there are concerns about the potentially harmful side effects of excessive training. Those interested in doing a clinical study should discuss these issues with their healthcare provider.
Complementary and Alternative Therapies
Fibromyalgia is a painful condition affecting up to 2 percent of adults in the U.S. It causes long-term chronic pain and affects many areas of the body.
Although there is no cure for fibromyalgia, effective treatments can reduce symptoms and improve quality of life. Some studies have found that alternative therapies can help relieve fibromyalgia pain and other symptoms.
If you are interested in trying alternative or complementary therapies, make sure you do your research. Some remedies can have adverse side effects. Also, you may need a doctor’s referral.
One alternative treatment that is becoming more popular is Tai chi, a slow, gentle exercise. Studies have shown that Tai chi can ease symptoms of fibromyalgia.
Other alternative therapies include massage and meditation. These methods can also help to reduce stress.
You can try acupuncture, which is a Chinese practice. Acupuncture involves the insertion of thin needles into specific points of the body. Traditional theories of acupuncture suggest that the arrows change the flow of blood and energy. Depending on how the hands are placed, acupuncture can help to reduce pain.
Daytime Napping
Fibromyalgia patients often need daytime naps to compensate for poor sleep. Nevertheless, some researchers question whether this is an excellent coping mechanism. Some evidence suggests that daytime napping might be beneficial, but more research is needed to determine its effectiveness.
A study by researchers in New Zealand assessed the effects of daytime naps on fibromyalgia symptoms. The study involved a total of 1,044 adults with fibromyalgia. They were surveyed using an online questionnaire. The responses were analyzed and categorized into two groups.
Participants were classified into two categories, one group containing daily nappers and the other group containing sporadic nappers. Daytime naps for both groups were correlated with symptoms. However, a significant difference was found between the groups regarding the severity of their comorbid conditions.
Daytime nappers reported higher pain and fatigue levels, along with a more significant number of comorbid conditions. Researchers also noted a connection between daytime napping and depression and anxiety.
Daytime naps were also associated with memory difficulties, which led to worsened cognitive functioning. Furthermore, participants who took a nap for more than 30 minutes showed more signs of depression.
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