The treatments associated with fibromyalgia are not a definite cure but helps control the symptoms. These include medications and self-care routines to minimize pain and mood swings. A variety of treatments are adopted, as this condition creates a lot of body ailments.
Pain reducing or muscle-relaxing drugs get administered for pain. Talk therapy and meditations can help with mood disorders like depression and anxiety. People suffering from this condition also take mediations for improving sleep patterns and fatigue. In this article, you’ll read all about the available medications, therapies and alternate medications to ease fibromyalgia.
Medications
A wide range of medications are available, some are over-the-top medications, and some doctor prescribed. Such conventional medications are anti-depressants and anti-inflammatory pills. Anti-depressants, like Amitriptyline-Cyclobenzaprine, is known to have short term effect. But it will have adverse effects in long term use. It is the common anti-depressant that gets prescribed for fibromyalgia which helps the muscles to relax by working on the central nervous system. Anti-seizure drugs can also help with fibromyalgia symptoms.
Doctors recommend over-the-counter medications like ibuprofen and naproxen for muscle pain relief. These may help for a while, but will not cure the condition as a whole. These medications are nothing but a placebo-effect to counter the unbearable pain associated with this condition. Immune-system boosting supplements are also useful.
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
It is the best recommended non-medicated therapy for fibromyalgia patients. It involves changing the patient’s perspective about the ailment. CBT is about becoming fully aware of his or her conditions, dealing with the emotional stress of accepting a life-long illness, and developing skill-sets to improve the overall quality of sleep and physical activity.
Holistic Methods
These are complementary methods to combat the ailments associated with fibromyalgia. Standard medications do not provide all-ending solutions, and it also causes many side-effects. Holistic treatments can improve the quality of life if appropriately followed.
Acupuncture
A traditional Chinese method in which the practitioners insert fragile needles into the trigger points of the patient’s body. It changes the blood flow, which in turn will relieve the pain. A study suggests that acupuncture can moderately relieve muscle stiffness and pain caused by fibromyalgia.
Massage
It will help with the muscle and joint sores. A gentle body massage will give a soothing effect which will reduce stress and promote relaxation.
Counselling
A talk-therapy is useful. However, not a fatal condition, patients with this syndrome find it difficult to go ahead with the daily activities. Try to focus on achieving short goals than on the daily suffering.
Yoga and Mild Exercise
Fibromyalgia is painful. Proper exercise is out of the question, but moderate physical activities can help. Yoga stretches will be beneficial if done regularly.
