Fibromyalgia Pain Management

Fibromyalgia pain management can be handled a variety of ways, depending on the severity of the symptoms and the individual suffering from this condition. The condition is not well understood, but in general, the muscles are affected, as is the individuals mental and emotional well being. Those with fibromyalgia experience pain ranging from mild to extremely intense and so must find successful ways of dealing with the condition. Other symptoms can be difficulty sleeping, tiredness and even bouts of depression. Doctors and researchers agree there is no current pharmaceutical that can adequately cure fibromyalgia. However, many physicians practicing in both the regular medical area as well as the naturopathic arena agree that symptoms of this condition can be relieved greatly by following common sense dietary guidelines, as well as exercise and perhaps some homeopathic and/or herbal courses of treatment.



Those studying fibromyalgia say that the condition is a conglomeration of numerous physical complaints or discomforts, rather than a single condition that affects only the muscles and connective tissues. Still other schools of thought classify these numerous symptoms as indications that there is a single cause, and the symptoms are produced by that cause. Some doctors say that these symptoms result from undiagnosed infections, hormonal disorders and even dietary deficiencies. Obviously, there is no consensus here, and so the individual is left to deal with the condition by getting numerous diagnoses and treatments, hoping one will eventually work. Therefore, pain management can be elusive at times, depending on the course of treatment chosen.



First, in order to begin effective fibromyalgia pain management, the physician talks with the patient to work out a reasonable activity plan that is, how much activity can reasonably be performed in a given day so as not to aggravate the patients condition. Pacing is important so that the patient does not do too much, but ensure that enough activity is accomplished so that therapy is effective. Next, a discussion regarding daily diet should take place, emphasizing the importance of consuming vegetables and fruits as well as a balance of the other food groups. If the patient is used to drinking coffee every day, then limiting this beverage would be very beneficial in fibromyalgia pain management. Treatment may also call for carefully choosing some moderate aerobic exercises which is very good for the muscles to strengthen and obtain oxygen. And I will lay sinews upon you, and will bring up flesh upon you, and cover you with skin, and put breath in ye, and you shall live; and ye shall know that I am the Lord (Ezekiel 37:6 KJV).



In addition to regular treatments as stated above, fibromyalgia pain management can include a less traditional type of approach, such as including herbal and homeopathic remedies. Since our body is over 90% water and the rest a variety of chemicals, it makes sense to utilize a more natural approach to fibromyalgia pain management, along with the consumption of adequate water to hydrate the cells and tissues of the body for optimum function. In the early days of medical practice, natural remedies were common, if not fully understood. Many people may not know that aspirin is a natural remedy that comes from the bark of a tropical tree. There are hundreds of natural remedies that are available to assist people to better health. These natural medicines can reduce swelling, support the immune system and eliminate pain.



Some typical herbal remedies used in fibromyalgia pain management are St. Johns Wort, which helps pain to subside and wards off against viruses. Agents that help reduce swelling are Devils Claw Root, Willow Bark and Turmeric. To help with sleeplessness, there is Valerian Root. A homeopathic remedy called Gorse helps to alleviate depression that many people with this condition experience. There are many other natural remedies that can be used depending on the severity of the fibromyalgia and how willing the patient is to move forward with this type of therapy. Before utilizing natural remedies, the physician may do some tests to rule out allergies to foods and other environmental triggers.



In order to lessen the effects of anxiety, beneficial activities would be to start a program of yoga to gently stretch the body, which also helps to relax tension in the muscles and increase oxygenation of the tissues. Simply going outside for a 30 minute walk, swimming and riding a bicycle are all very good and can make a big difference in the way a person feels after a short period of time. Our bodies thrive on regular exercise, because exercise helps our bodies to regenerate and heal. Exercise also promotes the formation of antibodies in our immune systems so we can better fight off diseases and infections. Everything works together in order to maintain an optimally functioning body, so it is important to take care of ourselves so we dont fall into disrepair. Natural therapy for fibromyalgia pain management may take longer to have an effect than drugs, but are designed to help a person to continue to heal over the course of their life and to stay healthy.



Have a long talk with your physician if you are experiencing fibromyalgia, and discuss all the avenues available to treat this painful condition. Each person is different and may require an individualized plan of treatment for fibromyalgia pain management. The first step is the recognition that taking responsibility for our own health in order to stay well is the best thing a person can do to remain well. A little education and a little work at proper dietary and exercise modalities may finally alleviate that pain. You can do it!