Fibromyalgia, Part 2: Treatment and Management

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As mentioned in Part 1 of this post, there is no magical, quick fix in the treatment of fibromyalgia. Fortunately, symptoms of fibromyalgia can often be effectively managed. Proper management – with the goal of minimizing symptoms and improving overall health – is best achieved with a multi-dimensional approach.

The following is a brief overview of treatments and self-management strategies that may be employed.

Treatments:

- Chiropractic / physical rehabilitation – those with fibromyalgia know, all too well, the tightness and stiffness associated with the condition. This stiffness, especially over weeks – months – years - can compound pain as well as reduce mobility. The skill-set of chiropractors allows us to be well suited to have a positive influence on this tightness and reduced joint mobility.

- Acupuncture – the insertion of very fine needles through the skin to various depths – has some medical research that supports its use in the treatment of fibromyalgia. (Other studies have not shown a conclusive benefit.)

- Massage therapy – can relax muscles and decrease pain. Further, it can help relieve stress and anxiety that is often associated with fibromyalgia.

- Medications – talk to your family doctor about the possible inclusion of certain medications in your management strategy. Medications could include pain killers, muscle relaxants, antidepressants, or anti-seizure drugs. (Certain anti-seizure medications have been shown to help reduce fibromyalgia-related pain).

- Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy – this form of therapy has been shown to play an important role in addressing the stress and negative thoughts associated with fibromyalgia. You may gain stress-relieving strategies as well as the mental strength needed to cope with your condition. It may also allow you to gain a greater awareness of aggravating factors contributing to your symptoms, and what your limits are.

- Support Groups – one of the stresses and frustrations for fibromyalgia sufferers is the feeling that no one understands your pain. It may even feel like those closest to you – friends and family – are not able to understand the persistent pain that you are suffering. It may be helpful to know that there are people out there (many of them) who CAN understand your pain. A simple search on Google will find numerous support groups and online discussion forums for fibromyalgia sufferers. Need a start? Try the National Fibromyalgia Association at: http://www.fmaware.org/

Self-Help Remedies:

- Regular exercise – I can hear fibromyalgia sufferers collectively groaning right now. I know – this is a tough sell. I’ve been told many times from sufferers that exercise increases their pain levels. So why bother? Multiple studies tell us that gradual and regular exercise will, over the long run, lead to a decrease in your symptoms, even if it doesn’t feel that way initially. But keep it simple – stick to low impact aerobic activities like walking, cycling, or swimming. Slowly progress to a faster pace as you feel more comfortable – increase the speed of your walking, or try Nordic pole walking, or pool aerobics. Bottom line – the studies are clear on one point – GET MOVING.

- Reduce your stress -I know – easier said than done – but a worthwhile cause, nonetheless. Have you noticed your symptoms worsen as your stress levels increase? Thought so. There are numerous effective strategies to try, all of which can be effective. If you’re serious about managing your condition, you will have to set aside some time and make a consistent and conscious effort. If you do not have any healthy stress relief techniques, then try something new. How about yoga? Meditation? Breathing techniques? All are good.

- Sleep - Make sure you get enough sleep, and practice regular sleeping habits (such as going to bed and getting up at the same time, and limiting daytime napping). As previously mentioned, tiredness is a central characteristic of fibromyalgia. Regular sleeping habits are absolutely critical for energy, mood, and pain reduction.

Eat well - This just makes sense. A diet that is rich in organic fruits and vegetables, nuts (such as almonds or walnuts), and whole grains all help to strengthen your body’s natural defenses and healing capabilities. In addition, try adding ginger and turmeric (the spice in curries) into your diet as these are fantastic natural healing agents. Reduce your intake of trans-fatty acids by eliminating polyunsaturated vegetable oils, deep-fried foods and vegetable shortening. Eliminate caffeine from your diet.

- Supplements – There is some medical evidence to suggest that calcium, magnesium, and malic acid can be of benefit to fibromyalgia patients.

So there’s a general guideline to help steer you in the right direction. Remember that no single strategy will work miracles for you. Instead, try to incorporate a variety of strategies. I’ve seen many fibromyalgia sufferers, and have witnessed some great improvements in quality of living. Though a painful and frustrating condition, there is hope for fibromyalgia sufferers.

It’s worth repeating – there is hope.