What is Fibromyalgia?
Fibromyalgia is a condition characterized by chronic, widespread pain and tenderness in several areas of the body continuously for at least three months. It is characterized by widespread musculoskeletal pain along with stiffness, fatigue, sleep disturbance, cognitive difficulties and mood changes such as anxiety or depression.
What are the Causes of Fibromyalgia?
The exact etiology of fibromyalgia is currently unknown. It is thought to be a so-called neurosensory disorder. In other words, patients suffering from fibromyalgia may have a lower threshold for pain due to increased pain-sensitivity signals in the brain. Women are more likely to develop fibromyalgia than men because it is considered that female hormones play a role in a feeling of pain. Current studies suggest that various forms of stress-related disorders cause dysregulation in the stress response system contributing to fibromyalgia.
What are Typical Symptoms of Fibromyalgia?
Fibromyalgia causes an arising of multiple tender points on the body. These points are painful when pressure is applied and occur above and below the waist as well as along the axial spine. Also, fibromyalgia can be presented as constant aches arising within muscles. People with fibromyalgia often have some premorbid background including different chronic disorders such as depression, anxiety, irritable bowel syndrome, thyroid dysfunction. As there is no exact explanation for what actually causes the fibromyalgia, this condition is still a “diagnosis of exclusion”. In other words, it is important to rule out other disorders that could also cause these symptoms.
What are Treatment Options?
Currently, there is no cure for fibromyalgia. However, a multi-disciplinary treatment approach including consultation with pain-specialist can achieve significant improvement and decrease pain.
1) See a Pain Management Physician for a Treatment Plan
People will need to see a physician when they develop fibromyalgia to learn how to relieve fibromyalgia pain. Dr. Manvar will first do a physical exam to rule out other medical conditions that may cause widespread pain.
Once diagnosed with fibromyalgia, the typical fibromyalgia therapy plan will include self-care, prescription or over-the-counter medications and perhaps physical therapy. For some patients seeking fibromyalgia pain, relief natural treatments are preferred. It is important to discuss the many treatment options and preferences with the physicians in order to develop a plan that works best.
2) Medications
Prescription fibromyalgia pain killers are often not the first option tried unless the pain is intense and enduring. Fibromyalgia patients can try over-the-counter medications first. If they do not work, the physician will suggest a more powerful prescription medication.
Over-the-Counter Drugs
- Acetaminophen (Tylenol, Anacin, Excedrin, etc.)
- Ibuprofen (Motrin IB, Advil, Nuprin, etc.)
- Naproxen sodium (Aleve, Naprosyn, etc.
Prescription Drugs
The FDA has approved three prescription medications to treat fibromyalgia.
- Duloxetine (Cymbalta)
- Milnacipran (Savella)
- Pregabalin (Lyrica)
The anti-depressants and anti-seizure medications are prescribed because some scientists believe emotional distress and the way the brain is perceiving pain contributes to fibromyalgia pain. Since sleep is so important to health and managing anxiety, your primary care physician may prescribe a sleep aid medication. This is especially true if pain is causing sleep disruptions.
3) Medical Treatments
Beyond prescription medications, patients find benefit from Trigger point injections at the severe locations.
4) Physical Therapy
Physical therapy can help patients with learning the types of exercises that can improve muscle and joint flexibility. It also helps the patient build up stamina and strength. Physical therapy can also address issues like tight muscles around the spine that may be increasing pain. One of the best options in aquatic PT.
5) Cognitive-behavioral therapy
Chronic pain is driven by many factors that include biochemical imbalances and pain signaling. It is also associated with the perception of pain in the brain. Cognitive-behavioral therapy helps people change their negative thought patterns that are aggravating the awareness of pain. Some researchers believe fibromyalgia patients may have an increased sensitivity to pain in the brain. Cognitive-behavioral therapy is not used alone. It is combined with other types of treatments.
Natural Remedies
Exercise
It is tempting to forgo exercise when suffering with fibromyalgia, but that is precisely the wrong thing to do. Exercise contributes to better sleep, muscle flexibility and lower stress. Low-impact aerobic activities are often beneficial, like walking and biking. Water aerobics and swimming are also recommended because the water provides support.
Aerobic exercises are an ideal treatment for fibromyalgia pain. Aerobic exercises increase the heart rate which improves oxygen flow, among other benefits.
Supplements
Some fibromyalgia patients have found that certain supplements may help to reduce pain and improve general well-being. They include vitamin D, soy, magnesium, turmeric and creatine. Supplements that promote serotonin production may also help, like SAM-e and 5-HTP.
Other Products
A host of fibromyalgia pain relief products are sold. They include:
- Topical creams
- Lumbar support pillows
- Heating and ice pads
- Wrist rests
- Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) unit
Other Factors
Natural remedies for fibromyalgia pain relief also include:
- Maintaining a healthy weight
- Eating well-balanced nutritional meals
- Massage
- Acupuncture
- Chiropractic Care
- Relaxation strategies – deep breathing exercises, meditation, progressive muscle relaxation, etc.
- Yoga
People have tried so many different ways to get relief from the unrelenting pain of fibromyalgia. The only way to find out what works is to try the different options and products.
Keep Trying Treatment Options
Since the cause of fibromyalgia pain has not been pinpointed, there is no single treatment plan available. There is no cure. It can be discouraging, but it is important for the patient to continue trying various treatments until finding the mix of options that work best. It is worth the experimentation to find fibromyalgia pain relief.
