Fibromyalgia Treatment Options

Fibromyalgia is a complex condition in which there is no cure. There are options to successfully manage the symptoms, however, there is no one treatment plan, but rather a multidimensional approach. Here are the fibromyalgia treatment options.

Fibromyalgia Treatment Options

The first step after being diagnosed with fibromyalgia is to accept one fact about the disease: it has no cure. However, do not lose hope. There are various ways to get relief from the daunting symptoms of fibromyalgia. The tricky part is finding the right combination that works for you and your body.

Natural

Natural remedies involve any form of healing that does not include medication. Natural remedies include:

• exercise
• the right foods
• herbal teas
• lotions
• supplements
• essential oils
• physical therapy (see below)
• alternative treatments (see below)

I have several natural relieving methods. After a few trials and errors, I am happy with my natural regimen.

Medicinal

A medicinal option is over-the-counter (OTC) medicine, or your physician prescribes. Medicines to help treat fibromyalgia symptoms include:

OTC medicines

• acetaminophen: pail reliever, fever reducer (read more)
• ibuprofen: anti-inflammatory, pain reliever, fever reducer (read more)
• sleep aids: helps to fall asleep and stay asleep (examples include ZzzQuil, Unisom)

Prescribed medicines

• antidepressants – helps relieve pain, depression, fatigue, and sleep problems
• muscle relaxants – work in the brain to relax muscles
• sleep aids – ease sleep difficulties
• gabapentin – (read more)

The only prescribed medications approved by the Food & Drug Administration:

• Lyrica: approved in 2007
• Cymbalta: approved in 2008
• Savella: approved in 2009

Physical

Physical treatments are anything involved with moving the body. Physical treatments used to help treat fibromyalgia include:

• physical therapy
• exercise (within moderation)

Alternative

Alternative methods are any methods that do not include physical or medicinal. Alternative treatments include:

• chiropractic (read more if chiropractic care is a good fit for your family and if you should choose chiropractic care)
• massage
• acupuncture
• hot/cold showers
• cold packs
• heating pad or wrap