While Fibromyalgia is the second most common pain condition affecting muscles and bones, it is usually misdiagnosed and widely misunderstood by healthcare professionals, causing sufferers to deal with chronic pain without the clear knowledge of its source. This means that it really helps patients to work on accumulating their own knowledge about fibromyalgia. Being cognizant about the possibilities can lead to better diagnosis. While there is no medical cure for fibromyalgia, it can be managed through medication, exercise and other healthy lifestyle changes that can ease pain.
Is Fibromyalgia a Medical Condition?
Fibromyalgia is a chronic condition that affects how the brain and spinal cord work together to process the sensation of pain. It tends to be typical in patients who are:
- Female
- Have a mood disorder, such as depression and anxiety
- Have other painful disorders, such as arthritis
- Tend to not exercise
- Have a family history of this condition
The Symptoms of Fibromyalgia
While many people assume fibromyalgia is a medical condition characterized by pain all over the sufferer’s body, it can also present itself as some of the following symptoms:
- Muscle pain, itching or chronic twitching
- Tender points over various parts of the body
- Feeling chronically fatigued or exhausted
- Belly pain, bloating or other bowel issues, such as irritable bowel syndrome
- Trouble concentrating or focusing
- Difficulty falling asleep or remaining asleep
- Sensitivity to various stimuli, such as extreme cold, light or sound
Medications to Treat Fibromyalgia
While there is no pill that can cure this condition, many medical options can suppress symptoms and instill relief on sufferers.
- Antidepressants- These medications raise serotonin levels in the brain, which can help control the sensation of pain in fibromyalgia sufferers
- Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors- This form of medication can aid with depression, as well as feelings of pain
- Tricyclics- This older form of depression medication is helpful is reducing sensations of pain, as well as relaxing patients to reduce symptoms of anxiety, restlessness and insomnia
- Anti-Seizure Medications- Drugs that are popularly used for epileptic seizures are also good for reducing pain symptoms in fibromyalgia patients, by preventing over-active nerves from sending pain signals to the brain
Alternative Treatments for Fibromyalgia
Mixing alternative treatments with medication, diet and exercise may be the best option for relieving fibromyalgia symptoms.
- Dietary Supplements
- Magnesium- Low levels of magnesium may lead to the development of fibromyalgia symptoms. Keeping levels at a healthy point can stop pain from hindering ones life.
- Melatonin- This hormone can help aid in insomnia, allowing sufferers to get a good night’s sleep
- St. Johns Wort- This herb can aid in depression, as well as mildly relieving fibromyalgia symptoms
- Acupuncture- This form of treatment can naturally increase blood flow and the body’s naturally occurring painkillers, relieving pain and suffering
- Massage- Various types of massage can be extremely effective in fibromyalgia sufferers. Deep tissue massage can help reduce muscle tension and pain, stopping muscle spasms and healing tender areas of the body. The relaxing benefits of massage can also help sufferers sleep, while also reducing anxiety and depression.
- Apply Heat- At-home remedies, such as warm baths and heat pads, can also provide pain relief to sufferers through their muscle relaxing properties