Fibromyalgia is a chronic and second most common condition that affects the bones and muscles. It causes symptoms like musculoskeletal pain, tenderness, fatigue, sleep disturbance, etc. Diagnosing fibromyalgia is difficult as the symptoms are similar to various other diseases. Fibromyalgia can affect both males and females. However, females are more prone to fibromyalgia. The symptoms mainly appear in middle age but children or teens can also get them. This condition is chronic but there are medicines, therapies, and natural remedies that can help to manage the symptoms.
Causes
The exact cause behind fibromyalgia is not sure. But some issues in the brain chemistry and spinal cord in pain signaling can cause this illness. Some of the common causes that can lead to fibromyalgia are:
- Gender
- Illness like arthritis
- Anxiety
- Physical abuse
- Emotional abuse
- Depression
- PTSD
- Less physical work
Symptoms of Fibromyalgia
Their pain in fibromyalgia is dull but consistent. Your doctor will recognize the condition as fibromyalgia when you are experiencing musculoskeletal pain in about 4-5 regions. Some other common symptoms of fibromyalgia are:
- Trouble sleeping
- Headaches
- Fatigue
- Rash
- Dry Eyes
- Depression
- Itching
- Bladder problems
- Nonrestorative sleep
- Anxiety
Treatment for Fibromyalgia
Medication
Using medication, you can ease the pain and reduce the symptoms. Some common medications for fibromyalgia are pain relievers, antidepressants, and antiseizure.
Pain relievers
The most common symptom of fibromyalgia is pain. You can take pain relievers to reduce the pain. Due to the pain, performing daily chores becomes difficult and comfortable. Taking the pain relievers can help in easing the pain. For mild pain, you can take OTC pain relievers like aspirin, ibuprofen, acetaminophen, naproxen, etc. These medications will reduce the pain and discomfort. You can manage the symptoms and perform your daily activities easily. If you have a condition like rheumatoid arthritis, you may also feel inflamed. These pain-relievers also reduce inflammation. But using pain-relievers for a long time can cause harmful side effects.
Antiseizure drugs
Pregabalin is the first FDA-approved anti-seizure drug for fibromyalgia. This drug blocks the person’s nerve cells from sending the pain signals. Another anti-seizure drug for fibromyalgia is Gabapentin which helps in reducing the pain.
Antidepressants
Antidepressants can be also used for treating this condition. Duloxetine and milnacipran are common antidepressants used to reduce pain and fatigue. These antidepressants can also rebalance neurotransmitters and help in improving sleep.
Natural medication
Depending on pain-relievers and antiseizure drugs is not good for the body. It not only harms the physical body but also affects brain chemistry. Some people may develop anxiety due to these medications. Instead of using these medications, you can go for a natural medication. With homeopathic fibromyalgia relief, you can manage your daily work without pain and any side effects. These natural medicines can help in reducing the pain and treating the condition. Proper natural treatment can also reduce the pain intensity.
Therapies
Some therapies can help in reducing fibromyalgia pain. With these therapies, your daily work will get less affected.
Physical therapy
You can talk to a physical therapist to treat your fibromyalgia. He/she will tell you some exercises that can help in increasing your strength and stamina. Your therapist may ask you for water-based exercises also.
Occupational therapy
If fibromyalgia is affecting your work a lot then talk to an occupational therapist. The therapist will help you make changes and adjustments in the work area. He may tell you some changes that can help in performing daily chores without causing too much stress to the body.
Counseling
You can also talk to a counselor for managing the pain and stress. He will help you to boost up your mind and strength. Your counselor will teach you ways to deal with stressful situations.
Natural remedies for fibromyalgia
Changing your lifestyle and taking some natural remedies can help you to treat fibromyalgia.
Yoga
Practicing yoga is very helpful to treat fibromyalgia. You can enroll in Yoga classes and will see changes in a few days. Yoga will not only reduce the pain and improve the intensity but also help in stress relief. Certain Yoga poses will ease the pain in joints and muscles. Yoga sessions include certain poses, breathing exercises, meditation, and group discussion. Meditation will give you the strength to spend your day in better ways.
Good sleep
Proper sleep of at least 6 hours (8 hours on average) is necessary to manage the condition. If some parts of the body are aching, others should function well. One of the causes of fibromyalgia is trouble sleeping. Your body needs proper rest to work for the next day. If you are unable to sleep properly, change some routines. Avoid taking daytime naps and go to bed at the same time every day. Reduce light and noise during sleep time. Have your dinner at least 2-3 hours before the sleep time. Avoid using your phone or watching TV during bedtime. Cutting coffee and alcohol at bedtime can help in getting a sound sleep.
Acupuncture
It is a Chinese traditional pain treatment method. The practitioner inserts needles into the pain triggers. According to acupuncture, these needles change the chemical level and blood flow. Due to this, a person feels less pain and discomfort.
Massage
A good massage after working for the whole day feels like heaven. Massage is an excellent treatment to reduce pain in joints and sore muscles. Go to a massage parlor and get a good massage to ease your fibromyalgia pain. Assure that your massage therapist knows about your fibromyalgia condition.
Proper diet
Eating a balanced diet will help to fight against muscle and joint pain. You can eat food items that can help in increasing your physical strength like fruits, veggies, low-fat dairy, healthy fats, whole grains, lean protein, etc. If you are feeling worn out due to fibromyalgia then eat food items that can provide you immediate strength like beans, tofu, oatmeal, avocados, nuts, etc. Some studies show that eating vegetarian food can show positive responses to treating fibromyalgia. You should also avoid food items that can trigger fibromyalgia pain such as food items containing gluten, additives, etc.