Common Treatment Methods for Fibromyalgia

By Kristi Patrice Carter

The most common treatments for Fibromyalgia are focused on improving the quality of sleep and reducing the pain the sufferer endures. Deep sleep level 4 (stage 4) is critical for many body functions, such as tissue repair, antibody production, and the regulation of various neurotransmitters, hormones, and immune system chemicals. Therefore, the patient might be encouraged to undergo a sleep study aimed at pinpointing problem areas and tailoring a therapy for the individuals.

Because sleep is so vital to controlling Fibromyalgia syndrome symptoms, sleep is treated first. This allows the patient to begin to repair the damage done before they have any types of medication. Additionally, sleep is critical to long term health and recovery, so identifying areas that need work, including sleep aids, is very important and primary to any Fibromyalgia treatment routine. 

Medications that boost the body’s level of serotonin and norepinephrine (neurotransmitters that modulate sleep, pain, and immune system function) are commonly prescribed. Since some sleep aids are addictive, doses are generally kept low. Additionally, most doctors will try to prescribe sleep aids that are not addictive, although the extent of psychological addiction is impossible to predict.

Additionally, the doctor might prescribe pain medication, focusing on the same addiction methodologies as are used with sleep aids. Muscle relaxants, anti-epileptic, and anti-anxiety medication might be prescribed as well. In extreme cases, lidocaine injections can be prescribed and severe muscle pain or muscles that have been injured due to spasms will sometimes be treated with cortisone shots. There are several online sources that contain up-to-date information on pain and sleep aid medication development.

Non-medication treatments are also common and usually prescribed in addition to any medicinal prescriptions. These can include physical and occupational therapy, acupuncture, acupressure, relaxation/biofeedback techniques, osteopathic manipulation, chiropractic care, therapeutic massage, or a gentle exercise program. The focus when these treatments are used is to relax the muscles and give the patient the ability to treat symptoms as they occur, instead of waiting until they become extreme or unbearable. 

There are also several holistic options as well as dietary treatments that will help alleviate and treat symptoms. These can include meditation, yoga, and other forms of reflection to build physical and mental stamina, as well as control stress impact. Dietary options include eating a well balanced diet and eating foods that are organic in that they are not treated with hormones, cloning, pesticides, or other artificial substances commonly used on big food producing farms.

Additionally, since the cause of Fibromyalgia is unknown, the most we can do is treat the symptoms. This means that all lifestyle changes that will build stamina, reduce stress, and generally focus on wellness are greatly encouraged. For a short time, until the patient is familiar with the routines of these practices, a counselor might assign them to plan diets, exercise, rest, and life routines that will help ease the pain. While there is no way to eradicate the disease, there are several therapy options that can alleviate symptoms and make them appear less frequently.