medical interventions
Numerous medications can assist in reducing fibromyalgia symptoms. Among them are:
Over-the-counter painkillers Over-the-counter pharmaceuticals may be used to treat pain associated with fibromyalgia. Ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil) and naproxen (Aleve) are two examples.
Stronger alternatives may be prescribed by a physician if these prove ineffective.
medications for fibromyalgia
Trusted Source has been approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) especially for the treatment of fibromyalgia. Among them are:
an antiepileptic and gamma-aminobutyric acid agonist that may soothe tense muscles, and a norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI) that raises serotonin and norepinephrine levels in the brain to reduce pain signals
milnacipran (Savella), an additional SNRI for pain management
Pregabalin was found to improve pain, quality of life, mood, and sleep in a reliable source involving 1,421 fibromyalgia patients. Over the course of the seven-year research, pregabalin had more efficacy in reducing pain than
According to researchersTrusted Source, SNRI drugs like milnacipran and duloxetine work by regulating the activity of the body’s noradrenergic system, which in turn reduces pain. This neural network is in charge of producing, releasing, and storing norepinephrine.
It could take a few tries at various dosages or medications for fibromyalgia sufferers to discover the correct mix. Inform the physician of any adverse reactions, and find out how long the drug takes to take effect. Some medications take a few weeks to start working completely.
Depression-fighting drugs
Studies conducted in 2017According to a reliable source, those with low serotonin levels are more susceptible to fibromyalgia. Certain fibromyalgia symptoms might be alleviated by selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), which raise serotonin levels.
A meta-analysis from 2015A reliable source of research revealed minimal proof that SSRIs helped fibromyalgia patients with their pain, exhaustion, and sleep issues.
Nonetheless, the researchers came to the conclusion that SSRIs might be able to treat depression in those who have this illness, which can exacerbate anxiety and despair. Antidepressant medication may make some people feel happier, which facilitates better pain management.
Physicians may recommend the following SSRIs to patients with fibromyalgia:
fluoxetine (Sarafem, Prozac)
paroxetine (Pexeva, Paxil, and Brisdelle)
sertraline, or Zoloft
drugs for sleep
Fibromyalgia discomfort can make it difficult to fall asleep, and losing sleep can exacerbate the condition.
Doctors may recommend sleep aids if methods like buying a more comfortable mattress and going to bed at the same time every day don’t work.
narcotic painkillers
Opioids are narcotic painkillers that alter how the brain processes pain. They are not very effective for fibromyalgia, although they can relieve a lot of different kinds of pain.
The aforementioned 2018 studyPregabalin, a medication for fibromyalgia, was determined by Trusted Source to provide superior pain relief than opioids for those with the condition.
The American College of Rheumatology and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)Trusted Source both advise against using opioids for fibromyalgia pain, despite the fact that some patients with persistent pain benefit from them.
Opiod side effects, including mood swings, disturbed sleep, and cognitive and memory problems, are also signs of fibromyalgia. Using opioids can exacerbate these symptoms.
Additionally, it is crucial to discuss the advantages and disadvantages of opioids with a doctor before to using them because they have the potential to become dependent. The doctor could advise trying alternative therapies first.
non-narcotic painkillers
Additional fibromyalgia treatments are also being researched. For example, intravenous lidocaine gave long-lasting pain alleviation in a 2020 trial with 74 fibromyalgia patients.
natural remedies
The following non-pharmacological methods may alleviate symptoms on their own or enhance the results of traditional therapies.
Talking treatments
Research indicates that counseling may be beneficial for individuals managing fibromyalgia. This does not mean that the symptoms of fibromyalgia are “all in a person’s head.” Rather, it illustrates the fact that pain is both a physical and psychological sensation.
One’s ability to control their discomfort may be compromised by stress and a lack of social support. A person with fibromyalgia may discover that therapy gives them a voice and enables them to learn new coping mechanisms for things like diminished mobility, the intricacies of the healthcare system, and any insensitive coworkers, employers, or family members.
Individuals could favor in-person or online counseling. A 2015 study discovered that both forms of cognitive behavioral treatment (CBT) reduced suffering associated with fibromyalgia symptoms and depression. Only in-person therapy, though, enhanced day-to-day functioning.
Additionally, CBT can teach someone how to relax in order to lessen their pain. Additionally, a 2019 study discovered that CBT assisted those with fibromyalgia and insomnia in reducing their discomfort.
Review of Exercise A for 2015.Obesity and chronic pain are both possible, according to a reliable source. Although they pointed out that precise long-term methods to accomplish this were yet unknown, the researchers came to the conclusion that losing weight can be a significant component of pain treatment.
There is no proof that one type of exercise regimen is superior to another in terms of relieving pain. However, the majority of workouts appear to provide at least some pain relief.
Research has shown that the following are some choices for exercise:
As per a 2017 study, aerobic exercises like swimming, aerobic classes, and jogging
tai chi, as per a 2018 researcha different 2017 research, according to Trusted Source yoga
An individual with fibromyalgia should select the form of exercise that best suits their needs.
Dietary adjustments
There is some evidence that chronic inflammation and fibromyalgia are related. Nonetheless, a few specialists think that pain signals, not inflammation, are the cause.
An anti-inflammatory diet might be beneficial for certain individuals. Eating things like raspberries, salmon, onions, and almonds is part of this. For someone with fibromyalgia, avoiding processed foods, salt, and excessive alcohol intake may be beneficial because these items might exacerbate inflammation.
A 2020 investigationAccording to a reliable source, women who have fibromyalgia are four times more likely to develop metabolic syndrome, which can exacerbate the symptoms of the condition. Diets low in glycemic index can lessen the consequences of metabolic syndrome.
Always consult a medical professional prior to making any big dietary adjustments. A balanced, healthful, and fulfilling diet can be planned with the assistance of a registered dietitian.
By keeping a meal journal and monitoring any changes in symptoms, one can determine which foods are responsible for their problems.
We include some foods that someone with fibromyalgia may wish to stay away from and some that may be helpful in a section below.
Supplements and vitamins
Certain medical specialists think that deficiency in certain nutrients, including low magnesium or vitamin D levels, could be the cause of or exacerbate symptoms of fibromyalgia. Certain vitamins and supplements may be helpful in this situation.Trusted Source.
However, a meta-analysis from 2017Research from Reliable Sources could not uncover any solid proof linking vitamin or mineral deficits to fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome. Additionally, it turned up no proof that supplements worked.
It is recommended that anyone interested in trying supplements first consult a physician. Usually, tests can be performed to check for deficiencies before deciding whether or not supplements are required.
control of stress
One potential factor for fibromyalgia is emotional stress. Therefore, using stress management techniques may lessen the severity of symptoms.
It’s important that each person discover a technique that works for their way of living. While some people thrive on distractions such as new hobbies, others like to mingle