How is fibromyalgia treated?
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Honor Society of Nursing (STTI) answered:Doctors usually recommend a multi-pronged approach to treating fibromyalgia that may include medications to relieve pain, help correct sleep problems and improve overall functioning. Support groups and psychological counseling may also be recommended to help people with fibromyalgia cope with symptoms of their condition. Doctors also encourage people with fibromyalgia to make healthy lifestyle choices such as exercising regularly, maintaining a regular bedtime and using stress-reduction techniques. Alternative therapies, such as massage or acupuncture, can also help manage fibromyalgia symptoms.
Doctors usually recommend a multi-pronged approach to treating fibromyalgia that may include medications to relieve pain, help correct sleep problems and improve overall functioning. Support groups and psychological counseling may also be... More -
Dr. Mehmet Oz answered:Fibromyalgia is a notoriously challenging condition to treat. However, there are a number of therapies to consider, so look for a doctor who understands the condition and can help you develop an effective treatment regimen. Your plan for managing fibromyalgia may include:
- Medications. There are three drugs approved by the Food and Drug Administration for treating fibromyalgia. They are pregabalin (Lyrica), duloxetine (Cymbalta), and milnacipran (Savella). Your doctor may also prescribe antidepressants, which appear to relieve fibromyalgia symptoms even if you aren't depressed. Over-the-counter pain relievers may help, too. Depending on your symptoms, your doctor may prescribe other medications, in addition.
- Sleep aids. Fibromyalgia can really mess up your shut-eye. Some fibromyalgia medications can help you sleep better. Following good sleep habits, such as avoiding caffeine and alcohol late in the day, can help you get some rest, too.
- Exercise. Some fibromyalgia patients worry that exercise will worsen their symptoms, but research suggests that the opposite is true. Ask your doctor what level of physical activity is right for you.
- Alternative treatments. With your doctor's consent, trying acupuncture, chiropractic, and dietary supplements may help you to keep pain and other symptoms under control.
Helpful? 1 person found this helpfulFibromyalgia is a notoriously challenging condition to treat. However, there are a number of therapies to consider, so look for a doctor who understands the condition and can help you develop an effective treatment regimen. Your plan for... More -
Pfizer LYRICA™ (pregabalin) Team answered:There are many ways to manage the chronic widespread pain of fibromyalgia, including taking a prescription medicine. But your prescription is only part of a complete fibromyalgia treatment plan. One way to approach your treatment is to think of it as a series of steps:
- Learn all you can about fibromyalgia
- Work with your doctor to set a treatment goal—even one as simple as "be in less fibromyalgia pain"
- Work with your doctor to form a fibromyalgia treatment plan. Consider using more than one method—for instance, complement taking medicine with alternative treatment approaches
- Track progress over time—this will help you know when you’ve met your first goal
Many people can benefit from creating a fibromyalgia treatment plan that combines medicine and alternative treatment approaches.
- A healthy diet can make a difference
- Restful sleep can make a difference
- Being active can help
- Consider alternative treatment approaches, including physical therapy, chiropractic therapy, nutritional counseling, etc.
Talk to your doctor before making any changes to your diet, exercise routine, or treatment plan.
For many with fibromyalgia, prescription medicine is an important part of treatment. Ask your doctor if prescription medicine, such as LYRICA, could be a part of your fibromyalgia treatment plan. In clinical studies, LYRICA was proven to provide significant relief from fibromyalgia pain compared with a placebo, so patients felt better and could do more.*
*Individual results may vary.Helpful? 1 person found this helpfulThere are many ways to manage the chronic widespread pain of fibromyalgia, including taking a prescription medicine. But your prescription is only part of a complete fibromyalgia treatment plan. One way to approach your treatment is to think of it... More -
Dr. Jacob Teitelbaum answered:Five main categories of problems need to be treated - think "SHINE." These are the key areas that need to be treated for fatigue and pain to resolve.
SHINE stands for:
- (S)leep
- (H)ormonal deficiencies
- (I)nfections
- (N)utritional supplementation
- (E)xercise as able
Hormonal deficiencies - Take adrenal nutrients and DHEA. The hypothalamus is the main control center, via the pituitary, for most of the glands in the body. It is usually necessary to treat with natural thyroid, adrenal, and ovarian and testicular hormones. These natural hormones have been found to be reasonably safe when used in low doses.
Nutrition - Take a multi-nutrient supplement and ribose. Widespread nutritional deficiencies are common, and require dozens of nutrients. In our recently published study, Ribose increased energy an average of 45% after 3 weeks in those with fibromyalgia or chronic fatigue syndrome.
Treat infections - Many studies have shown immune system dysfunction in fibromyalgia, which can result in many unusual infections. These include viral infections, parasites and other bowel infections, chronic Lyme and, most importantly, fungal/Candida infections.
Exercise as able - Do not push to the point of crashing the next day. Start by walking as long as you comfortably can (even if that is only 2 minutes). After 10 weeks on treatment, start to increase your walks by up to 1 minute more each day as able. When you are up to an hour of walking, you can increase intensity.
To find a physician specially trained in treating fibromyalgia, contact one of the Fibromyalgia and Fatigue Centers that are opening throughout the United States.
Helpful? 2 people found this helpfulFive main categories of problems need to be treated - think "SHINE." These are the key areas that need to be treated for fatigue and pain to resolve.SHINE stands for: (S)leep (H)ormonal deficiencies (I)nfections (N)utritional supplementation... More -
MediGuard answered:The U.S. FDA recently approved Lyrica (pregabalin) and Cymbalta (duloxetine) for the management of fibromyalgia.
A simple web search should help to identify fibromyalgia support groups.The U.S. FDA recently approved Lyrica (pregabalin) and Cymbalta (duloxetine) for the management of fibromyalgia.A simple web search should help to identify fibromyalgia support groups. More -
Dr. William D. Knopf of Piedmont Heart Institute answered:Fibromyalgia can be treated with combined therapy which includes reduction of stress, plenty of rest, physical therapy including daily exercise and adequate nutrition may all be effective. Two newly approved medications: lyrica and cymbalta.Fibromyalgia can be treated with combined therapy which includes reduction of stress, plenty of rest, physical therapy including daily exercise and adequate nutrition may all be effective. Two newly approved medications: lyrica and... More -
Dr. Dawn Marcus answered:Most people with fibromyalgia do get better over time. There's no cure or quick fix, and improvement can take weeks to months -- but you can expect improvement. Fortunately, a wide assortment of effective nondrug therapies, prescription medications, and nutritional supplements are available for the management of fibromyalgia. You will need to experiment a bit to find out which treatment or combination of treatments works best for you. Most people use nondrug therapies, such as aerobic exercise and pain management techniques, but medications often are temporarily necessary and helpful in conjunction with nondrug treatments.
Find out more about this book: The Woman's Fibromyalgia Toolkit: Manage Your Symptoms and Take Control of...
Most people with fibromyalgia do get better over time. There's no cure or quick fix, and improvement can take weeks to months -- but you can expect improvement. Fortunately, a wide assortment of effective nondrug therapies, prescription... More -
General: There is no cure for fibromyalgia. However, some treatments are effective in reducing symptoms, such as medications, behavioral interventions, support groups, patient education, and exercise. In mild cases, a reduction in stress and certain lifestyle changes may be enough to manage the disease. These changes may include: participation in counseling, regular exercise, physical therapy, healthy sleep habits, and stress reduction.
U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved three drugs for the management of fibromyalgia: duloxetine (Cymbalta®), milnacipran (Savella®), and pregabalin (Lyrica®). Other types of medications may also be prescribed to manage symptoms or co-existing conditions. Such drugs may include: antidepressants, anti-seizure drugs, benzodiazepines, muscle relaxants, and pain relievers. In order to properly manage pain, individuals should take their medications as prescribed by their healthcare providers. Patients should also tell their healthcare providers if they are taking any herbs, dietary supplements, or other drugs (prescription or over-the-counter), because they may interfere with treatment.
You should read product labels, and discuss all therapies with a qualified healthcare provider. Natural Standard information does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
General: There is no cure for fibromyalgia. However, some treatments are effective in reducing symptoms, such as medications, behavioral interventions, support groups, patient education, and exercise. In mild cases, a reduction in stress and... More -
Baptist Health South Florida answered:Fibromyalgia (FM) can be hard to treat. It's important to find a doctor who has treated others with FM. Many family doctors, general internists, or rheumatologists can treat FM. Rheumatologists are doctors who treat arthritis and other conditions that affect the joints and soft tissues.
Treatment often requires a team approach. The team may include your doctor, a physical therapist, and possibly other health care providers. A pain or rheumatology clinic can be a good place to get treatment.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration have not yet approved any medicines to treat FM. Doctors treat FM with medicines approved for other purposes. Pain medicines and antidepressants are often used in treatment.
This answer is based on source information from the National Women's Health Information Center.Fibromyalgia (FM) can be hard to treat. It's important to find a doctor who has treated others with FM. Many family doctors, general internists, or rheumatologists can treat FM. Rheumatologists are doctors who treat arthritis and other... More
