Fibromyalgia Treatment

Recently Answered

• QHow can I treat fibromyalgia pain during pregnancy?

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  A Dr. Dawn Marcus , Neurology, answered

  Pain and fatigue from fibromyalgia often become worse during pregnancy, so it's important to get your symptoms under the best control possible before you become pregnant. This is a great time to make sure you're taking advantage of effective nondrug treatments, such as exercise, strength training, and behavioral therapies. These are great techniques to use when you're trying to get pregnant and throughout pregnancy. If you are already trained in these techniques, consider scheduling an appointment with a therapist for booster sessions to help reinforce and improve your skills.
  
  Many of the same pain-reducing techniques used for fibromyalgia may also help reduce pregnancy-related pain and other problems you might develop. Be sure to let your doctor know if you develop any new health concerns during your pregnancy.
  
  Medication options for fibromyalgia are quite limited during pregnancy and nursing. However, the nondrug treatments, which are the foundation of managing fibromyalgia, may continue to be used effectively throughout pregnancy and nursing.
  
  Fibromyalgia should not be a barrier to a successful pregnancy. Many other women share your concerns. Pregnancy often creates new challenges as your body changes. You might experience morning sickness, difficulty sleeping, and new aches and pains. Although you may need to modify your treatment regimen, women with fibromyalgia can safely use a variety of effective treatments during pregnancy.
• QCan yoga help treat fibromyalgia?

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  A Sigma Nursing answered

  Some studies show that yoga not only reduces the pain of fibromyalgia but also helps people with fibromyalgia feel less anxious. Yoga combines gentle stretching movements with deep breathing. Practicing yoga regularly may help you feel less muscle pain and stiffness and remain more active.
  
  If you want to try yoga to treat fibromyalgia, try to find an instructor who has experience teaching students who have the condition. You may experience limitations or have special needs as you start a yoga class, but try to stick with it. It should become easier with time.

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• QHow many doctors are required to treat a person with fibromyalgia?

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  A National Fibromyalgia & Chronic Pain Association answered

  Ideally, the minimum number of medical team members required to treat a person with fibromyalgia must include:

  • A doctor to oversee the overall treatment regimen including prescribing and monitoring medications.
  • A complementary medical professional to guide the person with fibromyalgia in discerning what type of alternative therapy protocols might be beneficial, such as an aerobic exercise program. This healthcare professional also monitors the program’s success, makes appropriate activity changes and motivates the patient.
  • A mental health expert adept at cognitive behavior therapy who can also counsel people in learning how to make adjustments in their lives to accommodate changes that naturally occur when living with a chronic illness.
• QAre there any alternative treatments for fibromyalgia I should avoid?

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  A Sigma Nursing answered

  Many people with fibromyalgia try alternative treatments for relief. If you are considering an alternative therapy for fibromyalgia, talk to your doctor. Your doctor can help you understand the risks and likely effectiveness of each therapy and may be able to recommend a practitioner. Be especially sure to talk to your doctor before trying any dietary supplements or herbal treatments. Some may cause serious side effects when mixed with certain medications.
  
  Watch out for any diets that claim to treat fibromyalgia. There is no one diet that's been found to be effective for fibromyalgia.

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• QHow can fibromyalgia be cured?

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  A National Fibromyalgia & Chronic Pain Association answered

  Fibromyalgia is a chronic condition that can be successfully managed but, at this time, there is no known cure. Multi-disciplinary approaches for management and relief of symptoms are often recommended. Medications, cognitive behavioral therapies and gentle exercise are the most common combinations. In partnership with a healthcare provider, development of self-management strategies and long-term health goals may reduce the chronic symptoms and the frequency, duration and intensity of periodic flares (rapid increase of symptoms).

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• QHow is excessive sweating in CFS and fibromyalgia treated?

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  A Sigma Nursing answered

  For relief from excessive sweating, try some of the following remedies:

  • Before sleep, apply antiperspirant to dry hands and feet.
  • Wear loose, breathable clothing made of natural fibers such as cotton and bamboo. When you exercise, wear clothing made of moisture-wicking material.
  • Botox injections for problem areas, such as hands or feet, can be an effective treatment against excessive sweating. Several injections are usually required, and the treatment can last up to a year. Discuss this option with your doctor.
  • In severe cases, your doctor may recommend surgery, or a treatment called iontophoresis, in which an electric current is sent through water to stun the nerves of the affected area, such as the hands or feet. Multiple treatments are required, but the procedure can be up to 80% effective.

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• QHow does understanding stress help with treating fibromyalgia?

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  A Sigma Nursing answered

  People with fibromyalgia need to understand the important role that stress can play in causing and worsening this condition. Doctors have observed that many people who develop fibromyalgia experience symptoms for the first time following a highly stressful event, such as a car accident or undergoing surgery. Likewise, psychological stress can often cause fibromyalgia symptoms to worsen. For many people who have fibromyalgia, avoiding stress and practicing relaxation techniques such as meditation may help to keep symptoms under control.

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• QHow is fibromyalgia treated?

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  A Sigma Nursing 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.

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• QHow effective is amitriptyline for the treatment of fibromyalgia?

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  A Dr. Darria Gillespie, MD , Emergency Medicine, answered

  Amitriptyline probably provides good pain relief for some people with fibromyalgia, but will not work for all of them. There is no evidence that it will improve sleep, fatigue, quality of life, or tenderness. 
  
  This answer was adapted from Sharecare's award-winning AskMD app. Start a consultation now to find out what's causing your symptoms, learn how to manage a condition, or find a doctor.
• QWhat is amitriptyline for the treatment of fibromyalgia?

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  A Dr. Darria Gillespie, MD , Emergency Medicine, answered

  Amitriptyline is a tricyclic antidepressant drug that works through its effects on brain chemicals. It is used to treat depression. It can also reduce pain and fatigue and improve sleep. Amitriptyline is considered first-line treatment for fibromyalgia, but is not FDA-approved for this use.
  
  This answer was adapted from Sharecare's award-winning AskMD app. Start a consultation now to find out what's causing your symptoms, learn how to manage a condition, or find a doctor.