Manage your Fibromyalgia

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Put Together Your Fibromyalgia Treatment Plan

The following is an Editorial Resource from YourTotalHealth.

Reviewed by: A. King, M.D.

If you have the flu, spend a few days in bed, and you’ll likely feel better. Fibromyalgia is different. Symptoms are eased, never cured, and there is no one “remedy” that works for everyone. For these reasons, fibromyalgia patients should develop a personalized treatment plan to minimize flare-ups and the severity of symptoms.

Identify your symptomsWidespread, chronic pain is a hallmark of fibromyalgia. It’s diagnosed by the presence of tenderness in 18 specific points of the body, with at least 11 of those 18 spots being abnormally tender, even when mildly touched. Fatigue, sleep, and memory and concentration problems (often called “fibro fog”) also are common symptoms of fibromyalgia. You might also experience restless legs syndrome, irritable bowel syndrome, painful menstruation, depression, dry eyes, anxiety or headaches. Make sure you work with your doctor to treat all of your ailments.

Find the right medicationsTo date, pregabalin (Lyrica), duloxetine (Cymbalta) and milnacipran (Savella) are the only medications approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat fibromyalgia pain. Tricyclic antidepressants often have been found to be the most efficacious medications for fibromyalgia, especially since sleep and fatigue problems respond well to some antidepressants. But other painkillers, from over-the-counter ibuprofen to prescription-only narcotics, also are prescribed.

Talk to your doctor about what will give you the greatest relief with the fewest side effects. Because there are so many medications to choose from, you may need to use trial and error to help determine which is best for you. If antidepressants don’t work, you may need to incorporate sleep aids or muscle relaxants into your treatment plan.

Explore alternative treatmentsFor many people, massage and acupuncture, as well as Pilates, tai chi, chiropractic treatment, and various dietary supplements, can provide relief. You also may find it helpful to work with a physician who incorporates complementary medicine into his or her practice.

Make healthy changesStress reduction, a healthy diet and regular exercise can reduce fibromyalgia flare-ups, so lifestyle changes should be a part of your treatment plan. Sleep also is crucial for managing symptoms. Devising a treatment plan will require coordinating with your primary care doctor and/or a rheumatologist, physical therapist, naturopathic physician (if you use one) and other health professionals. Make sure everyone on your health care team is aware of your plan, and consult your doctor before making adjustments.

Symptoms

The following is an Editorial Resource from YourTotalHealth.

Reviewed by: A. King, M.D.

A healthy diet and regular exercise are essential to anyone who wants to feel well. For someone with fibromyalgia, those two things play a critical role in helping to reduce pain, increase energy and improve quality of life.

Studies have shown that walking, strength training, stretching exercises and swimming in a heated pool can alleviate fibromyalgia symptoms. Regular exercise appears to enhance the body’s response to stress, which often triggers symptoms. It also improves endocrine function to help the body better process pain and regulate sleep patterns.

Here are the keys to an effective exercise program:

Start slowly. Begin with gentle stretching, walking, bicycling or swimming.

Create a routine. Exercise should be a regular part of your life. Schedule time for it on your weekly calendar and take advantage of small opportunities to exercise throughout your day, such as using the stairs instead of the elevator.

Have fun with it. Yoga, Pilates, strength training, tai chi, bicycling, walking, jogging, low-impact aerobics or swimming all are recommended. Mix it up so you won’t get bored.

While exercise is one of the most proven ways to battle fibromyalgia, the jury is still out on the issue of nutrition. A balanced diet can help increase your energy level and reduce your risk of other health problems, but more research is needed before experts can identify if specific foods affect the risk of flare-ups. Many people with fibromyalgia, however, have reported a reduction in symptoms by avoiding certain things, such as caffeine and alcohol. Experiment by cutting foods from your diet that seem to intensify your symptoms. To maintain your health, though, make sure your diet remains well-balanced.

Improving your diet can make you healthier and may even reduce your pain and fatigue. Add that to a regular exercise regimen and you may be on the road to more pain-free days.

Proper Sleep Is Crucial to Managing Fibromyalgia

The following is an Editorial Resource from YourTotalHealth.

Reviewed by: A. King, M.D.

It’s a vicious cycle: A poor night’s sleep makes your fibromyalgia symptoms worse, and then the pain makes it hard to fall asleep at night. Restless legs syndrome, a problem for many people with fibromyalgia, also can keep you from getting the rest you need.

Sleep is a crucial piece of the fibromyalgia puzzle. In fact, some research shows that disruptions during the deepest levels of sleep can cause the onset of fibromyalgia symptoms.

Try these suggestions to get better sleep:

Adopt a daily routineTry to go to bed and wake up at the same time each day. Avoid daytime napping and create a nighttime relaxation ritual. This could include a warm bath, reading or listening to music as a way to wind down.

Watch your dietAvoid caffeine and alcohol in the late afternoon and evening. Caffeine can make it harder to fall asleep and alcohol can disrupt sleep. Also, avoid spicy or fried foods if they cause heartburn or indigestion. And so your bladder won’t wake you, try not to consume any liquids right before bed.

Time your workoutsExercise can help you sleep better at night. Some experts advise finishing at least three hours before bedtime because the stimulation may make it difficult to fall asleep right away. Others, however, point out that exercise can relax you and help you fall asleep shortly after participating in it.

Medication can helpIf lifestyle changes are not enough, medication is an option. Tricyclic antidepressants can help you achieve restorative sleep, but they may leave you drowsy during the day. If you have restless legs syndrome, your doctor may prescribe sedatives such as diazepam (Valium). On the downside, the extended use of benzodiazepines can lower your pain threshold and ultimately exacerbate pain. Plus, they can be extremely addictive. Sleep medications and muscle relaxants can also help, so talk to your doctor about your options.