Fibromyalgia Treatment

When it comes to treating^[14] fibromyalgia, many patients find that a combination of treatment options works best. While it may take some time for treatments to work, most people are able to find a combination that works best for them. While there is no cure for fibromyalgia, some treatment options^[15] used to provide relief from the signs and symptoms of fibromyalgia include:

• Medication: There are several classes of drugs that can help people affected by fibromyalgia. While there is no evidence that nonopioid analgesics, including acetaminophen and NSAIDs, are effective in treating fibromyalgia, they are often prescribed as initial adjuncts to therapy.

Other medications that can help relieve the signs and symptoms of fibromyalgia include antidepressants and anti-seizure drugs. Narcotics are not recommended for fibromyalgia^[16] and should be avoided, as they can lead to dependence and may be associated with increased harm.

Fibromyalgia medication

Your provider may prescribe the following medications for fibromyalgia:

Certain forms of therapy have also proven beneficial for patients with fibromyalgia, including:

• Physical therapy: Physical therapy can help improve a patient’s flexibility, stamina, and strength. Some people diagnosed with fibromyalgia find that water-based physical therapy works better than any other kind.
• Physical exercise: Low-impact aerobic cardiovascular fitness training can help alleviate pain and improve sleep. The most success has been seen with walking, biking, swimming, and water aerobics (especially in warm water).

However, many people diagnosed with fibromyalgia need to find the right exercises that will allow them to continue with their exercise program for many months without worsening their condition. Physical therapists can help patients find the types of exercises that will work for them.

• Talk therapy: Talk therapy, also known as psychotherapy or just therapy, can help people develop healthy ways to deal with the changes that fibromyalgia brings to their lives.
• Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT): This particular form of therapy can help patients better understand their condition and learn to work around and/or live well in spite of it. CBT can teach patients the skills they need to reframe the difficult parts of their condition, helping to prevent or improve depression and overcome anxieties.
• Sleep therapy: Sleep therapy can help people affected by fibromyalgia learn how to get the rest they need, even when they are in pain. This can involve learning techniques for relaxation that can help you fall asleep. It may also teach you how to make your external environment more conducive to good rest. Some patients also use sleep medication to help them get the rest they need.
• Occupational therapy: If everyday tasks are becoming difficult or causing pain, an occupational therapist can show you how to perform them differently to avoid those negative side effects. They can help modify almost any task so that it is not as hard on the body and does not take such a toll on your energy.
• Alternative therapies: Some people affected by fibromyalgia find that alternative therapies, like acupuncture, dry needling, and massage, help alleviate their pain or aid them in getting more and better rest. These therapies should be pursued under the guidance and care of a specialist—preferably, one who understands fibromyalgia and has experience helping patients diagnosed with the condition.
• Improved self-care: Some people diagnosed with fibromyalgia find that being disciplined about self-care helps them feel better. This includes limiting the number of activities they try to do in a day, making sure they eat well and regularly, participating in regular exercise that is not too strenuous, and having a regular bedtime that they stick to as closely as possible. These may seem like small changes, but they can help people feel significantly better overall.

Working with a healthcare provider will allow you to find the treatment or combination of treatments that works best for you. It may take some trial and error, but your efforts will pay off when you start feeling better and experiencing less pain and fatigue.