Fibromyalgia is a musculoskeletal pain disorder that is often not diagnosed, as its symptoms are similar to many other health problems. Therefore, there is no specific cure for the disorder. This article provides some information on the treatment options which might prove beneficial, in relieving the pain associated with this medical condition.
Fibromyalgia is a chronic disease which affects the muscles, ligaments, and tendons. The pain associated with this medical condition would be an overall body ache. This is because the person affected by this condition may have certain tender or trigger points on the body, that hurt even though one takes medications for the pain. The most common sign is that one would feel exhausted all the time and experience chronic muscle pain. Sometimes, the affected people also experiences pain in the joints of their neck, shoulders, back, and hips. Usually, most of the tests conducted will not be able to diagnose the problem. Here are some common symptoms of fibromyalgia.
Signs and Symptoms
- Fatigue
- Irritable bowel syndrome(IBS)
- Muscle pain
- Pain in specific eighteen tender points
- Sleep problems
When the affected person experiences joint pain, it is very often diagnosed by the doctors as arthritis. It has been observed that, women are more likely to develop this medical condition rather than men.
Treatment Options for Pain Relief
Here are some of the methods, which can provide relief from the pain associated with this medical condition, as it is the most severe symptom of this disease. One should avoid the consumption of stress-increasing products like caffeine and sugar.
Muscle relaxers are prescribed for a number of affected people. However, these muscle relaxers should not be used for a long period of time. Moreover, they should be used in times of severe distress only. The pain killers like Tylenol can be used in case of mild pain, but it would not prove helpful in the long run. Some of the affected people have benefited from the use of opioid. However, it is not recommended due to the side effects they have. If opioid has been prescribed then the physician should monitor the affected person on a regular basis, in order to check if he/she has become addicted or dependent on the same.
If the affected person experiences the pain for a very long time, he/she might need antidepressants. Furthermore, the affected people experience sleeping disorders, and hence, they might require sleeping pills to help them get sound and peaceful sleep.
Since most of the affected people are observed with a deficiency of manganese and magnesium, nutritional supplements containing manganese and magnesium are prescribed in the treatment. Vitamin C provides relief for swollen tissues and joint tenderness. Therefore, Vitamin C supplements can also be consumed. Vitamin A and Vitamin E are antioxidants and these antioxidants increase the immunity of the system and thus, provide relief.
Essential oils are also used for the treatment of pain in this case. Mix five drops of lavender essential oil with five drops of peppermint and sesame oil. Apply the mixture on the aching joints. While lavender oil is a natural relaxant, the peppermint oil would help in alleviating the pain. Also, basil oil is another natural remedy which can be used for relieving the ache.
Some chiropractors advise the affected people to drink a glass of water just after one wakes up. This would help in draining of toxins and flushing out lactic acid present in the system. The habit of drinking water just after waking would help alleviate the pain. Furthermore, it also helps in sustaining one’s energy throughout the day.
Exercises like water exercises, walking exercise, and stretching are advised, as they help in reducing fatigue and discomfort of the muscles.
As an alternative medicine, massages have proved to be very useful in combating the pain associated with this disorder. Furthermore, muscle therapy helps in relaxing the tense muscles. The muscle therapy involves a therapy called trigger point therapy. The trigger point therapy concentrates on certain muscle groups, which are most vulnerable to such pain. Moreover, this therapy uses a combination of acupressure and massage to release the knotted muscles.
On a conclusive note, the affected people would have to try out many treatment methods to alleviate the pain as no single method would work similarly for each person. However, one must also make other lifestyle-related changes and consider stress management. It is always better to consult the concerned doctor if the pain persists for a longer period, in order to avoid any further complications.
Disclaimer: This HealthHearty article is for informative purposes only, and should not be used as a replacement for expert medical advice.
