Common Treatments for Fibromyalgia and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
Treatment for Fibromyalgia, Fatigue, & Pain Relief vary widely as each individual responds differently
Treatments for Fibromyalgia Syndrome and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome are aimed towards improving the quality of sleep and in reducing pain commonly experienced by sufferers. Medications that boost the body's level of serotonin and norepinephrine are commonly prescribed.
Conventional arthritis drugs, including aspirin, are not that effective against Fibromyalgia. Some drugs that are somewhat effective are:
- Amitriptyline (Elavil) and other tricyclic anti-depressents, which help to reduce pain and promote sleep, when taken in low doses.
- Zolpidem (Ambien) - a sedative that can help sufferers get much needed sleep. Can be habit-forming though.
- L-dopa and carbidopa - very low doses relieve restless leg syndrome. These drugs are mainly used to treat Parkinson's disease./li>
- Procaine and lidocaine - local anesthetics are injected into tender points, potentially bringing relief for several months.
- Tramadol - relatively new non-narcotic drug.
Here is a listing of commonly used treatments:
- Acupressure
- Acupuncture
- Physical Therapy
- Relaxation/Biofeedback techniques
- Chiropractic care
- Therapeutic Massage
- Gentle exercise program
- Ayurvedic medicine
- Herbal teas, supplements, etc
- Naturopathic Medicine
- Osteopathy
- Nutrition (diet)
- Physiology
- Homeopathy
- Exercise programs such as: aerobics, yoga, tai-chi, walking, cycling, and swimming.
The list of treatments do not stop there. Since everyone suffers from Fibromyalgia differently, what they find to ease their suffering will also vary. No matter if you go with conventional medicine or try some natural methods, the best thing to do is keep a diary of what works and what doesn't.
Naturally, always consult with your doctor(s) about what prescription medications you are taking (regardless whether or not they are related to your fibromyalgia) and what natural methods you are trying. Sometimes prescriptions and herbs don't always go together, for example, and can cause a whole host of other problems.
Here is a list of common factors, or triggers, that tend to aggravate and cause flareups of fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome:
- Changes in the weather - barometric pressure, humidity, etc
- Cold/drafty environments
- Infections
- Allergies
- Hormonal fluctuations
- Stress
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Overexertion
If you can control any of these aggravating factors, then you could experience a decrease in the number and/or severity of your flareups and "bad days".