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Common Treatments for Fibromyalgia and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

Treatment for Fibromyalgia, Fatigue, and Pain Relief vary widely as each individual response 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.
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".

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Disclaimer: Please understand that I am not medically trained, nor do I practice medicine. All information contained in this website is based either on my own personal research or on the research of others. Please take the time to do your own personal research and to speak with your physicians about your condition. Please consult with your physicians before starting any regiment described within this website or in any externally linked websites. Be pro-active in your own healing!