How to Treat Fibromyalgia & Chronic Widespread Pain

There's no cure for fibromyalgia, a condition that causes chronic pain and low energy. However, there are ways to treat fibromyalgia pain and boost your energy level. The cause of fibromyalgia is unknown, and doctors usually diagnose a person with this condition when medical tests rule out other conditions such as lupus, arthritis and myositis. Although there's no medical test to diagnose fibromyalgia, there are tricks to remedy symptoms.

Things You'll Need

• Medication,
• Vitamins

Show More

Instructions

• 1

  Handle one task at a time. Being overwhelmed or stress can complicate fibromyalgia and bring on pain. Deal with stress by tackling one task at a time and decreasing responsibilities. Take time for yourself, and practice breathing exercises or schedule a massage to lower your stress level.

• 2

  Get plenty of rest. Along with being overworked, inadequate sleep or rest can aggravate fibromyalgia. Fight fatigue and pain by sleeping at least eight hours a night. Also, if possible, take short naps during the day to recharge your body.

• 3

  Ease pain with exercise. Thirty minutes of exercise a day can decrease pain and relieve muscle stiffness. Exercise regularly to strengthen your muscles and increase energy. Pain-free workouts may include brisk walking, swimming, cycling or Pilates.

• 4

  Control pain with OTC drugs. Take over-the-counter pain relievers to ease fibromyalgia pain. Medications to reduce pain include aspirin, acetaminophen and ibuprofen.

• 5

  Reduce pain with an antidepressant. According to the Mayo Clinic, a low-dose antidepressant can relieve widespread pain and combat chronic low energy. Consult your doctor and discuss your options.

• 6

  Give up caffeine. Drinking caffeine can interrupt sleep and worsen fatigue. Exclude caffeine from your diet to restore energy.

• 7

  Take a multivitamin. According to Medline Plus Medical Encyclopedia, take daily vitamins or supplements such as omega-3 fish oils and magnesium to improve fibromyalgia symptoms.