How to Decrease Fibromyalgia Symptoms

Fibromyalgia (FMS) is a chronic pain disorder that causes widespread musculoskeletal pain and aches. It also causes stiffness, painful to touch and tenderness, fatigue, stomach problems, and sleep disturbances. The pain can occur all over the body but is known to mostly effect the back, shoulders, neck, and hands. It is a problem with the central nervous system of the body with neuroendocrine/neurotransmitter dysregulation. The symptoms of Fibromyalgia can wax and wane over periods of times. There are many ways to be able to reduce the symptoms of Fibromyalgia to help life be more productive for the sufferer.

Instructions

Manage Your Pain

• 1

  Look at pain management over-the-counter medications types which consist of ibuprofen, naproxen or acetaminophen.

• 2

  Consider prescription pain management prescriptions such as Tramadol/Ultram and Lyrica, which are non-narcotic medications, or low dosages of anti-depressants, which are serotonin re-uptake inhibitors such as Cymbalta, which helps to improve sleep and relieve pain.

• 3

  Work on sleep management through improving and increasing the amount of healthy sleep cycle. Avoid eating right before going to bed and also avoid sugar, alcohol and drinking caffeine.

• 4

  Find support. Search on-line and off-line support groups that deal with fibromyalgia.

• 5

  Try alternative therapies such as acupuncture, acupressure, massages, relaxation techniques, heat and cold compress treatments, light cardio therapy, biofeedback, physical therapy, aromatherapy, and chiropractic methods

• 6

  Change the way you eat by eating more produce and non-processed foods. Avoid sugar, caffeine, and alcohol or use sparingly.

• 7

  Try warm water therapy, which is normally done in a large heated pool, and also try swimming or aerobic activity in a pool.

• 8

  Try yoga because it helps relax the muscles, which will help relieve pain in the body.

• 9

  Try Epsom salt baths by pouring one cup of the salts into a hot bath water and soaking in the tub for at least 20 to 30 minutes. Do this one to times a day as needed. It will help relax your body and relieve pain.

• 10

  Try muscle relaxants such as Soma or Flexeril, which will help treat muscle spasms and pain.

• 11

  Practice self-care management such as breathing exercises to help reduce stress. Exercise regularly, maintain a healthy lifestyle by eating well and try to pace yourself by not overloading yourself with too many activities. This can cause the pain to escalate.