Fibromyalgia is estimated to affect 3-6 million people in the U.S. However, over 50% of the affected tend to be women. Fibromyalgia is a chronic condition that is usually misunderstood and misdiagnosed. Many doctors misdiagnose fibromyalgia because of the nonspecific symptoms. Educating yourself regarding fibromyalgia can help you to be your own advocate in treating your pain.
Fibromyalgia affects people in early and middle adulthood but can affect children as well. Those affected by rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, or ankylosing spondylitis are more likely to develop fibromyalgia. A family history of fibromyalgia also increases the chance of developing this disorder. Those with sleep disorders such as restless legs syndrome or sleep apnea have an increased risk of developing fibromyalgia.
Fibromyalgia is not a progressive or life threatening disease. The symptoms of fibromyalgia vary in intensity. There are many treatments that can improve the symptoms of fibromyalgia.
Certain medications can treat the pain involved with fibromyalgia. Certain analgesics used to treat fibromyalgia include: acetaminophen, NSAID’s (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs), and Ultram (Tramadol). These medications may be used in conjunction with each other for better pain relief. However, Ultram must be prescribed by a physician while NSAID’s (ibuprofen, naproxen, aspirin) and acetaminophen (Tylenol) are available over the counter.
Antidepressants may be prescribed by your doctor to treat fibromyalgia. Such antidepressant medications that may be prescribed include: Pamelor, Elavil, Doxepin, Prozac, Paxil, and Zoloft. These medications may be prescribed in conjunction with each other. These medications treat serotonin levels in the brain and may also promote sleep.
Those affected with muscle pain and spasms may need to take a muscle relaxant such as Flexeril at bedtime. Your doctor may also prescribe a benzodiazepine to promote sleep and help relax muscles. Certain sleep medications such as Ambien are classified as a benzodiazepine. However, these medications are not recommended for long term use because of the increased risk of dependence.
Your doctor may help you to create a unique treatment program involving cognitive-behavioral therapy and an interdisciplinary program. Cognitive-behavioral therapy involves teaching patients to deal with stressful situations. Interdisciplinary treatment programs may involve relaxation techniques, biofeedback, and education regarding chronic pain.
Self care is also very important in treating fibromyalgia. Self care includes reducing stress, achieving adequate sleep, exercising regularly, and eating a healthy diet. There are also alternative therapies that might help alleviate the stress and pain associated with fibromyalgia. These therapies include chiropractic care, massage therapy, meditation, yoga, acupressure, physical therapy, light aerobics, aromatherapy, herbs, nutritional supplements, myofascial release therapy, application of heat/cold, and acupuncture.
Visiting a doctor of osteopathy may be beneficial for treating fibromyalgia. Doctors of osteopathy are licensed to perform the same therapies and procedures as medical doctors but are also taught the use of manipulation to address joint and spinal problems. A doctor of osteopathy may be more apt to see the subtle signs of fibromyalgia.
There is no cure for fibromyalgia yet, but hope is on the horizon. The fibromyalgia patient has many resources to help deal with this disorder such as support groups, organizations, and medical professionals to help improve your quality of life. Fibromyalgia is not life threatening and treatments tend to improve the severity of the symptoms over time. There are many tools that the fibromyalgia sufferer can use to become a fibromyalgia survivor!
