![]() ![]() But many practices remain unproved because they haven't been adequately studied. Several of these treatments do appear to safely relieve stress and reduce pain, and some are gaining acceptance in mainstream medicine. But their use has become more popular in recent years, especially with people who have chronic illnesses, such as fibromyalgia. Some, such as meditation and yoga, have been practiced for thousands of years. Do something that you find enjoyable and fulfilling every day.Ĭomplementary and alternative therapies for pain and stress management aren't new. Moderation means not overdoing it on your good days, but likewise it means not self-limiting or doing too little on the days when symptoms flare. If you do too much on your good days, you may have more bad days. Stretching, good posture and relaxation exercises also are helpful. A physical therapist can help you develop a home exercise program. Appropriate exercises may include walking, swimming, biking and water aerobics. But doing it gradually and regularly often decreases symptoms. At first, exercise may increase your pain. In addition to allotting enough time for sleep, practice good sleep habits, such as going to bed and getting up at the same time each day and limiting daytime napping. Because fatigue is one of the main components of fibromyalgia, getting good quality sleep is essential. Try stress management techniques, such as deep-breathing exercises or meditation. People who quit work or drop all activity tend to do worse than do those who remain active. But try not to change your routine completely. That may mean learning how to say no without guilt. Develop a plan to avoid or limit overexertion and emotional stress. Self-care is critical in the management of fibromyalgia. ![]() Talking with a counselor can help strengthen your belief in your abilities and teach you strategies for dealing with stressful situations.Įxplore Mayo Clinic studies testing new treatments, interventions and tests as a means to prevent, detect, treat or manage this condition. An occupational therapist can help you make adjustments to your work area or the way you perform certain tasks that will cause less stress on your body. Water-based exercises might be particularly helpful. A physical therapist can teach you exercises that will improve your strength, flexibility and stamina. Gabapentin (Neurontin) is sometimes helpful in reducing fibromyalgia symptoms, while pregabalin (Lyrica) was the first drug approved by the Food and Drug Administration to treat fibromyalgia.Ī variety of different therapies can help reduce the effect that fibromyalgia has on your body and your life. Medications designed to treat epilepsy are often useful in reducing certain types of pain. Your doctor may prescribe amitriptyline or the muscle relaxant cyclobenzaprine to help promote sleep. Duloxetine (Cymbalta) and milnacipran (Savella) may help ease the pain and fatigue associated with fibromyalgia. Opioid medications are not recommended, because they can lead to significant side effects and dependence and will worsen the pain over time. Over-the-counter pain relievers such as acetaminophen (Tylenol, others), ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB, others) or naproxen sodium (Aleve, others) may be helpful. Medications can help reduce the pain of fibromyalgia and improve sleep. No one treatment works for all symptoms, but trying a variety of treatment strategies can have a cumulative effect. The emphasis is on minimizing symptoms and improving general health. In general, treatments for fibromyalgia include both medication and self-care strategies. ![]()
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