Simple Ways to Treat Fibromyalgia and Lead a Happier Life
Fibromyalgia is actually a disorder which leads to harrowing pain and aches all over the body. Fibromyalgia patients tend to have ‘tender points’ throughout the body. Tender points are certain places on the shoulders, arms, legs, hips, back, and neck that gives way to pain when pressure is applied to them.
According to studies and report claims, about 5 million Americans right from the age of 18 years and above are affected by fibromyalgia. Surprisingly, women are mostly affected by fibromyalgia. However, this disorder can affect children and men, and it is diagnosed only when the person is mid-age.
Fail-Proof Ways to Treat Pain and Discomfort Caused by Fibromyalgia
To add to the woes, fibromyalgia can interrupt a happy and healthy life by affecting you with excruciating pain.
Pain Relievers
Most of you might think of this easy option when it comes to pain. Well, medication is one of the options to reduce the excruciating pain caused by fibromyalgia. After consultation, doctors might suggest you an over-the-counter painkiller such as ibuprofen, aspirin, or naproxen sodium. Benefits of using painkillers are listed below:
- Minimize the muscular aches
- Reduce inflammation
- Improves the quality of sleep
Other Medications That Help in Lowering the Pain
Anticonvulsants
Anticonvulsants or seizure medicines are also known to be useful when it comes to soothing the pain.
- Weight gain
- Dry mouth and swelling
- Dizziness
Antidepressants
Antidepressants are the best-opined way to treat fibromyalgia pain and fatigue. But before you head towards the clinic to get one, make sure you have consulted the doctor, as antidepressants have the tendency to bring along a plethora of unwanted side effects such as weight gain, nausea, and loss of sexual desire to name a few.
Medical Marijuana
Medical marijuana is known to cure the fibromyalgia symptoms. A study discovered that patients with fibromyalgia who consume medical cannabis have witnessed:
- Increase in sleepiness
- Reduction in stiffness and pain
- Feelings of well-being
- Enhanced relaxation, and
- Improved health of the mind
Tai Chi
This amazing technique of mind-body includes deep breathing, controlled movements, and meditation. It improves the stamina, balance, and strength of muscles. The process might not be strenuous, but can give you sprains and sores in muscles on overdoing it.
Yoga
Yoga is an all-time healer of anything and everything. According to research, people with fibromyalgia have witnessed a dramatic improvement in mood, and dealt effectively with fatigue and pain, after they took up yoga. The yoga classes are comprised of breathing exercises, gentle poses, group discussions, and meditation.
Also, yoga helps you to strengthen the muscles, introduces you to the powerful benefits of meditation and imparts various techniques of relaxation. Ensure to inform your instructor about your health condition so that they recommend exercises accordingly.
Physical Therapy
Physical therapy was introduced to better your range of motion, besides strengthening the muscles. Also, physical therapy works wonders as a fibromyalgia treatment. The therapist would customize your programs, in a way, to help you battle certain symptoms. The physical therapist would enlighten you about some useful techniques of self-care, including education related to fibromyalgia, thus helping you to manage the pain and fatigue on your own.
Acupuncture
Acupuncture is an effective way to relieve fibromyalgia pain. The process of acupuncture requires pricking the skin with needles to:
- Encourage a blood-flow change
- Promote self-healing naturally
- Alter the neurotransmitter levels in your brain
- Treat a good variety of chronic pain and other health issues.
- Studies have revealed that people who turned to acupuncture as a form of fibromyalgia treatment have displayed positive results. However, there are numerous side effects of acupuncture including bruising, minor bleeding, and soreness.
Effective Ways to Treat Fibromyalgia Fatigue
Fatigue causes tiredness even if you have slept well through the night, leading to unexplainable exhaustion resulting from usual and regular activities.
Vitamin D
People with fibromyalgia have lower levels of vitamin D. Intake of vitamin D will make you feel better. However, you need to consult a doctor before buying vitamin D supplements as an overdose can be toxic.
Exercise
Exercise is an all-time healer of fibromyalgia fatigue and is one of the best ways to boost up your energy levels and combat tiredness. Exercise increases the production of endorphins, reduces depression, and improves the sleep quality. Suggested exercises for patients with fibromyalgia are swimming, jogging, walking, and biking.
Fibromyalgia is a lifelong condition that brings along terrible fatigue, pain, and tenderness. Although fibromyalgia can result from various issues, there are many useful options that can help you battle out fibromyalgia forever. There are ample ways of fibromyalgia treatment that can help you lead a better life.