Fibromyalgia Treatment

There is no one treatment for fibromyalgia. In addition, it has to be said that when you treat fibromyalgia, what you are really doing is relieving the symptoms that are associated with the disease. And since fibromyalgia is a multifaceted illness, even the treatment is a conglomeration of different modalities that can help the patient lead a quality life.

It is most beneficial for the patient if they are treated not only to relieve their symptoms, but rather to help them cope and adjust to their illness. In this light, there is a need to combine different kinds of treatment and see which ones work best for the patient. In a way, finding the right combination is achieved through trial and error.

The treatments can be broken down to the use of behaviour therapy, cognitive therapy and medications.

BEHAVIOURAL AND COGNITIVE THERAPY

Patients should learn to deal with their stress so that it does not trigger and of the pain symptoms that are common in patients with fibromyalgia. Without the stress, the patient will remain calm and unable to precipitate any pain. It also wards off feelings of anxiety that is also an aggravating factor in fibromyalgia.

The objective of cognitive therapy is to teach the patient to ward off any negative thoughts and feelings that may trigger the illness. This will also allow them to enjoy their life and have more appreciation for it. They are advised to also keep a pain or symptom journal so that they are able to keep track of the factors that may trigger the pain attacks.

IMPROVED FITNESS

It may also help if the patient is able to do some exercises so that any stiffness and muscle pain can be eased. A patient can start with some low impact exercises and increase in increments as they see fit. It is important though that they be advised not to exercise too much. Walking and swimming is a good start. While Ta'i chi is said to do wonders but you can also start with something simpler, like stretching. A massage can be good too. It eases sore muscles and will probably contribute a sense of wellbeing to patient.

GOOD DIET

A good diet can work wonder for patients with fibromyalgia. For one thing, it fosters a good feeling about one's self. A well balanced diet and holding off on the caffeine may also improve one's ability to sleep. In this way, sleep too, becomes a means of treating with fibromyalgia. A good sleep signifies deep sleep which means that the patient will be rested. This gives him a better chance of waking up rested and refreshed.

MEDICATIONS

The goal of using medications in the treatment of fibromyalgia is to relieve the patients of the symptoms that may hound them because of fibromyalgia. Among these medications are anti depressants, pain relievers, anti-seizure medications and muscle relaxants. Patients should have access to these medications when they are needed. In combination with the other treatment modalities already presented, it makes life for the fibromyalgia patients a little bit more comfortable.