Fibromyalgia treatment has emerged as a boon for all those suffering
from unbearable pain of the dreadful disease. Fibromyalgia is
characteristically a chronic pain all over the body. Fibromyalgia (FM
or FMS) is actually indication of collection of symptoms and signs
associated with diffusion or joint, or bone pain, fatigue, and many
other such symptoms.
Currently, fibromyalgia is receiving
greater credence and patients who are suffering have a gained better
knowledge of the disease. Most of the people affected with fibromyalgia
are now leading a better life after going through some changes in their
lifestyle. Lots of people have improved with passing time.
Causes of fibromyalgia
The
causes of fibromyalgia are still to be uncovered. Nevertheless there
are a number of factors, which considered responsible such as illness,
repetitive injuries, stressful or traumatic events, and specific
diseases. According to researches in some cases it occurs on its own
while others say it is genetic. Apart from these causes there can be
several reasons behind fibromyalgia.
Recent studies suggest
that fibromyalgia is not contagious, yet genetically susceptible. The
nature of fibromyalgia is not clearly understood, some physicians think
that it may be psychogenic or psychosomatic.
Some doctors
claim to have developed a successful fibromyalgia treatment,
specifically in psychological cases, although a universal cure is yet
to be accepted.
Treatment of fibromyalgia basically assists
in reducing pain, improving sleep, and gives relief from related
symptoms. Such treatment is specifically designed for individuals. The
response of the fibromyalgia treatment varies. While some patients
receive considerable relief from the symptoms, others witness a fair
amount of improvement, and there are others who receive meager or no
relief at all.
Different types of treatments
Fibromyalgia
has different kind of symptoms and there are different types of
treatment associated with them. Have a look at the some of the
fibromyalgia treatment programs:
Medication- The
antidepressant agents also called tricyclics are widely used in
fibromyalgia treatment. They assist in relieving sleep upsets, decrease
muscle pain, and treat depression. Generally tricyclic usually
prescribed for fibromyalgia treatment is amitriptyline.
The
antidepressants should be taken in low doses initially and then if
needed the dose can be increased. This kind of medication can provide
only limited relief from pain, fatigue, and sleeplessness and in most
cases the patients succumb to side effects of these drugs even at low
doses.
Lifestyle Changes – This is said to be the best
possible fibromyalgia treatment. Some modifications in the lifestyle
specifically scheduling an exercise program, evading caffeine, getting
rid of incidental activities, concentrating on tasks, fixing a regular
sleep routines, and having proper diet can help in ameliorating the
symptoms. Relaxation techniques such as biofeedback or meditation can
reduce the symptoms.
Exercise – Settling a routine for
exercise, which should include low-impact aerobics such as walking,
swimming, and riding a stationary bicycle. This may reduce depression,
relieve pain, and would help to sleep.
Physical Therapy – In
this method, therapies with ultrasound, massage, whirlpool, heat, ice
and electrical stimulation, which may reduce pain. Some physical
therapists suggest certain exercises to enhance the fitness,
flexibility, and posture.
Behavior Modification- This
treatment includes learning coping skills, relaxation exercises, and
self-hypnosis. Counseling or any other therapy should be used to cope
with their illness, improving self-esteem, and reducing stress.
On
a whole the fibromyalgia treatment appears to have its own limitations
as far as relieving pain, fatigue, and sleeplessness is concerned. The
studies show that only about 5% of those undergoing fibromyalgia
treatment become totally symptom free, yet for those excruciated with
chronic pain a bit of relief is more than enough.