Once again, it's time to present a post on fibromyalgia. It seems like a good time to review some things we already know the treatment for this condition. If you've been reading this blog for some time, you know that there are medications for fibromyalgia, but they really don't do that much good all by themselves. The preferred approach to fibromyalgia is a combination of medication and the use of self-management techniques.
As for the medication aspect of the condition, the types of medication fall into four categories:
1) Over the counter pain medications (examples are acetaminophen ibuprofen)
2)Prescription analgesics, such as tramadol
3) Anti-depressant medications--there are many. Some examples here would be Cymbalta, which is
a newer agent that is recommended for chronic pain, and Savella, which is specifically for fibromyalgia.
4)Some of the anti-seizure medications can be used in the treatment of fibromyalgia. These drugs modify nerve impulses...in this case, the pain signal. An example of this type of drug would be gabapentin.
The self-management techniques for fibromyalgia can take any number of directions. To a great extent, the patient can use as few or as many of these techniques as they wish to keep their symptoms under control. These techniques include--but are not limited to--the following:
Exercise--light aerobics, walking, swimming, biking. Warm water exercise is another good choice.
Dietary modification... there are several posts in this blog about this topic. This is not a diet per se, but suggestions point to avoiding caffeine, alcohol, and aspartame. For more information click here.
Another informative post about this topic can be reached by clicking here.
Sources: ask.healthline.com;wikimedia
As for the medication aspect of the condition, the types of medication fall into four categories:
1) Over the counter pain medications (examples are acetaminophen ibuprofen)
2)Prescription analgesics, such as tramadol
3) Anti-depressant medications--there are many. Some examples here would be Cymbalta, which is
a newer agent that is recommended for chronic pain, and Savella, which is specifically for fibromyalgia.
4)Some of the anti-seizure medications can be used in the treatment of fibromyalgia. These drugs modify nerve impulses...in this case, the pain signal. An example of this type of drug would be gabapentin.
The self-management techniques for fibromyalgia can take any number of directions. To a great extent, the patient can use as few or as many of these techniques as they wish to keep their symptoms under control. These techniques include--but are not limited to--the following:
Exercise--light aerobics, walking, swimming, biking. Warm water exercise is another good choice.
Hot or cold packs
Dietary modification... there are several posts in this blog about this topic. This is not a diet per se, but suggestions point to avoiding caffeine, alcohol, and aspartame. For more information click here.
Another informative post about this topic can be reached by clicking here.
Stretching
Yoga
Meditation
Sleep regulation
Stress management/meditation
Tai Chi
Acupressure
Chiropractic Medicine
Massage
Pilates
Sources: ask.healthline.com;wikimedia
Comments
Post a Comment