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Fibromyalgia is one specific condition characterized by a chronic pain which is increasing with time! The most common localizations of pain include the neck, back, shoulders, pelvic girdle and hands, but any body part can be involved.
Medications
Medications can help reduce the pain of fibromyalgia and improve sleep. The ones most commonly recommended by doctors include:
- Analgesics
Analgesics may ease the pain and stiffness caused by fibromyalgia but their effectiveness varies with individuals. Sometimes doctors may also prescribe non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as Aspirin, ibuprofen or naproxen sodium in conjunction with other medications. The fact is that NSAIDs haven't proven to be effective in managing the pain in fibromyalgia.
- Antidepressants
Sometimes antidepressant medications are being prescribed simply to help promote sleep. Fluoxetine (Prozac) in combination with amitriptyline has also been found effective. Sertraline (Zoloft) and paroxetine (Paxil) also are effective if you're suffering from depression.
- Muscle relaxants
It is proven that taking the muscle relaxant medications at bedtime may help treat those muscle pain and spasms characteristic for fibromyalgia.
- Benzodiazepines
These drugs may also help relax muscles and promote sleep, but doctors usually avoid benzodiazepines in treating fibromyalgia because they haven't been shown to have long-term benefit and have the potential drug dependence risk!
- Sleeping pills
These sleeping pills may provide short-term benefits for some people with fibromyalgia, but doctors usually advise against long-term use of these drugs. These medications tend to work for only a short time, after which your body becomes resistant to their effects.
Cognitive-behavioral therapy
Cognitive-behavioral therapy seeks to increase your belief in your own abilities and teaches you methods for dealing with stressful situations.
Exercises
Exercise programs that stretch muscles and improve cardiovascular (aerobic) fitness are also showed very helpful! Many patients find temporary relief by applying heat to painful areas.
Living with fibromyalgia
Fibromyalgia can affect every aspect of a person's life- there is no doubt about it. This condition can severely curtail social activity and recreation, and as many as 30% of those diagnosed with fibromyalgia are unable to maintain full-time employment. Individuals with fibromyalgia often need accommodations to fully participate in their education or remain active in their careers.
Fibromyalgia is often referred to as an "invisible illness" or disability due to the fact that generally there are no outward indications of the illness or its resulting disabilities. The invisible nature of the illness, as well as its relative rarity and the lack of understanding about its pathology, often has psychosocial complications for those that have the syndrome.
Self-care
Self-care is critical in the management of fibromyalgia. Important aspects of self-care include taking several actions:
- Reduce stress
- Get enough sleep
- Exercise regularly
- Pace yourself
- Maintain a healthy lifestyle
- Use eye drops as needed.