Managing Fibromyalgia Pain
Statistics show that around 10 million people, 90 percent of whom are women, suffer from a type of chronic pain known as fibromyalgia. Doctors do not know what causes fibromyalgia. They do know, however, that it can inflict prolonged bouts of serious pain that leave sufferers unable to carry out their normal daily lives.
While medical science continues to look for a cure for fibromyalgia, doctors do recommend certain management methods to patients with this condition. These remedies could help you find fast relief from the worst of your fibromyalgia chronic pain.
Exercising
When you are experiencing chronic pain, the last thing you may want to do is exercise. However, exercise can actually be an effective remedy for fibromyalgia.
Low-impact exercises like swimming, walking, or weight lifting can encourage healthy blood flow throughout the joints and muscles and ease the pain and discomfort from this condition. If the exercise causes the pain to worsen, however, you should stop it immediately and call your doctor.
Medications
In some instances, the best remedy for the chronic pain caused by fibromyalgia is medication. Your doctor may prescribe pain medication for your chronic pain. He or she may also prescribe an antidepressant or anti-seizure medication that could relax your muscles.
If you are not prescribed medications, you may find relief from this type of chronic pain by taking over-the-counter medicines like acetaminophen, ibuprofen, or naproxen sodium.
Therapy
Finally, your doctor may recommend that you undergo one of several different types of therapy designed to ease chronic pain from fibromyalgia. You could, for instance, undergo physical therapy where you will perform low-impact exercises and stretches. You will be guided by a physical therapist who is experienced in working with patients who suffer from fibromyalgia.
You also may undergo occupational therapy where you will learn how to grip, stretch, and perform other basic physical tasks. You will learn how to adjust your lifestyle to accommodate your condition and the pain it can cause you on a daily basis.
Depending on your mental state, you also may undergo psychological counseling. Chronic pain can cause you to become severely depressed. Counseling can help you get the right mindset you need to overcome this type of chronic pain.
Fibromyalgia causes significant amounts of chronic pain on a daily basis. These remedies could provide you with the fastest means of relief so you can regain your normal life.