All that you want to know about treating Fibromyalgia

Dr. Garima, 4 years ago

What is Fibromyalgia?

Fibromyalgia is a neurologic condition that causes widespread pain and tenderness throughout your body. Despite its frequent occurrence, the exact cause of fibromyalgia is unknown.

Is Fibromyalgia curable?

There is no known cure for fibromyalgia. However, fibromyalgia symptoms can be relieved by different types of treatments and make the condition easier to live with.  It can be effectively treated and managed with medications. You can also learn and follow self-management strategies.

 How can you treat Fibromyalgia? 

Fibromyalgia can lower the quality of life. Although fibromyalgia may not be entirely curable, its symptoms may be reduced to some extent through medications such as anti-depressants and painkillers, exercises, meditation, yoga, cognitive behavioral therapy and massage therapies. These techniques can help reduce pain and disability in fibromyalgia and help patients pursue their daily activities.

Can physical exercises help in Fibromyalgia?

The right kind of exercise can reduce your pain and fatigue. Perform your exercise with caution and take it slowly and gradually. If you feel exercises are increasing your pain, then be easy and exercise for less time.

Yoga and Tai Chi are two methods of low impact exercises that can help in fibromyalgia. You can also do aerobic exercises like walking, running or swimming. Water therapy or water exercises have also been shown to be useful in fibromyalgia.

What steps can you take to improve your life quality?

Fibromyalgia cannot be cured totally but one can manage the pain and disability caused by it by changing one’s lifestyle habits.

• Make yourself physically active.

• Join recommended physical activity programs.

• Join a self-management education class.

• Avoid foods (Ex- meat, dairy products, gluten, saturated & trans fats, foods with added sugar, additives like MSG & aspartame) that aggravate fibromyalgia symptoms.

• Avoid stress or effectively manage your stress to minimize the severity of symptoms.

Best Exercises that may help in Fibromyalgia

Regular exercises may not cure fibromyalgia but can enable you to live a fuller life. Exercises combats fatigue, elevates your energy levels, makes your joints more flexible and improves your sleep. However, do consult your physician before you begin exercising.

Here are few exercises that are harmless, will help in relieving fibromyalgia pain and not aggravate it.

• Start with any aerobic exercises such as walking, swimming, bicycling or slow jogging. Walk for 30 mins to an hour, 3-4 times a week.

• Try using props like resistance bands or free weights to strengthen your muscles. Resistance training strengthens the muscles and has been found to improve muscle strength and overall health of fibromyalgia patients.

• Incorporate stretching exercises to improve flexibility and mobility.

• Practice relaxation techniques as it is essential to relax for people with fibromyalgia. Do deep breathing techniques, meditation or talking therapies. Yoga is another best alternative.