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Find out how flexible you areThere is no decisive treatment for fibromyalgia because the underlying cause of the syndrome is still a mystery. Most conventional and herbal medicines instead try to alleviate the more unpleasant symptoms such as fatigue, muscle pain or low mood. In this page, our muscle and joint expert Earle Logan discusses conventional, home and herbal remedies to ease the symptoms of fibromyalgia.
Research has yet to discover the cause of fibromyalgia and because of this, doctors are not agreed on the best way to treat the problem. Treatment of fibromyalgia is focused on reducing troublesome symptoms.
In addition, people suffering from fibromyalgia experience different patterns of symptoms and as no single treatment will work for everyone, a number of treatments, methods or therapies may need to be used, changed or adapted depending on your response. This article describes the most common treatments used for fibromyalgia.
Many aspects of fibromyalgia resemble post-viral fatigue syndrome or ME (Myalgic Encephalomyelitis) – a condition where the immune system is weak and unable to fight viruses such as those causing colds and flu. This is one reason why some people with fibromyalgia find that focusing on the immune system with herbs such as echinacea can be beneficial.
Many people reading these pages will be wondering what they can do to help themselves. Complementary practitioners believe that the fibromyalgia should, in the first instance, be treated with diet and lifestyle changes.
People with fibromyalgia almost always require treatment for muscle pain using painkillers or anti-inflammatory medication.
A doctor may prescribe anti-depressants to treat fibromyalgia although no signs of depression might be present as empirically, this class of medicines have been shown to work for some people.
However, many people with fibromyalgia do find that they become despondent, feel low or even depressed. This could be the direct result of feeling constantly unwell, but some researchers have found that fibromyalgia in itself, can cause low mood and depression because the condition affects the way the brain works.
There are 2 basic types of conventional anti-depressant treatment:
Those suffering from the symptoms of low mood preferring to avoid the use of prescribed anti-depressants may opt for the use of licensed herbal remedies containing St. John’s wort (Hypericum perforatum) available from your local healthfood store or pharmacy without prescription.
However, before using this herb, you should read the product information leaflet carefully as St. John’s wort may not be suitable for use by everybody. In particular, women on the oral contraceptive pill should not use St. John’s wort.
Poor sleep is a very common problem experienced by those suffering from fibromyalgia. Your doctor may prescribe a sleeping pill to help you sleep better at night. These medicines are usually benzodiazepines - a class of drugs known as ‘hypnotics’.
Before giving you a prescription for sleeping pills, many doctors will probably recommend that you try a herbal sleep remedy first. Over the years, these have become popular as alternatives to sleeping tablets. These licensed herbal medicines contain the herb valerian, combined with other herbs such as hops or passiflora. They are available without prescription at your local healthfood store, pharmacy or high street outlet.
Apart from using conventional and complementary medicines, other treatments may be used for the treatment of fibromylagia. These include:
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Answer our questions and find out if your flexibility is compromised.
Find out how flexible you areAs the A. Vogel Muscles and Joints advisor, I recommend Atrogel® for the effective relief from aches and pains.
Learn moreWomen are more prone to fibromyalia than men! It is estimated that 90% of those with the condition are female.
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