While there are many debilitating diseases that can have a profoundly negative impact on an individual's life, fibromyalgia is a particularly a problematic condition. In short, fibromyalgia is a chronic disorder that causes feelings of pain and fatigue. This condition can also cause a host of other symptoms, including gastrointestinal and urinary problems, body stiffness, sleep difficulties and headaches. These symptoms can increase or decrease in intensity, and they can move around to different regions of the sufferer's body. Unfortunately, there is currently no clear understanding of what causes fibromyalgia. Additionally, doctors and research scientists have not identified a cure for the condition. Upon grasping the negative effect that fibromyalgia can have on an individual's life, the importance of exploring treatment options designed to counteract symptoms becomes vital.

As many health experts know, there are a wide range of fibromyalgia treatments that a doctor can prescribe to a patient. In general, these fibromyalgia treatments can be broken up into two categories: natural and synthetic. Although there are many natural treatments for fibromyalgia, some of the more prevalent ones currently being implemented include practicing good nutrition habits. When fibromyalgia patients nourish their bodies with an abundance of whole, fresh foods, the body (with its muscles, adrenal glands, immune system, and nervous system) gain the nutrient replenishment necessary to complete its regulatory processes. Individuals who struggle with fibromyalgia will find that nutrients gained from the following sources contribute to greater health:

  • B-Complex Vitamins: For immunity, energy, brain and nerve function.
  • Magnesium: To produce energy for muscles.
  • Selenium: To optimize immune function.
  • Vitamin C: To combat oxidative stress.
  • Vitamin D: For immunity, mood and the musculoskeletal system.

In addition to eating nutritionally dense food to enhance health, individuals struggling with fibromyalgia can also exercise consistently to combat the symptoms of their condition. As many physicians know, exercise is effective in limiting the pain, fatigue, and sleep problems that result from fibroymyalgia. In addition to this, exercise can help an individual improve balance, reduce stress, increase strength, and maintain bone mass. It can also help you keep your weight down, which is effective in reducing the pain that fibromyalgia causes.

Fibromyalgia Treatment

While natural forms of fibromyalgia treatment such as proper nutrition and consistent exercise can reduce the symptoms associated with the condition, there are also synthetic mechanisms pain sufferers can use to feel better. One of the first medications a doctor may prescribe for people with fibromyalgia is an antidepressant. Antidepressants are effective in relieving the fatigue, pain, and sleep problems associated with fibromyalgia. Additionally, antidepressants can combat depression, a condition that many people who have fibromyalgia struggle with. Oftentimes, antidepressants called tricyclics are used to treat fibromyalgia. Tricyclic antidepressants like Pamelor (nortriptyline) and Elavil (amitriptyline) work by raising the individual's level of neutrotransmitters in the brain.

In addition to antidepressants, individuals grappling with fibromyalgia may want to take medication that addresses the pain caused by the condition. Over-the-counter medication that addresses this pain includes acetaminophen, which works by elevating the sufferer's pain threshold so that she or he perceives less pain. In addition to acetaminophen, a fibromyalgia sufferer might take nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) for pain management. Examples of NSAIDs include drugs like naproxen, ibuprofen, and aspirin. When used alone, NSAIDs generally aren't effective in tackling the symptoms of fibromyalgia. When combined with other fibromyalgia medication; however, NSAIDs are often effective.

Although fibromyalgia can be a painful condition to cope with, natural and synthetic treatments are available. When taken correctly, they can help aid sufferers in feeling better, thus leading to a more productive and positive life. If you think you may be suffering from fibromyalgia, be sure to consult with a trained medical professional for proper diagnosis and treatment.