The best treatments for fibromyalgia and chronic pain involve keeping active and healthy. Exercising the muscles through low impact activities several times a week often reduces pain and makes the patient feel more energetic. Painkilling medication, such as paracetamol, is also commonly taken to lower pain levels. Other treatments include applying heat to sore muscles and massage.
Fibromyalgia and chronic pain can be difficult to treat because there is no known cure. There are, however, a number of things that a patient can do to help reduce the symptoms and pain levels. A doctor will be able to recommend exercises and medication that can improve a person’s quality of life; over time, the patient will discover what works for him or her.
One of the best treatments for fibromyalgia and chronic pain is to keep the muscles active and healthy. The only exception to this is if the chronic pain is caused by a tear or injury to the muscle; in this situation, a physiotherapist should be consulted in order to create a personal rehabilitation program. Most people with fibromyalgia will benefit from regular low impact exercise such as walking or swimming. Weight training, while good for strengthening muscles, may be too difficult, however. It is generally recommended that someone with fibromyalgia exercise at least three times a week.
Taking painkilling medication can be another effective way of reducing pain. Paracetamol can be appropriate for this purpose. Ibuprofen and naproxen are anti-inflammatory drugs and are also useful for reducing pain. Taking medication over a long period of time can have side effects, however, so a patient should consult with his or her doctor regularly.
If a muscle is particularly sore, treating it with heat may help to reduce pain. Fibromyalgia and chronic pain usually responds best to warmth rather than cold, although the patient should be careful not to leave the heat pack on the skin for too long. There are a range of reusable heat packs, many of which can be conveniently heated in less than a minute.
Many other treatments for chronic pain exist, although not all will work for everyone. Massage can reduce some people’s fibromyalgia and chronic pain symptoms because it relaxes the muscles and promotes healthy tissue. Stretching the muscles can have a similar effect. Some people may find benefit in taking alternative health classes such as yoga or pilates because these regimens can increase fitness and flexibility.