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Fibromyalgia can cause constant muscle pain and fatigue as well as spells when all symptoms become acutely worse. The good news is there are multiple treatments that can relieve pain in fibromyalgia sufferers, and many of them can be combined to create a customized plan.
At CHOICE Pain & Rehabilitation Center, with multiple locations in Maryland, our board-certified physical medicine and rehabilitation specialists take a multidisciplinary approach to treating fibromyalgia. In this blog, our providers explain some of the options that can help sufferers get relief.
Fibromyalgia is a condition that causes widespread musculoskeletal pain along with fatigue, memory, sleep, and mood issues. The exact cause has not yet been identified, and there is currently no cure.
The good news is people with the condition usually have a normal lifespan. Most treatment plans for fibromyalgia include a range of medical and lifestyle therapies.
Here are some of the most popular ways doctors and patients partner to treat fibromyalgia symptoms:
Over-the-counter medications are typically recommended before more controlled substances, such as nerve pain medications or opioids, are prescribed. And while pain medications are usually part of a plan to treat fibromyalgia symptoms, they almost always go together with other therapies, such as relaxation techniques. This is to reduce the amount of medications needed and minimize the risk of dependency.
Muscle relaxants are often prescribed to help control the spasms, twitching, and muscle pain that affects many fibromyalgia patients. Your doctor will make sure you know how to take these medications safely. You’ll usually not be allowed to drink alcohol if you’re on these medications.
Depression is a common side effect of fibromyalgia. Coming to grips with having a chronic illness can take a toll on a sufferer’s mental health. Antidepressants can help patients find a balance and enjoy life.
Getting quality rest and employing relaxation techniques can help fibromyalgia sufferers manage their pain. For example, meditative breathing is thought to help lower the heart rate and blood pressure, which may help reduce pain symptoms.
Cognitive behavioral therapy can help change the thought patterns and behaviors of patients living with chronic pain. Again, this isn't a standalone therapy, but it can be helpful as part of a suite of pain management treatments.
Biofeedback can help patients understand their body’s response to pain and help them regulate how they manage their pain by learning to control physiological reactions. Combined with other pain management therapies, this treatment can be extremely effective.
If you suffer from fibromyalgia, we can help you get relief. Our providers will give you a thorough evaluation and discuss your next steps. To learn more, book an appointment online or over the phone with CHOICE Pain & Rehabilitation Center today.
Our Maryland offices are located in Hyattsville, Gaithersburg, Lanham, Dundalk, Oxon Hill, Rosedale, and Olney, and we have two offices in Baltimore.
