what is currently considered the best treatment for fibromyalgia?

Question

I've had fibro for 15 years and have tried just about every treatment out there, but I'm still seeking real relief. What is the latest consensus on the most effective treatment? Many, many thanks!

Answer 1

massage therapy is the best way to manage your pain. some people find releif from a very deep tissue massage and others prefer a soft massage such as a swedish.

Answer 2

i came in here to ask the same question-
hopefully my history can provide you with ideas you havent had yet.

I've had fibro for four years since a bad motor vehicle accident as well as being recently diagnosed with lumbar spinal stenosis as a result of the wreck as well. Ive done all the meds out there- including the new medication Lyrica- I was actually part of the study by the company before it came out. Ive done the guaifenesin, accupuncture, rolfing (deep tissue massage with stretching to separate the myofacia and muscles), hypnosis, herbal treatments- as well as the traditional cortosone/lidocaine trigger point injections- including the new type with botox. Almost everything worked for a little while. Nothing works anymore- not even a little bit. What few medications gave me long term relief (more than a month) I am either resistant to or highly allergic (the opiates) I just dont understand how my mother who also has fibro and permanent fractures as well can practically dance circles around me when i cant even walk to the mailbox anymore with out ending up crying on the way back. The worst of it is is that two days before my accident- i was running at least 7 miles a day and was in the Army. My GP, Rheumatologist, orthopod, shrink (yeah ive tried mental treatment too), physical therapist and pain mgt specialist are all out of ideas and keep the nearly worthless (and expensive) treatments up just incase- I am a member of the national fibro association and other related groups and all the answers are the same. I just turned 24 years old and i'm way beyond giving up hope. As you know with fibro comes all the other "lovely" health problems like the insomnia and GI hell-and those problems are almost just as bad as the physical pain- I just have no idea what to do anymore- if anyone out there can offer some advice or something let me know! Im going to repost this as a question for myself too.

best of luck in your hunt- hope something comes your way

Answer 3

I was diagnosed with fibro about 15 yrs ago. I have been taking guaifenesin for my fibro for app. 8 yrs. There is a certain protocol that must be followed for this med to work but it is easy and inexspensive. Here are two sites:

www.guaidoc.com
www.fibromyalgiatreatment.com At this site there is an online support group for those who follow the protocol.

Also get this book:
What Your Doctor May Not Tell You About Fibromyalgia by
Dr. Paul St. Amand.

Answer 4

I've just read all the answers above mine, so I'll take pity on you and keep mine short. I, too, have fibromyalgia. I'm 55 and have had it since I was 9, but I've only been diagnosed for 12 years. I've visited many websites about FMS, and believe the best of them all is fmaware.org. It is the national fribromyalgia association. It has a free webzine, and a ton of articles, including some about the 2 new meds developed just for FMS. You may email me if you need some consolation or friendship at [e-mail]. Be sure to put FMS in your subject line so I don't just delete your email as spam.

Answer 5

I was told I had Lupus 4 years ago however recently been told it may actually be fibromyalgia. Everyday I take something called Freelife Goji juice. I swear by the stuff. Look it up at: www.freelife.com
Good Luck

Answer 6

your best bet is to see a pain specilalist dr. who does treatment w/o prescribing narcotics which seem to only mask the pain. my friend turned me on to this website..www.piedmontpmr.com this dr does alot w/ fibro patients. he also has a book which you can purchase from the website called "Resolving Complex Pain"

Good Luck

Answer 7

Treatment
As with many other disorders, there is no universal cure for fibromyalgia. However, a steady interest in the disorder on the part of academic researchers as well as pharmaceutical interests has led to improvements in its treatment, which ranges from symptomatic prescription medication to alternative and complementary medicine.

Traditionally, low doses of sedating antidepressants (e.g. amitriptyline and trazodone) have been used to reduce the sleep disturbances that are associated with fibromyalgia, which are believed by some practitioners to exacerbate the symptoms of the disorder. Because depression often accompanies chronic illness, these antidepressants may provide additional benefits to patients suffering from depression. Amitriptyline is often favoured as it can also have the effect of providing relief from neuralgenic or neuropathic pain. Some doctors advise against using narcotic sleep aids ("hypnotics"), since these can lead to dependence.

Another treatment being researched is the use of dextromethorphan, which is sold over the counter as a cough suppressant.[9]

Standard clinical doses of newer anti-depressants (SSRIs) like Celexa are being used. Anti-seizure drugs are also sometimes used.[citation needed]

New drugs that have shown significant efficacy in the treatment of fibromyalgia pain and other symptoms include milnacipran, gabapentin, and pregabalin. Milnacipran belongs to a new series of drugs known as serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) and is available in parts of Europe where it has been safely prescribed for other disorders. As of August 2005, Milnacipran is the subject of a Phase III study and, if ultimately approved by the FDA, will be distributed in the United States.

The newest drug for treating the extreme pain of Fibromyalgia is Lyrica, pregabalin, originally used for the nerve pain suffered by diabetics.

Studies have found gentle exercise, such as warm-water pool therapy, improves fitness and sleep and may reduce pain and fatigue in some people with fibromyalgia.[citation needed] Stretching is recommended to allay muscle stiffness and fatigue, as is mild aerobic exercise. Because strenuous activity can exacerbate the muscle pain and fatigue already present, patients are advised to begin slowly and build their activity level gradually to avoid inducing additional pain. Exercise may be poorly tolerated in more severe cases with abnormal post-exertional fatigue.

Cognitive behavioral therapy has been shown to improve quality of life and coping in fibromyalgia patients and other sufferers of chronic pain.[citation needed]

Neurofeedback has also shown to provide temporary and long-term relief.[citation needed]

Many patients find temporary relief by applying heat to painful areas. Those with access to physical therapy and/or massage may find them beneficial. Chiropractic care can also help relieve pain due to fibromyalgia.[citation needed]

A holistic approach — including managing diet, sleep, stress, activity, and pain — is used by many patients. Dietary supplements, massage, chiropactic care,[citation needed] managing blood sugar levels, and avoiding known triggers when possible means living as well as it is in the patient's power to do.

Treatment for the "brain fog" has not yet been developed, however biofeedback and self-management techniques such as pacing and stress management may be helpful for some patients. The use of anti-depressants, which improves sleep, helps some patients, as does supplementation with folic acid and ginkgo biloba.[citation needed]

Among the more controversial therapies in common use among some patients involves the use of the expectorant guaifenesin. The use of this agent originated from the thoughts of Dr. R. Paul St. Amand, hence the name St Amand's protocol. Many patients report improvement on this treatment, which in turn has inspired healthcare providers to incorporate it in their practice. However, the efficacy of guaifenesin in treating fibromyalgia has not been proven in properly designed research studies. Indeed, a controlled study conducted by researchers at Oregon Health Science University in Portland failed to demonstrate any benefits from this treatment.

A number of practitioners are attracted to the treatment of fibromyalgia, especially because its cause has yet to be identified and, due to its permanent nature, ongoing treatments can be very profitable. While this interest may promote legitimate medical research, patients should be wary: Treatments of dubious validity exist in the meantime.


[edit] Living with fibromyalgia
Fibromyalgia can affect every aspect of a person's life. While neither degenerative nor fatal, the chronic pain associated with fibromyalgia is pervasive and persistent. FMS can severely curtail social activity and recreation, and as many as 30% of those diagnosed with fibromyalgia are unable to maintain full-time employment. Like others with disabilities, individuals with FMS often need accommodations to fully participate in their education or remain active in their careers.

In the United States, those who are unable to maintain a full-time job due to the condition may apply for Social Security Disability benefits. Although fibromyalgia has been recognized as a genuine, severe medical condition by the government, applicants are often denied benefits. However, most are awarded benefits at the state judicial level; the entire process often takes two to four years.

In the United Kingdom, the Department for Work and Pensions recognizes fibromyalgia as a condition for the purpose of claiming benefits and assistance[10].

In India, the position with reference to this condition is unclear. However, where the person is rendered incapable of maintaining a regular life due to any disability, he/she can claim disability benefits. Indian laws guarantee that discrimination against people with disabilities is a violation of their individual rights.

Fibromyalgia is often referred to as an "invisible" illness or disability due to the fact that generally there are no outward indications of the illness or its resulting disabilities. The invisible nature of the illness, as well as its relative rarity and the lack of understanding about its pathology, often has psychosocial complications for those that have the syndrome. Individuals suffering from invisible illnesses in general often face disbelief or accusations of malingering or laziness from others that are unfamiliar with the syndrome.

There are a variety of support groups on the Web that cater to fibromyalgia sufferers. Some are offered at the bottom of this article.