Fibromyalgia pain, are there alternatives?

Question

My mother was diagnosed with Fibromyalgia about 3 years ago and the only real treatments they have given her are Vicodin for her pain. I know that is not a good long term management but that is as far as they are going. She is always in pain even with the pain killers and I don't want Vicodin's long term side effects to damage her life or cut it short. Can you please help? Only serious answers please.

Answer 1

Nutrition is very important with this condition as with any serious physical condition. Avoid caffeine products, sugar, processed foods and fried foods. Low blood sugar (Hypoglycemia) is often a factor in causing the person with Fibromyalgia to feel fatigued. That is why a good nutrition program is very important, eating frequent small meals with some protein is very important in keeping the blood levels even.

Whole grains, seeds, nuts, yogurt, chicken, Turkey, organic beef, eggs, natural cheese and cottage cheese should form the base of your diet. Accompanied by Appropriate vegetables and a minimum amount of fruit.

A good quality multi-vitamin is absolutely essential with this condition. It's important to replace what the body loses daily. If a person takes no other supplement but a multi-vitamin they're helping to support their body daily. Co Q 10, in soft gel form 100mg, taken three times daily can help increase the energy.

There's no definite cure for Fibromyalagia but there are certainly many alternative methods that can help you improve the quality of your life. I find that deep tissue massage therapy performed regularly really keeps down the pain. When I’m going through a really bad time I always get a massage. It works better than any medicine.

Physical therapy that is performed at home is very important for Fibromyalgia. Warm water stretches performed at least three times weekly can be of tremendous help keeping the joints and muscles flexible. A Jacuzzi or hot tub is without a doubt one of the best treatments you can do at home, not only does it improve circulation you can also perform warm water stretches in it. If you have access to one and can use this daily you would see a tremendous change in the body. Using a moist heating pad on areas of pain for 20 minutes can ease the pain.

I also find that chiropractic care can bring tremendous relief. I always recommend people with Fibromyalgia seek out a Chiropractor who uses the activator method for physical therapy and pain relief. If you would like to find out about a doctor of chiropractic in your area who uses this method go to http://www.activator.com/qualified_doctors.asp

Answer 2

Usually doctors are reluctant to use narcotics with people who have chronic pain, because they worry about the long-term effects and the risk of addiction.
Often, a doctor will recommend Pain management therapy, which includes different exercises to help with pain, as well as counseling to help reduce the stress and anguish of being in such constant pain.
There are lots of sites out there for people with Fibromyalgia, and they might have more ideas for coping with the pain without the use of narcotics.

Answer 3

Lyrica, just approved for fibromyalgia helped my daughter tremendously. also something to help her sleep regularly.

Answer 4

Cymbalta has made a big difference for me. Here is an article on it:
http://www.immunesupport.com/library/showarticle.cfm/ID/6034