7 Tips To Fight Fibromyalgia Pain

By Robin Westen

According to the American College of Rheumatology, Fibromyalgia affects between three to six million Americans, mostly women. The disorder is characterized by widespread musculoskeletal pain, fatigue, and multiple tender points. Finding a treatment for these varied conditions isn’t easy -- but there are options.

Try Steam

Wet heat eases sore muscles. If you don’t have access to a steam room, you can simply turn your bathroom into one. Close the door; place a towel under the crack, and turn the bath water temperature up high. Keep a tall glass of cool water nearby. If you feel faint, remove the towel or open the door a bit and let in cool air. Caution: Don’t go in the bath. Sit on the closed toilet seat and relax. Join the conversation! Click here to jump to fibromyalgia tips from ThirdAgers on our forum.

Take Breaks When you sit for a long time, muscles tend to tighten and that increases pain levels. It helps to get up and move around, even for few minutes. If you’re on a plane or in the theater and can’t get up, do seated stretches. Extend your arms and legs, roll your neck, lift and release shoulders and massage your hands. Ideally, you’ll take a stretch break every hour.

Look Into Nutritional Supplements Magnesium with malic acid, 5-HTP, and Colostrum, seem to help. Doctors have found that patients who are too sensitive to manage prescribed medicines are better able to tolerate nutritional supplements. However, supplements are not as effective for everyone. Talk to your physician first.

Exercise The best exercise programs include a combination of postural stretches, light aerobic conditioning, strengthening and toning. If you’re beginning a work-out program, speak with your doctor first who will likely recommend slowly increasing the intensity slowly.

Get Some Hands-On Therapy Therapeutic massage, myofascial release, soft tissue mobilization and adjustments have been reported to be beneficial.

Relax Guided imagery, deep breathing meditation, yoga, and biofeedback are good calm-down technique that can make you less tense and vulnerable to pain.

Ask about Medication Unfortunately, there’s no magic bullet that heals all the varied symptoms but several prescription medications can treat different aspects. For example, sleep aids (i.e. Ambien, Restoril), antidepressants medicines (i.e, tricyclics and serotonin re-uptake inhibitors), pain medicines, and various other prescribed medications can be helpful. Sometimes rotating different medications work best. Consult with your health care provider. Join the conversation! Click here to jump to fibromyalgia tips from ThirdAgers on our forum.

About the Author

Robin Westen is ThirdAge's Medical Director. Check for her daily updates. Her latest book, co-authored with Dr. Alyssa Dweck, is "V is for Vagina."