Alternative Treatments for Fibromyalgia
Fibromyalgia can be a frustrating medical condition to treat. While the first-line treatments are often prescription medications, these can have challenging side effects. Fortunately, there are some natural alternatives to prescription medications that some people may find helpful. The standard medical treatments for fibromyalgia often include drugs such as anti-seizure medications (Keppra), antidepressants (SSRIs and TCAs), and painkillers (opioid and narcotic). The side effects of these medications include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and mood changes. For those who are looking for natural alternatives to prescription medications, there are a handful of options available. These alternatives can help individuals suffering from fibromyalgia avoid the frustrating side effects that often accompany prescription medications.
Yoga is Supported by Medical Research
Fibromyalgia is a disorder that is typically accompanied by widespread pain throughout the musculoskeletal system, including muscles, tendons, and bones. This pain can impact the way the brain processes signals that come from the musculoskeletal system. Because of this, many of the natural treatment alternatives, such as yoga, can target the musculoskeletal system.
According to research that was published in the Pain medical journal, yoga has been shown to be effective as a treatment option for fibromyalgia. In the study, medical professionals enrolled about 50 individuals who had been diagnosed with fibromyalgia in an 8-week yoga course. After the research, these individuals had significant improvement in their pain. They experienced reduced fatigue, improved mood, and a lower rating of their discomfort.
Medical professionals believe yoga is helpful in the treatment of fibromyalgia because the poses, breathing exercises, and meditation help to relax the musculoskeletal system. This reduces the pain signals coming from the arms, legs, torso, and back. As a result, individuals start to feel better and experience symptomatic relief.
Tai Chi as a Treatment Option for Fibromyalgia
Tai Chi has its origins in ancient China. It has been used as an exercise in that portion of the world for thousands of years. People of all ages are capable of participating in Tai Chi exercises, which involve moving the body deliberately through a series of poses that are held for various amounts of time. Because of Tai Chi’s slow, gentle movements and stretches, medical professionals believe that it can be helpful in the treatment of fibromyalgia. This belief has been backed up by research.
A study from the New England Journal of Medicine demonstrated that Tai Chi can improve the symptoms of fibromyalgia. Researchers randomly assigned patients to participate in either Tai Chi or act as the control group. The individuals in the Tai Chi group participated in a 12-week course where they performed exercises regularly. At the end of the study, the Tai Chi group showed a statistically significant improvement in their symptoms when compared to the control group. The results of this study indicate that Tai Chi can be helpful in the treatment of fibromyalgia. Those who experienced improvement in their symptoms showed that their mood, sleep quality, pain, and overall quality of life all improved.
Massage Therapy can Provide Symptom Relief
Another frequently recommended option for fibromyalgia treatment is massage therapy. Because fibromyalgia is a disorder of the musculoskeletal system, massage therapy targeting the “hot spots” for fibromyalgia pain can bring individuals some degree of symptomatic relief. Massage therapy helps the muscles relax, removes knots, relieves stress, and mobilizes the body’s fluids. Regular massage therapy also provides individuals with some quiet time to meditate and relax the mind. This dual therapy of mind and body can be easily integrated into a comprehensive treatment for fibromyalgia, providing significant symptomatic relief.
A Well-Rounded, Comprehensive Treatment Plan
Fibromyalgia is a challenging disorder to treat. What works for one person might not work for someone else. Because of this, everyone needs to understand all of the treatment options available and discuss them with their doctor. In some cases, prescription medications might have too many side effects for someone to tolerate. This is where natural alternative treatments deserve strong consideration. For other individuals, blending prescription medications with these natural alternatives may be the right mix to effectively treat all of the symptoms of fibromyalgia.
Watch YouTube Video: Fibromyalgia Treatment for Pain. This video demonstrates an easy technique you can at home to help relieve Fibromyalgia pain.
Sacramento Injury Lawyer
I’m Ed Smith, a Sacramento Injury Lawyer. There are natural alternatives that may prove useful in the treatment of fibromyalgia. If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with fibromyalgia following an accident, please call me at (800) 404-5400 or (916) 921-6400 for free, friendly advice.
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