Don’t worry, you’ve got this!
There are many options for treating fibromyalgia. It’s important to remember that treatment for fibromyalgia will try to ease some of your symptoms and improve your overall quality of life, but there’s currently no cure.
First Steps
Your GP can help you decide what’s best for you, depending on what you prefer and the available treatments. In some cases, several different healthcare professionals may also be involved, such as a:
- Rheumatologist – a specialist in conditions that affect muscles and joints
- Neurologist – a specialist in conditions of the central nervous system
- Psychologist – a specialist in mental health and psychological treatments
Fibromyalgia has many symptoms, meaning that no single treatment will work for all of them. Treatments that work for some people won’t always work for others. You may need to try a variety of treatments to find a combination that suits you and your condition. This normally will be a combination of medication and lifestyle changes.
Treatment Options:
- Medication - There are many different types of medication that are available to treat fibromyalgia. Your G.P. will know the best to prescribe to you. This may be pain killers, anti-depressants, muscle relaxants, anti-convulsant or anti-psychotic tablets.
- Low Impact Exercise - Swimming, sitting or exercising in a heated pool or warm water (known as hydrotherapy) or following an individually tailored gentle exercise programme could help ease symptoms.
- Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) - A talking therapy that aims to change the way you think about things, so you can tackle problems more positively. This will also help with the effects of depression that may accompany your fibromyalgia.
- Relaxation techniques - Meditation and mindfulness can help relax you and provide great self-care for when dealing with flare ups.
- Alternative Therapies - Some people with fibromyalgia try complementary or alternative treatments, such as acupuncture, massage manipulation or aromatherapy (1).
Restless Leg Syndrome
Studies also show that people suffering from fibromyalgia are more likely to experience restless legs syndrome. This disorder causes the urge to move your legs along with uncomfortable sensations and further impact on sleep for Fibro sufferers. However, there is an effective treatment for restless legs syndrome which is likely to improve the quality of life for sufferers (2).
There isn’t one set treatment plan for every fibromyalgia sufferer. Contact your G.P. and follow the treatment plan given by your consultant.
Do you need support going through your treatment?
Many people find support groups helpful, knowing you are not alone in going through this condition can really help. Just by talking to someone who knows what you’re going though can make you feel better. Find out more about Fibromyalgia UK and how they can help you through the condition here.
