The discouraging part about Fibromyalgia is that no revolutionary cure has been found yet. Ongoing research has shown some progress over the past few years but nothing that has been earth shattering.

Much of this information has come directly from fibromyalgia sufferers themselves many have shared their thoughts and ideas on what has worked (maybe only to varying degrees) and what has not. Many people say the same thing; "I don't care what I try, I just want something to help me."

People have tried every commercial product available from creams, to pills, to gadgets. Some products have helped but many didn't.

There isn't a cure for 'true' fibromyalgia. As a result, you should be aware and cautious of the so-called "cures" out there that are advertised or promoted. There is not a company or doctor who should ever say that they can 'cure' Fibromyalgia. Visit our new page on Private Clinics

Fibromyalgia symptoms however, can be better managed. First and foremost, you will need to make some lifestyle changes and adaptations if you are to manage your symptoms better. Most people are not willing to change, because most people do not like change. Change typically implies adjustment, discomfort and most of all, additional effort on the individual's part. Most people want a "quick" fix.

You must remember one important factor as with anything in life, you must to the best of your ability, remain positive and consistent in your actions. Often at times, people will try something half-heartedly and then complain that it did not bring any results. Please don't fall into this category! Positive changes take time and consistent effort.

Be sufferer and never give up because the only person that can really help you the most is you!

OK let's look at the key treatment options that exist;

Sufferers usually try many routes of treatment under the guidance of a physician to find relief. Treatments range from prescription medication to herbal medicine to exercise therapy. Most treatments only ease some symptoms. In mild cases, symptoms may go away when stress is decreased or lifestyle changes are implemented. A combination of treatments including medications, sufferer education, physical therapy, and counselling are usually recommended. Many Fibromyalgia sufferers have found support groups helpful.

The most popular treatment involves conventional analgesics to reduce the effects of fatigue and pain. Antidepressants are often prescribed as well to adjust nerve response and help to deal with the psychological effects of constant fatigue and pain. Low doses of antidepressants, often tricyclic antidepressants like amitriptyline, have also been used to treat the insomnia associated with Fibromyalgia. Physicians may also prescribe exercise in an attempt to build up muscle bulk and reduce stress on the muscles, but it is often poorly tolerated in the more severe cases. Certain classes of antidepressant medications are sometimes prescribed for the disorder. Studies show that antidepressants in low doses can decrease depression, relax craniofacial and skeletal muscles, improve sleep quality, and release pain-killing endorphins. Other medications that are used include anti-inflammatory pain medications and medications that work on pain transmission pathways, such as Gabapentin.

Lifestyle changes that can help alleviate symptoms include avoiding caffeine (it can aggravate sleep disorders), sticking to an exercise program, avoiding nonessential activities, performing tasks more efficiently, establishing regular sleep routines, and eating a healthy diet. Learning relaxation techniques (e.g., meditation, biofeedback) may help control symptoms. Eating a well-balanced diet, and avoiding caffeine may help with problems sleeping, and may help reduce the severity of the symptoms.

Lifestyle measures to improve the quality of sleep can be effective for Fibromyalgia. Some reports indicate that fish oil, magnesium/malic acid combinations, or vitamins may be effective. Reducing stress and improving coping skills may also help reduce painful symptoms.

Improved fitness through exercise is recommended. Studies have shown that fibromyalgia symptoms can be relieved by aerobic exercise. Routine low-impact aerobics and strength may help reduce pain, tender-point counts, depression, and sleep disturbance. During aerobic exercise, endorphins, hormone-like substances, are released. Endorphins help relieve pain and produce a feeling of well-being. The best way to begin a fitness program is to start with low impact exercises, like walking and swimming. Starting slowly helps stretch and mobilize tight, sore muscles. High-impact aerobics and weight lifting could cause increased discomfort. Symptoms may be relieved by gentle stretching and light massage, as well as acupressure, acupuncture, and relaxation techniques.

Many sufferers find temporary relief by applying heat to painful areas, through physical therapy, lymphatic drainage, or massage. Occupational therapy may assist sufferers in maintaining employment. Some sufferers find the Guaifenesin Protocol particularly effective when followed properly. Some have even reported a full reversal of symptoms through the application of this treatment, though it is not a cure.

Fibromyalgia pain relief medications

Pain relief is of major concern for sufferers with Fibromyalgia.

Anti-inflammatory drugs, which are commonly used for arthritic conditions, are less useful for the pain of fibromyalgia, since the pain is not caused by muscle or joint inflammation.

Such drugs include corticosteroids and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as aspirin, ibuprofen (Advil), and others.

(Zostrix) is an ointment prepared from the active ingredient in hot chilli peppers that has been helpful for relieving painful areas in other disorders. It may have some value for fibromyalgia sufferers. Opioids, or narcotics, may be used for certain sufferers with moderate to severe pain or significant functional impairment who cannot find relief with other, less potent treatments. Some may be given combinations of narcotic pain relievers and acetaminophen for periodic pain. Some physicians prescribe opioids such as oxycodone (Roxicodone) or morphine sulphate (Duramorph) for sufferers who require ongoing relief. Physicians should take a careful medical and psychological profile of the sufferer before prescribing opioids and periodically re-evaluate the sufferer for continuing pain relief, side effects, and indications of dependence.

Tramadol (Ultram) is a pain reliever that has been used as an alternative to opioids. It has helped some people and was thought not to be addictive, although dependence and abuse have been reported. It can cause nausea. Intravenous lidocaine. The anesthetic lidocaine, which can offer pain relief when injected into tender muscle points during "trigger point injections" (see above), may also offer benefits when it is infused into the veins. Preliminary results of a small British pilot study found that the infusions relieved pain and improved well-being in those who had not responded to other therapies. This approach has certain risks and more research is needed.

What fibromyalgia diet is suggested?

Fibromyalgia sufferers should maintain a healthy diet low in animal fat and high in fibre, with plenty of whole grains, fresh fruits and vegetables.

Although everyone should be careful about calories in fats, some are healthy. Oils containing omega-3 fatty acids are of particular interest for arthritic pain. Such oils are found in cold water fish and can be purchased as supplements called EPA-DHA or omega 3. A high intake of protein has been associated with lower levels of tryptophan, a chemical in the brain that converts to serotonin. Eliminate inflammatory foods such as refined foods, sugar, saturated fats (meat and dairy products), alcohol, and caffeine. Eat whole foods such as vegetables, whole grains, fruits, protein, and essential fatty acids (cold-water fish, nuts, and seeds). Eliminate all food allergens from the diet. Common allergenic foods are dairy, soy, citrus, peanuts, wheat, fish, eggs, corn, and tomatoes. Try an elimination trial: Remove suspected allergens from the diet for two weeks. Reintroduce one food every three days. Watch for reactions such as gastrointestinal upset, mood changes, flushing, fatigue, and worsening of symptoms. A rotation diet, in which the same food is not eaten more than once every four days, may reduce sensitivities.

Vitamin C (250 to 500 mg twice per day) reduces swelling and helps your immune system function better. Coenzyme Q10 (50 to 100 mg one to two times per day) improves oxygen delivery to tissues and has antioxidant activity.

Chromium picolinate (200 mcg with meals) may reduce reactive hypoglycemia which may make your symptoms worse. Magnesium (200 mg two to three times per day) with malic acid (1,200 mg one to two times per day) relieves pain and fatigue. 5-Hydroxytryptophan (100 mg three times per day) may help with depression and insomnia. B vitamins help reduce the effects of stress:

B-complex (50 to 100 mg per day), niacinamide (100 mg per day), and B6 (100 mg per day). Melatonin (0.5 to 3 mg one time before bed) may help sleep.

Zinc (30 mg per day) is essential for proper immune function. Phosphatidyl choline and phosphatidyl serine (300 mg per day) may help depression and improve memory.

What fibromyalgia exercise is suggested?

Low-impact aerobic exercises, such as swimming, cycling, walking and stationary cross-country ski machines can be effective treatments for Fibromyalgia. Exercise regimens are most beneficial when performed on an every-other-day basis, in the morning. How exercise benefits Fibromyalgia is still unknown.

Exercise may exert its beneficial effect by promoting a deep level of sleep (non-REM sleep). Similarly, avoiding alcohol and caffeine before bedtime can also help promote a more restful sleep. Strength training and regular low-impact aerobic exercise is very helpful for raising the pain threshold, although it may take months to perceive benefits.

Desirable exercises are walking, swimming, and using stationary bikes. Swimming and water therapy, which eliminate weight-bearing, appear to be excellent choices for getting started.

A very gradual incremental program of activity, beginning with mild exercise and building over time, is important to help sufferers comply with exercise.

Sufferers who attempt strenuous exercise too early actually experience an increase in pain and are likely to become discouraged and quit. It should be noted that even walking two or three times a week is helpful.

Every sufferer must be prepared for relapses and setbacks, which are nearly universal, but this should not dissuade the sufferer from exercising. Sufferers who do not respond to one type of exercise might consider experimenting with other forms of physical activity. It should be noted that some sufferers are so disabled that they experience no benefits over time and some feel even worse even after many attempts and different programs. Such sufferers should not be discouraged.

We recommend discussing your symptoms and treatment options with your doctor and/or consultant before commencing any treatments including any exercise regime you might consider.

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