There is no cure for fibromyalgia. Fibromyalgia treatment focuses on managing symptoms and maintaining quality of life. Fibromyalgia symptoms do not necessarily worsen with age, but they tend to be pervasive. Fibromyalgia flare-ups can be debilitating.
Fibromyalgia patients are generally treated with pain-relieving medication customized to their symptoms. Many patients will begin with an OTC pain reliever like Tylenol and then progress to a prescription pain medication when symptoms require. Some patients respond to anti-seizure drugs.
Exercise can be beneficial for fibromyalgia patients as it helps reduce stress and anxiety, improve sleep quality, promotes weight management, and can help with physical symptoms.
Fibromyalgia can lead to anxiety or depression. Proactive mental health care helps. Traditional talk therapy is one way of addressing a sense of mourning or other negative feelings that arise from fibromyalgia. Therapy can talk place in a group setting or one-on-one.
Many people with fibromyalgia also experience sleep disturbances such as insomnia – making it harder to fall asleep or stay asleep. This may make them vulnerable to other health complications. Fibromyalgia treatment often includes a number of measures intended to raise sleep quality. Many states allow the use of medical cannabis for fibromyalgia.
Recovery from fibromyalgia is unpredictable and follows no particular timeline. It may take time to find the right treatment plan that works for you. Fibromyalgia recovery begins by finding a doctor who will listen to your concerns and work with you to develop an individualized treatment plan.