Complementary Treatments For Fibromyalgia
Fibromyalgia is a disorder classified by the presence of chronic widespread pain and a heightened and painful response to gentle touch. The symptoms like debilitating fatigue, sleep disturbance and joint stiffness can take a heavy toll on your life.
Even though treatment for the symptoms has improved in recent years, each patient is different and it takes a while to find the right balance of lifestyle changes, traditional medicine and complementary approaches that are right for you. You can consider trying these non-medicinal options after discussing them with your doctor.
Exercising
Exercising at least twice a week can produce significant improvements in symptoms and physical functioning of a fibromyalgia patient. It can include progressive walking, strength training and stretching.
Regular exercise provides benefits like higher energy levels, lower anxiety, improved blood flow and increased pain tolerance. Water exercises in a warm pool have confirmed to be particularly beneficial for people with fibromyalgia.
Be cautious to start off slowly avoiding intense or high-impact exercises, such as running or jumping rope. Begin by working out for just a few minutes at a time and gradually build your way up to 30 minutes a day, three to five times per week.
Stretching is also beneficial in improving the range of motion in your muscles and keeping them loose. You can also try yoga classes.
Healthy Diet and Supplements
A healthy diet that is low in fat, high in fibre can help ease your symptoms. While fruits vegetables, whole grains, chicken and multivitamin and calcium supplements should be added to your diet, avoid consuming aspartame, monosodium glutamate (MSG), processed foods, caffeine, alcohol and tobacco to see if it eases symptoms.
Sleep, Massage and Relaxation
Fibromyalgia can make sleep hard to come by, therefore learning relaxation techniques like breathing, visual imagery and meditation can reduce stress and make it easier to get a better night’s sleep. Massage is another great way to relax and sometimes alleviate pain.
Acupuncture, Acupressure and Chiropractic Care
While acupuncture has shown mixed results it does seem to ease fibromyalgia symptoms and increase pain tolerance. Acupressure though not as effective can be self-administered during flare ups.
Chiropractic care can help relieve back pain, neck pain, shoulder pain and headaches, as well ease tender point pain and increase the range of motion in your spine.
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy
Cognitive behavioural therapy helps you identify negative thought patterns that exacerbate pain, such as anger, sadness and anxiety and replace them with positive thoughts. It can help you if no other treatment is working.
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