December 29th, 2009
One of the fastest growing conditions in the world today is fibromyalgia. If you are suffering from chronic pain throughout your body with no known source, you may have this condition. What makes matters worse is that some doctors still aren’t familiar with this condition and so you may go months or even years without a proper diagnosis. Thankfully, there are several different ways you can deal with the pain associated with fibromyalgia. If you believe you have this condition, keep very close track of your symptoms so you can present what you know to your pain doctor. Make sure one of the first places you go for your fibro is to a pain management clinic.
For many women and for some men who suffer from fibromyalgia, the best thing is the healing touch of another human being. Massage won’t help to cure your fibromyalgia, but it can help to relieve pain like no other treatment. You’ll want to make sure the massage isn’t too rough as too much pressure on any one point can actually make things worse, but a steady, warm pressure over painful areas can work wonders. Try to have the same person perform the massage every time you need it so you don’t have to keep retraining a different person again and again. For many who suffer from fibromyalgia, a simple, careful massage can be the best medicine out there.
If you find yourself alone, the healing power of a hot bath can be the next best thing. In the same way that heat is often the best way to get rid of arthritis pain, it can have the same wonderful affects on people who suffer from fibromyalgia. Be careful you don’t make the bath too hot, you don’t want to cause any damage to your skin. The best thing about a hot bath is that they are extremely affordable and can be enjoyed as much as you like.
Ask anyone who suffers from fibromyalgia and they will tell you that sometimes they wish they could sleep in the comfort of a warm bath. The next best thing is the use of heating pads or electric blankets when you sleep. Since heating pads are smaller and can be placed exactly where you need them, they tend to work better, but any way you can get extra heat in your bed can work. Avoid hot water bottles since they need to be changed out so often. While using extra blankets or comforters when you sleep can be awkward, they can work just as well.
For a more long term solution, physical therapy is often prescribed by most doctors. Be warned however, therapy will often make the pain worse before it makes it better. It is believed that working and strengthening the muscles will help cure fibromyalgia over the long term, but this often leads to significant irritation and pain in the meantime. Be ready to use some over the counter pain killers to help you through your first few weeks or if the pain is unbearable, talk to your doctor about some prescription medications. Remember, you don’t have to suffer though fibromyalgia alone.