Easing The Pain Of Fibromyalgia Naturally

What is fibromyalgia?

The hallmark sign of this chronic syndrome is pain, either ongoing or in recurrent flare-ups, which can strike any body part at any intensity. "Some people can live with it; others can't even work," says Scott Zashin, MD, clinical professor at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical School. Other symptoms include fatigue, nausea, and headaches.

What causes fibromyalgia?

"Nobody knows," says Brian Walitt, MD, associate professor of medicine at Georgetown University. One theory is that the 2 to 4% of people who get fibromyalgia develop a sensitivity to painful stimuli, possibly due to something awry in the central nervous system. Diagnosis and finding treatments to manage symptoms can take months.

Standard treatments for fibromyalgia include painkillers, antidepressants, and anti-seizure drugs. These can help reduce symptoms like pain, fatigue, and insomnia.

For some people, though, these medications may not provide the perfect solution.

Many people choose to forgo medications to treat fibromyalgia, preferring instead to use non-medicinal remedies and exercise to address symptoms of insomnia, fatigue and pain. Natural remedies offer many advantages, including less prominent side effects and (sometimes) lower costs.

Vitamin D as Fibromyalgia Treatment

Both vitamin D and magnesium levels have been found to be low in people with fibromyalgia, but as of yet there is no evidence that taking vitamin supplements are an effective fibromyalgia treatment. Vitamin D, known as the sunshine vitamin, does have some effects on nerve and muscle function, and some studies have suggested that low levels of vitamin D may be associated with chronic pain of fibromyalgia. In a small clinical study published online in the January 2012 issue of Pain Medicine, fibromyalgia symptoms improved in 30 women after 8 weeks of vitamin D supplementation. However, other researchers have failed to find any association between fibromyalgia and vitamin D levels.

Fibromyalgia Help From Acupuncture

Acupuncture is one of the oldest forms of treatment for chronic pain and is based on ancient Chinese medical practices. There have been several studies on the usefulness of acupuncture in treating the symptoms of fibromyalgia. Three studies support the use of acupuncture combined with a pulsed electric current, a treatment called electroacupuncture. Although this fibromyalgia treatment seems to relieve pain, the results are not long-lasting.

Yoga

Several studies show that a regular yoga practice may help ease the symptoms of fibromyalgia. For example, researchers at Oregon Health & Science University reported that yoga exercises reduced fibromyalgia pain.

A 2011 study found that patients who took a 75-minute yoga class twice weekly for eight weeks experienced less pain. They also had lower levels of the stress hormone cortisol in their blood.

Massage Therapy for Fibromyalgia

Massage therapy is another alternative pain treatment that is one of the most commonly tried for fibromyalgia. The benefits of massage are hard to demonstrate in a clinical study, but it does seem to be helpful for many types of muscle pain, including fibromyalgia. Massage is generally safe. It may certainly relieve tightness and promote relaxation, but it is not likely to provide any long-term fibromyalgia help.

Meditation

Can meditation change the way the brain processes pain signals? Australian rheumatologist Dr. Daniel Lewis thinks so, and he also suggests that it may change the way the brain functions, improving symptoms.

A 2012 analysis of studies reported that meditation provided pain relief. Researchers believe it helps calm the mind and ease the body, promoting deep rest and relaxation, which help the body heal itself.

Tai Chi

Tai chi is an ancient Chinese physical practice that involves moving the body slowly and gently. It has shown some potential in helping to ease fibromyalgia symptoms.

In a 2010 study, participants took part in a 60-minute tai chi class or a 60-minute wellness education and stretching class. They attended these classes twice a week for 12 weeks.

Those who did tai chi experienced improvements in pain, sleep quality, depression, and quality of life. The benefits were still noticeable 24 weeks later.

Biofeedback for Fibromyalgia Pain

Biofeedback is an alternative therapy that uses the mind-body connection to help you learn to control your chronic pain with the power of your mind. The feedback may come in the form of muscle tension, skin temperature, or brain wave measurements. Biofeedback is helpful for many painful conditions when it is used along with other therapies. There are not enough good studies to say for sure whether biofeedback is an effective fibromyalgia treatment yet.

Chiropractic Manipulation for Fibromyalgia Pain

Chiropractic medicine is an alternative form of treatment that uses spinal manipulation and realignment to relieve pain, improve function, and promote natural healing. Chiropractic has been studied in many chronic pain conditions. Most studies suggest it may be effective for relief of back, neck, or headache pain. As far as fibromyalgia help, the National Institutes of Health state there is insufficient evidence to recommend it.

Don’t Give Up in Your Search for Relief

We're still in the beginning stages of finding relief for those with fibromyalgia. Talk to your doctor about alternative treatments if standard medications aren't helping. A regular massage appointment, yoga class, or meditation therapy in addition to your medications may help you feel better.