Disease Index

Alternative Therapies and Nutritional supplements for Fibromyalgia

Bhavna Singh   by Bhavna Singh, MS, Biotechnology    Last updated on September 25, 2019,

therapies for fibromyalgia

Fibromyalgia natural treatment

Fibromyalgia is hallmarked with chronic pain and ongoing frequent flare-ups that can strike any part of the body.

According to Dr. Zashin, some people can live with it while some others can’t even work with it. Nausea, fatigue and headaches are other symptoms of this condition. Nobody knows what causes this disease.

While there are several medications that can help manage the disease, but self-care in the form of lifestyle changes and natural remedies can be helpful in controlling the condition.

Following are some tried and tested alternative supplements for this condition:

  • Painkillers
  • Anti-depressants
  • Anti-convulsant
  • Acupuncture
  • Magnesium
  • Yoga
  • Tai Chi
  • Movement and activity
  • Biofeedback
  • Talk Therapy
  • Serotonin
  • SAMe (S-Adenosyl-L-Methionine)

Supplements for fibromyalgia: What are the natural remedies for fibromyalgia?

Painkillers

Acute pain is handled using painkillers that can be a bit addictive. They work as less intensive plan for controlling the pain. If taken as a short time therapy, these drugs can be helpful. One such drug is tramadol (Ultram), which moderately improves the chronic pain.

These painkillers affect how strongly the pain affects the body but they have certain side effects like constipation, drowsiness and dizziness.

Antidepressants

Serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) are approved by FDA to fibromyalgia. Two of them are duloxetine (Cymbalta) and milnacipran (Savella). These medicines may affect brain chemicals that low down the pain.

Anticonvulsant medication

The working mechanism of anti-convulsant medications is yet not clear. They mainly work on the calming down of the nervous system. They generally block over-active nerve cells that transmit pain signals.

Acupuncture

Researchers say that the therapy increases the activity of brain receptors that low down the pain.

Magnesium


Not eating enough of magnesium can cause muscle spasm and cramps. The mineral is found in leafy vegetables, milk and meat. A researcher found that giving 300mg of magnesium in the diet daily to women suffering from this condition would result in reduced pain and tenderness.

Yoga

In a survey, women who attended 2-hour weekly yoga program or practiced at home showed about 30% drop in the symptoms as compared to women who don’t. The breathing techniques are also found to be relaxing.

Taichi

Tai chi is a gentle mind and body exercise that can help in improving sleep and easing pain and depression. Controlled breathing movements promote relaxing state and interrupt the pain cycle.

Weight loss

Some doctors also suggest that reducing weight can lessen the symptoms to quite an extent. Over-weight and obese people are at 60% risk of developing this disease. The reason for this is not clear. One theory says that the elevated level of cytokines in obese people can trigger the pain and heighten the sensitivity towards it. Extra weight can worsen the symptoms.

Movement and activity

It is hard to exercise when the body is already in pain, but physical activity can reduce the pain. Light physical activity such as walking, gardening, vacuuming or swimming for a week or so can help. Increasing the activity for 5 minutes each day will help a lot. Improving the physical functioning can lessen the pain, ease the depression and fatigue related to fibromyalgia.

Biofeedback

Learning to be aware of body responses that are involved in pain may also reduce the pain and fatigue. There is a rate of slow breathing which is different for every person. It triggers most of the reflexes in the body. Learning and being aware of these can help in reducing the pain.

Talk therapy

Having the better understanding of your thoughts and actions by talking to the therapist can ease the physical pain and emotional pain. Online help and weekly sessions are also available these days.

Serotonin

5-HTP (5-Hydroxytryptophan) is a building block for serotonin, the brain chemical. Low level of this chemical is linked to depression. Raising the level of serotonin level can lead to better mood. A study found that food supplements that contain 5-HTP are capable of easing anxiety, insomnia and morning stiffness.

SAMe (S-Adenosyl-L-Methionine)

SAMe (S-Adenosyl-L-Methionine) is an amino acid derivative of serotonin and dopamine. Some reports suggest that it can improve mood and sleep.

Massage

Massage is a great treatment for sore muscles and joints due to fibromyalgia. It involves gentle manipulation of the body to increase range of motion, relieve you from the stress, promote relaxation, and relieve you from the pain.

Bhavna Singh

Bhavna Singh is a biotechnologist with a special interest in molecular biology, genetic engineering, recombinant DNA technology, and biochemistry. She pursued her Master’s degree in Biotechnology from Gautam Buddha University, Greater Noida. Bhavna has also worked as a Research Fellow at Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI), New Delhi.


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