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Fibromyalgia (FM) is recognized as a disorder by the US National Institutes of Health and the American College of Rheumatology. The word comes from a combination of Greek and Latin terms that put together mean, “pain in muscles and fibrous tissue.” It can also be incredibly hard to cope with fibromyalgia pain and fatigue.
In medical and popular literature FM is often described as a medical condition characterized by chronic widespread pain and a heightened pain response to pressure. Other symptoms include feeling tired to a degree that normal activities are affected, sleep problems, and troubles with memory. The cause of fibromyalgia is unknown; however, it is believed to involve a combination of genetic and environmental factors.
Perhaps most the most crucial symptoms of FM involve chronic pain and tenderness in nine paired points that constitute the 1990 American College of Rheumatology criteria for the condition. One pair of points are in the elbows, one in the knees, one in the chest, two in the front and back of the neck, and two in the hips. If the most obvious pain is clustered in those nine pairs of points, the patient is a candidate for a diagnosis of FM.
Medical advice regarding the treatment of FM sometimes offers little beyond boilerplate considerations common to health in general: exercise, eat right, and get enough sleep. However, I’ve found many day-to-day ways to ease the pain and cope with fibromyalgia in the roughly twenty years that I’ve had t cope with fibromyalgia symptoms.
1. Talk to your doctor
Begin by discussing your symptoms with your doctor, and get one or more second opinions if you feel it’s necessary. Different doctors may offer different diagnoses, so one doctor may say that your symptoms are due to FM while another says they’re accompanying Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and still another recommends a rheumatologist. Follow your doctor’s directions and don’t start a course of treatment without first getting professional medical advice.
2. Sleep
Getting plenty of bedrest is one of the best ways to cope with fibromyalgia—it will help ease the tension in your muscles–but make sure your bed is the one that’s most comfortable for you. The wrong mattress can be a source of pain and restlessness. Don’t put up with a mattress that’s too soft, too hard, too old, too bumpy. Mattress stores will often help you identify an affordable mattress that’s right for you. Also make sure your pillow is providing proper support. Pillows may be soft, medium, or firm, and which one’s right for you will help ease the stress on your neck and shoulders.
3. Over-the-counter pain relievers
Over-the-counter pain relievers such as aspirin, Advil, or Aleve are often effective against the pain caused by FM. You’ll notice the labels will say “as directed by your physician.” Ask your doctor if you should follow the dosage the label prescribes, or if another regime will offer more and safer relief.
4. Guafenisen
The doctor who first described my pain symptoms as FM—rather than as a component of my Chronic Fatigue Syndrome—prescribed guaifenesin, which is an expectorant, not a painkiller. I never clearly understood his complicated explanation for it, but I remember he maintained it would boost my immune system. I did find relief while I was on the regime. I cannot speak to the issue of how it “works” over an extended period of time, as I did eventually change doctors, and stopped the course of guaifenesin, for reasons too complicated to explain here. I will welcome the chance to re-start that particular regime should another healthcare practitioner agree.
5. Hot baths with epsom salt
Frequently soak in a hot bath to ease the pain, using about a pint of Epsom salt every time. Scrub yourself down with a brush, paying particular attention to your fibromyalgia pressure points. This is one of the best ways to cope with fibromyalgia.
6. Swedish Massage
Make a full-body Swedish-style massage a regular part of your health regime. Direct the masseur/masseuse to pay particular attention to your nine paired FM points.
7. Back rubs from a friend or loved one
If you can’t afford regular trips to a massage parlor (or even if you can) arrange with a caring friend or relative for a back rub now and then. Loosen those neck and shoulder muscles.
8. Spa Treatment
Splurge on a professional spa treatment—get all hot and sweaty, then shock your system with cold water. For an inexpensive at-home version, first soak one or two towels in hot-as-you-can-stand-it water, and wrap yourself up. (Undress first.) Then turn on the cold shower, doff the towel(s), grit your teeth, and hop in.
9. Prescription medications
If you’ve tried other methods faithfully and still feel you need additional pain management, ask your doctor about Cymbalta or Lyrica, prescription medications approved for FM.
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