How is fibromyalgia treated?
FM can be hard to treat. It’s important to find a doctor who has treated others with FM. Many family doctors, general internists, or rheumatologists can treat FM. Rheumatologists are doctors who treat arthritis and other conditions that affect the joints and soft tissues. Treatment often requires a team approach. The team may include your doctor, a physical therapist, and possibly other health care providers. A pain or rheumatology clinic can be a good place to get treatment. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has not yet approved any medicines to treat FM. Doctors treat FM with medicines approved for other purposes. Pain medicines and antidepressants are often used in treatment.
Fibromylagia is treated in different ways. The most important factor in relieving the pain of fibromyalgia is for the patient to recognize the need for lifestyle adaptation. It is very important for the patient to change, because it can bring recognizable improvement in function and quality of life. Over-the-counter pain medications such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen can sometimes help manage the pain related to fibromyalgia. Some physicians also prescribe new non-narcotic pain relievers or low doses of antidepressants or benzodiazepines. The victims of fibromyalgia are advised to improve their sleeping pattern by implementing a healthy sleep regimen. Psychological support is also an important factor for the treatment of fibromyalgia. The patient needs to develop a program that provides emotional support and increases communication with family and friends. Complementary therapies are very beneficial for fibromyalgia. These include physical therapy, therapeutic massage, water therapy, a
