What is the treatment for fibromyalgia?
There is no single or simple cure for fibromyalgia. Treatments aim to reduce symptoms as much as possible. Over the years a range of different treatments have been advocated with variable rates of success.
In 2007, a team of experts from 11 countries got together. They looked at the evidence (from research trials, review papers, etc) to determine which treatments should be recommended. Their recommendations were based on the results of research trials that had shown when a treatment had been beneficial to at least some people with fibromyalgia. They published a guideline called 'EULAR evidence-based recommendations for the management of fibromyalgia syndrome'. A number of recommendations were made, and each is briefly mentioned below.
But note: each person is different and has different circumstances and degrees of symptoms. Also, not all treatments help in all cases, and not all treatments may be locally available. Your doctor is likely to discuss the pros and cons of the various options, and help you to decide which is the best option, or options, to try. Indeed, the guideline pointed out that optimal treatment requires a combination of non-drug and drug treatments. Also, that treatment should be tailored to the individual according to pain intensity, function, and whether such features as depression, tiredness and sleep problems are also present.
Exercise
Exercise does not always help, but studies have shown that it improves symptoms in a good number of cases. If you are able, consider gradually building up to more and more exercise. Aerobic exercises which cause little 'pounding' such as walking, cycling and swimming are thought to be the best form of exercise to improve symptoms. Stretching exercises such as yoga may also help. A doctor or physiotherapist can advise on a suitable programme for your particular circumstances. The aim is to exercise safely and without increased pain. A typical goal to aim for is to build up exercise to 4-5 times a week for at least 20 to 30 minutes a session. However, it may take months to build up to this level.
For example, one study published in the British Medical Journal describes how people with fibromyalgia were 'prescribed' an exercise class - mostly walking on treadmills, or using exercise bicycles. Each person was encouraged to gradually increase the amount of exercise. When people first started they usually did two sessions of exercise per class lasting about six minutes. By three months some people had increased to doing two sessions in each class lasting 25 minutes. At three months, about 1 in 3 people who did the exercise programme rated themselves as much, or very much, better.
Note: pain and stiffness can get worse for a short while when you first start on an exercise programme.
Heated pool treatment with or without exercise
Heated pool treatment (balneotherapy) has been shown to improve symptoms in some cases. Some trials that looked into this included exercise in addition to heated pool treatment, and some did not. Both with and without exercise seemed to help in some cases.
For example, in one study of 42 fibromyalgia patients, half received 20 minutes bathing, once a day, five times per week, for three weeks (total of 15 sessions). Half did not have this treatment. The patients were evaluated by the number of tender points, and symptom severity (mainly pain). The evaluation was initially straight after the therapy, and then after six months. The results showed that, on average, the treated group had significantly less tenderness and pain - even six months after the treatment had finished.
Your doctor or physiotherapist may recommend a locally based heated hydrotherapy pool. However, if non is available, a heated swimming pool, or jacuzzi may suffice, or simply lying in a warm bath for 20 minutes per day may be of benefit.
Cognitive behavioural therapy
Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) may be of benefit to some people with fibromyalgia. CBT is one type of psychotherapy ('talking treatment'). It is used as a treatment for various mental health and physical problems. Unlike other types of psychotherapy it does not involve 'talking freely', or dwelling on events in your past. CBT tends to deal with the 'here and now' - how your current thoughts and behaviours are affecting you now. CBT is problem-focused and practical. CBT may actually help to ease pain symptoms. But it can also help you to take control of the extent to which pain, tiredness, or other symptoms interfere with your life.
Other therapies
The guideline recommended that other therapies may be useful, depending on the individual person’s needs. The therapies thought to be useful included relaxation, physiotherapy, and psychological support.
- Next: Other treatments for fibromyalgia
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joanna moore, about 1 year
i have recently been diagnosed with this along with thyroiditis. the pains change from mild to serve, i get thobing pains in my legs and my chest pains are bad. my wrists , elbows knees and i get some pain in my hip area. i cant stand bright lights as my eyes water so much it looks like i am crying. i am not on painkillers like parcetamol the doctors has proscribed steroids to me and they have taken the pain and swelling down.
Report this commentcynthia hardman, about 1 year
I was watching 'This Morning' (think it was 9th April) Dr Chris Steele was talking about fibromyalgia.I made an appointment with my Doctor straight away but have to wait almost two weeks,I have phoned up once to see if there are any cancellations as I am sure I have this condition.I have been trying to find out more on the internet,I can't find the article for 'this morning' now,but I think it was said that ordinary painkillers do not relieve it and gave you the name of one that did. I have been in pain for many years with painful joints,tender spots,migraines and almost permanent headaches,teeth and face pain,eye problems and cannot stand light,noises and certain smells among other very strange symptoms.I was working as a manageress in a shop and I used to be in tears some mornings because I did not know how I would get through the day.I have tried all sorts of different remedies to try to cure whatever it is,I feel Dr Chris Steele may have hit the nail on the head.Onwards and upwards sincerely hope.
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marcus, about 1 month
I am a male i live in north wales i raise my son who is elven years old. i have this problem like all of the above .. my doctor laughed when i mentioned this fibromyalgia I told him i am getting t the end with the pain its in one part of my body one month and in another part of my body at another time, its like having a bad cold joints hurting like hell no sleep the pain is to much problems with the light and just about anythig you can think of. i don't smoke or i get bad headaches and my face aches teeth and jaw aches at times this come around every month or so then leaves me for a while this as been going on for about three years now i have had a ct scan on my spine apart from degeneration of some disc they found nothing ,, what tablets can i take for the pain relief thank you
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