There is no cure for Fibromyalgia and it is a challenging condition to treat. The key is to work with your doctor or healthcare provider when making treatment decisions. Most medications are either pain medications or anti-depressants. In this video, Dr. Holly Atkinson discusses in detail which medications and treatment methods may be right for you.
00:07 There is no cure for fibromyalgia, and it is a challenging condition to treat.
00:16 other healthcare providers like therapists when making treatment decisions.
00:30 patience during the time you're trying different lifestyles or drug therapies.
00:37 Fibromyalgia are either pain medications or antidepressants.
00:42 Treatment regiments may involve the following drugs: Anti-inflammatory agents.
00:52 these drugs may be combined with other medications to provide pain relief.
00:57 Both over the counter and prescription painkillers can be used.
01:03 Tricyclic antidepressants may promote deeper sleep and alleviate muscle pain.
01:14 are antidepressants that may help mood problems by improving sleep patterns.
01:24 inhibitors are antidepressants used to treat depression and pain.
01:33 treating epilepsy may help to relieve pain and improve sleep.
01:39 While these medications can work well.
01:41 Not everyone qualifies for them.
01:50 closely with their doctors to choose the right treatment plan.
01:54 There are also many treatment options that don't involve drugs.
02:03 therapies like acupuncture, massage, stretching and physical therapy.
02:19 strength training can target several fibromyalgia symptoms.
02:29 while strength training has been shown to reduce depression, pain, and tenderness.
02:40 local hospital can offer tremendous help to people trying to manage this condition.
02:49 date on current news and developing treatments.
02:58 causes of the disease, opening the door to more dependable and effective therapies.
03:04 Thanks for being part of HealthiNation.
03:07 Watch our other videos and keep learning about your health.
Video 1: Fibromyalgia: What is it?
In 2010, new criteria were proposed by ACR. Require three months of pain and rely on combination of a widespread pain index (WPI) and a symptom severity (SS) scale for making the diagnosis of FM, when other possible etiologies have been excluded. The hope with the creation of these newer diagnostic criteria was that it would be easier for those not trained in tender point determination to make the diagnosis. Sources 4 and 1 below.
Alternative medicine – Moderate Aerobic improves mood, physical function, Strength training improves depression, pain and tenderness.
Goldenberg DL. Uptodate: Clinical manifestations and diagnosis of fibromyalgia in adults. May 2014. Accessed on June 27, 2014.
Goldberg DL. Patient information: Fibromyalgia (Beyond the Basics). May 2014. Accessed on June 28. 2014.
EBusch AJ, Webber SC, et al. Exercise Therapy for Fibromyalgia. Curr Pain Headache Rep. Oct 2011; 15(5): 358–367.