Dealing with a condition like fibromyalgia which has multiple symptoms, it can be tricky to make decisions about the course of treatment or therapy that would be the most valuable. Fibromyalgia doctors recommend that the top plan of treatment is one combining medication with self-care methods.

The leading medication type found to be have been helpful in treating fibromyalgia are pain relievers (like acetaminophen), since they are able to relieve the pain along with any accompanying stiffness, and also Tramadol, a prescription pain reliever. Another medication type for individuals with fibromyalgia is nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID) such as ibuprofen, aspirin, or naproxen sodium.

For those suffering from muscle spasms, a muscle relaxant such as cyclobenzaprine (taken at bedtime), could lessen the incidence of spasms, enabling him or her to get more sleep. Another drug characteristically used for treatment of seizures, Pregabalin, has been approved by the FDA for use in the treatment of fibromyalgia.

Sleep disturbance is an issue in fibromyalgia. Getting insufficient sleep can contribute to the symptoms shown by the fibromyalgia patient. Prescription sleep aids, such as Zolpidem, should only be used on a short-term basis. Use of prescription sleeping aids usually creates more of sleeping problems than they solve.

One leading treatment not based on medication is cognitive behavior therapy. Those who have symptoms such as memory problems can benefit from this approach, as can those unable to cope with the many stressful situations seen in a chronic condition like fibromyalgia. Therapy can be done in classes, private counseling, or via tape, CD or DVD. Also helpful in relieving pain are relaxation techniques, like self-hypnosis and biofeedback.

You should expect to do some experimenting with various combinations of medication and non-medication based therapies before you find your own best mix for relieving of symptoms. A leading treatment will be adjusted over time, as symptoms change over time.

For more on fibromyalgia, read my article about symptoms of fibromyalgia at Fountia.com

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