Fibromyalgia patients frequently turn to complementary therapies in addition to traditional pain medicines for relief; however, many of these have no scientific backing and may actually do more harm than good.
But some treatments exist; acupuncture, massage therapy and chiropractic care offer hope in managing fibromyalgia symptoms without resorting to medications like duloxetine (Cymbalta) or milnacipran (Savella). Antidepressants like Cymbalta may help, as can antidepressant medicines like Duloxetine (Cymbalta), while muscle relaxants like Cyclobenzaprine (Flexeril) could reduce pain and fatigue as well.
Acupuncture
Acupuncture works to relieve pain and improve sleep by using extremely fine needles to puncture certain points on the body with needle punctures, increasing blood levels of substances that decrease pain while simultaneously decreasing those that intensify it. After about eight weekly 30-minute sessions, results should become visible; many health insurance plans cover this treatment option for fibromyalgia patients.
Other alternative therapies include nutrient-rich diets, vitamin supplements and massage therapy as complementary and alternative medicine treatments. A small study discovered that patients taking both traditional medications as well as complementary and alternative medicines experienced greater quality of life than those only using traditional medication alone.
Acupuncture has long been touted as one of the best alternative treatments for fibromyalgia, showing great promise in relieving pain. A small study by Mayo Clinic demonstrated how acupuncture improved stiffness and fatigue for those living with the disorder; yet more research must be completed before it can be recommended as an effective remedy.
Studies have also demonstrated the benefits of acupuncture on stress and depression reduction, while in a large survey of fibromyalgia patients, those who utilized alternative medicines reported less pain and better overall functioning than those only taking prescription or over-the-counter medications.
People living with fibromyalgia should exercise caution when taking supplements containing capsaicin – the substance found in chili peppers that makes them spicy – since topical applications may cause irritation, with too much use leading to burning sensations on the skin. Over-the-counter drugs like acetaminophen or ibuprofen should also be avoided, and meditation and relaxation techniques such as yoga, Tai Chi or biofeedback have been linked with improving symptoms relief.
Massage therapy
Massage therapy entails manipulating soft tissues of the body with kneading, tapping and circular motions to increase blood flow to muscles while stimulating production of natural painkillers like serotonin and dopamine, helping relieve anxiety and depression symptoms. For maximum benefits it’s essential that you find a therapist experienced at treating fibromyalgia – try 15-minute sessions initially, with medium pressure on neck region for maximum effect; most people see improvements within three treatments.
Acupuncture, an ancient Chinese practice of stimulating specific points on the body to increase energy flow, can be administered either manually with needles or with electrical current passing through them (known as electroacupuncture). A 2013 double-blind trial demonstrated its benefits by significantly reducing tender points and improving quality of life among fibromyalgia patients.
Lymphatic Drainage Massage, commonly referred to as MLD, can be performed by you at home or by a licensed practitioner, making it a wonderful alternative therapy for Fibromyalgia as it can reduce symptoms while helping prevent the development of lymphedema – a buildup of fluid that leads to chronic swelling in arms or legs.
MLD may also help breast cancer survivors manage fibromyalgia symptoms through MLD therapy. According to a 2021 study, it can reduce severity as well as anxiety, depression, fatigue and sleep disturbances in these survivors.
Many people with fibromyalgia struggle with managing stress and depression. Cognitive behavioral therapy may help improve your ability to cope with fibromyalgia by changing how you think about pain and stress. You could also try meditation, yoga or Tai Chi for stress reduction and relaxation purposes.
Aromatherapy
Fibromyalgia is a chronic condition affecting muscles and soft tissues, as well as fatigue, headaches and sleep problems (insomnia or hypersomnia). Affecting 4 million adults across the US – more women than men are living with this illness – there are numerous non-drug treatment methods available to them to alleviate its symptoms. Living with this mysterious illness may be challenging at first but many successful ways are available for treating it effectively without resorting to medications.
Acupuncture is an alternative treatment option for the pain associated with fibromyalgia that involves inserting needles at specific points on the body. Acupuncture has been proven to relieve symptoms associated with this disorder such as pain, anxiety and depression while improving mood and decreasing muscle spasms; however more research needs to be conducted in this field in order to confirm its efficacy.
Aromatherapy is another alternative treatment used to relieve the discomfort caused by fibromyalgia pain, using essential oils as inhalations or topical application of aromatherapy scents to reduce discomfort. Aromatherapy may be particularly useful for people who cannot tolerate needles or take medications; additionally, aromatherapy can be combined with other therapies for enhanced results.
Alternate treatments for fibromyalgia include herbal medicine and physical exercise. According to studies, herbal medication has been shown to significantly decrease pain levels while improving quality of life for people living with fibromyalgia. Some herbs can have sedative properties while others stimulate the brain and increase energy levels.
Some people use meditation and yoga to manage fibromyalgia. Tai chi, an ancient Chinese practice combining controlled movements with meditation and breathing techniques, may also provide some relief; however, most of these treatments have only been researched in small studies, so they should always first consult their physician.
Tai Chi
Fibromyalgia symptoms include aching, stabbing or stabbing pain in muscles and joints as well as fatigue, sleep issues and emotional distress. While its exact cause remains unknown, standard medications only provide temporary relief and have potentially harmful side effects; thus prompting patients to seek alternative therapies in order to alleviate pain associated with this disorder.
Tai Chi, an ancient Chinese mind-body exercise involving slow, fluid movements, can be described as “moving meditation.” You can practice it standing or seated to reduce stress and manage symptoms associated with fibromyalgia according to research.
One study demonstrated that participants taking 18 Tai Chi classes experienced less back pain than those in the control group and noted improvement in mood, fatigue and functioning. According to Arthritis Care & Research journal, another research paper concluded that Tai Chi may help lessen back pain intensity.
Other alternatives to medication for fibromyalgia include massage therapy and hot/cold treatments. Heat from sources such as heating pads or warm baths may help ease pain by increasing circulation to the area while cooling therapies, like ice packs, may ease muscle spasms and improve flexibility.
Therapeutic massage involves manipulating soft tissues of the body using techniques such as kneading and tapping, to reduce inflammation and stimulate production of pain-killing chemicals such as endorphins. Furthermore, mindfulness approaches such as meditation and deep breathing may help relieve stress-related triggers for fibromyalgia symptoms; regular spa treatments utilizing mineral waters from Dead Sea could provide further relief.
Occupational therapy
Occupational therapy (OT) is a healthcare profession that assists those recovering from injuries or illnesses to return to work or leisure activities more quickly and reduce pain while improving quality of life and independence. Through physical, mental, emotional and social approaches OT helps individuals manage symptoms associated with fibromyalgia more effectively and avoid recurrence – multidisciplinary specialists in pain management, nutrition and exercise provide tailored plans for individual patients.
No cure exists for fibromyalgia, yet effective treatments such as acupuncture, massage therapy and chiropractic care offer hope in managing symptoms without resorting to drugs.
Acupuncture involves placing thin needles at specific points on the body in order to stimulate blood flow and release natural painkillers, using ancient Chinese practices. Acupuncture has been practiced since antiquity as an approach to healing that can balance one’s energy while alleviating anxiety and depression; some research even suggests it as a potential treatment option for fibromyalgia patients.
Massage therapy entails manipulating soft tissues to relieve stiffness and tension, helping improve sleep, mood and quality of life in those suffering from fibromyalgia. Massage also improves muscle function which may assist with other symptoms associated with this disorder such as fatigue and cognitive difficulties.
Exercise should be part of any fibromyalgia treatment plan. Tai chi and yoga are gentle practices that combine breathing with movement; both have been shown to reduce symptoms in a small study. Other forms of exercise such as swimming, walking and cycling have also proven successful. Dietary changes may also help ease symptoms: eating plenty of vegetables, fruit and protein as well as supplementing with magnesium, vitamin D or fish oil could be effective solutions.
