Treat Fibromyalgia
Fibromyalgia, also known as chronic fatigue syndrome, or CFS, is a disorder that has baffled the medical community. There is no standard treatment or cure, but certain therapies have been effective for some people in relieving symptoms.
Instructions
1. Exercise. It may be the last thing you feel like doing, but it has been shown to help symptoms. Exercises well suited to those with fibromyalgia are cycling or stationary cycling, walking, and swimming.
2. Work out three to four times a week, for at least 15 to 20 minutes.
3. Try acupuncture. Electro-acupuncture in particular has helped many with pain relief.
4. Visit a chiropractor. There is a great deal of anecdotal literature that claims it can help with symptom relief. The types of chiropractic medicine that focus on muscles will probably be the most helpful.
5. Try herbal medicine. A number of herbs and herb combinations may be able to offer symptom relief. For example, echinacea, astragalus and ginseng all help to strengthen the immune system. Find a naturopath who can help you with herbal therapy.
6. Look into homeopathy. One remedy said to help is Rhus Tox 6C. Work with a doctor who practices homeopathy, or a naturopath.
7. Look into hydrotherapy. Some clinical trials have found it to work better than physical therapy in reducing pain and fatigue, and in making patients feel generally better.
8. Limit your consumption of foods from the nightshade family. These include eggplant, green peppers, white potatoes and tomatoes. They contain a substance called solanine, which can interfere with muscle enzymes and cause pain.
9. Consider taking acidophilus according to package directions. Many people with fibromyalgia have yeast overgrowth, and the acidophilus helps to restore normal flora in the intestines. Use a nondairy formula.
10. Use a combination supplement of malic acid and magnesium. Take according to package instructions. One study showed that it helped to significantly reduce pain levels, but it may take several weeks for the effects to be noticed.
11. Have your magnesium levels checked. Many people with fibromyalgia tend to be deficient in this important mineral.
12. Use grape seed extract. It's a powerful antioxidant that helps the immune system and helps protect muscles from damage caused by free radicals.
13. Ask your doctor about low-dose antidepressants. They have been shown to work for some, but they also may have side effects.
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