Fibromyalgia is an often misunderstood condition that is estimated to affect around 5 million Americans 18 or older.  An overwhelming majority of fibromyalgia sufferers are women as between 80 and 90 percent of people diagnosed with it are of this gender. 

This disorder can cause numerous symptoms with the main ones being muscle pain and fatigue. Other symptoms can include:

·      Trouble sleeping

·      Morning stillness

·      Headaches

·      Painful menstrual periods

·      Tingling or numbness in hands and feet

·      Problems with thinking and memory that is sometimes referred to as “fibro fog.”

The causes of fibromyalgia are unknown and it can take some time before a person gets an accurate diagnosis as the symptoms are similar to many different types of conditions.  However, fibromyalgia has been linked to stressful or traumatic events such as a car accident, repetitive injuries, illness and certain diseases.

It is known that if a woman has a family member with fibromyalgia, they are more prone to developing it herself.  Also anyone with the following conditions is more likely to have fibromyalgia:

·      Rheumatoid arthritis

·      Lupus

·      Spinal arthritis

Natural remedies for fibromyalgia

The toughest thing of having fibromyalgia is effective treatment.  It is a difficult condition to care for and it often requires a team of medical staff trained in dealing with this disorder.  The team may include a doctor, a physical therapist, rheumatologist and other health care providers.

There are some medications that can help manage some aspects of fibromyalgia but many with the condition would rather try lifestyle changes that have been shown to be effective in controlling it. 

If a person does decide to try to treat fibromyalgia more naturally, it is a good idea to have their doctor on board who is supportive of and understands people with the disorder.

There is no cure for fibromyalgia at this time and the natural remedies listed are simply to help manage the symptoms without the use of relying on medications.  Most of the tips listed should not be a problem for most people with fibromyalgia but anyone with concerns should consult with their doctor first for their advice and opinion.

1.  Exercise – Even though many sufferers may have little to no energy for adding exercise to their day, this is a very important step in getting the condition under control.  Consistency is key as this will help build muscle strength while reducing pain and discomfort.  Some of the best types of physical activity are walking, swimming and water aerobics for those with fibromyalgia.  Talking with a physical therapist is a smart move as they can help assist in setting up an appropriate exercise program.

 

2.  Reducing stress – Stress can certainly be a trigger for fibromyalgia.  Being aware of when stress is happening and learning to manage it is a first step in getting stress under control.  Good stress relievers could be meditation, listening to music or a podcast, reading, exercise, journaling, gardening, or any hobby one has that brings comfort and enjoyment.

 

 

3.  Massage – Whether a person has fibromyalgia or not, getting a massage is an excellent treatment for sore muscles and joints.  The gentle manipulation of the body can help with range of motion, reduce stress, enhance relaxation and relieve pain.

 

4.  Yoga or Tai chi – These controlled movements combined with deep breathing can be effective in treating fibromyalgia.  The gentle stretching of various poses can bring needed circulation while easing the body into a more relaxed state and frame of mind.

 

 

5.  Adequate sleep – Sleep is necessary for everyone but for those with fibromyalgia it is a must.  Having a good night’s sleep can help combat the fatigue associated with the condition while alleviating insomnia. To help improve better sleep at night, it is important to have a set bedtime routine, minimize daytime naps, and limit both light and noise in the bedroom.

 

6.  Acupuncture – This Chinese traditional medicine has been practice for centuries with many people who believe the practice can change blood flow and chemical levels.  People who perform acupuncture insert small needles into specific points of the body and it supposedly relieves pain and discomfort of fibromyalgia.

 

7.  Capsaicin – Capsaicin is the ingredient found in different types of hot peppers, such as cayenne peppers, that makes the peppers spicy hot. You can eat it in raw or cooked peppers or as a dried powder, which you can add to food or drinks. It also is available as a dietary supplement and in topical creams that you apply to your skin.

 

When a capsaicin cream or ointment is used on the skin (topical use), capsaicin helps relieve pain including possibly temporarily relieving the pain of fibromyalgia.  Capsaicin works by first stimulating and then decreasing the intensity of pain signals in the body. Although pain may at first increase, it usually decreases after the first use. Capsaicin stimulates the release of a compound believed to be involved in communicating pain between the nerves in the spinal cord and other parts of the body.