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How can I get Fibromyalgia Pain Relief?

Adam Hill
Adam Hill

Pain relief is of paramount concern for those suffering with fibromyalgia, as pain is one of the primary and most debilitating symptoms. Fibromyalgia pain relief can be found thorough doctor-prescribed pain relievers, mild exercise, and even by holistic or herbal medicine, in some cases. Anti-depressants can also aid in pain relief, since depression can accompany fibromyalgia, and pain can be a symptom of depression.

Fibromyalgia often causes pain similar to that of arthritis or tendinitis. However, deep muscle pain can also be present, along with localized areas of high sensitivity. For mild to moderate pain, acetaminophen is most often recommended. Capsaicin, derived from hot peppers, may also hold some value for fibromyalgia pain relief. For more severe pain, patients and their doctors may consider the use of opioids. These drugs are sometimes controversial, because of the risk of tolerance or dependence.

Marjoram may help with pain.
Marjoram may help with pain.

Opioids are also commonly known as narcotics, and many are derived from natural opium, which was discovered hundreds of years ago. When first developed, it was so much more effective for pain relief than anything else, that it earned the nickname “God’s own medicine.” It was among the first drugs for pain relief and to this day, opium-derived pain relievers are the strongest available. Some opioids used in fibromyalgia pain relief include fentanyl, oxycodone, and morphine. However, because of the potential for addiction that comes with anything made from opium, it can sometimes be difficult for fibromyalgia sufferers to obtain prescriptions for these drugs, and some doctors altogether refuse to prescribe them.

Oil made from basil leaves may help treat fibromyalgia pain.
Oil made from basil leaves may help treat fibromyalgia pain.

Aside from pain-relieving drugs, one of the best sources of fibromyalgia pain relief is low-impact aerobic exercise. Swimming and water aerobics are ideal, as well as stationary bicycling and similar exercises. These are helpful in a variety of ways, including as a release of the muscle tension that often comes with pain and can make it worse. It may be necessary to begin with only a small amount of daily exercise, such as five minutes, and gradually build up to longer workouts. Exercising for 30 to 60 minutes several times a week can go a long way toward reducing stress and relieving chronic pain.

Creams with capsaicin, a chemical that gives red peppers their heat, may help relieve the pain of fibromyalgia.
Creams with capsaicin, a chemical that gives red peppers their heat, may help relieve the pain of fibromyalgia.

The avoidance of alcohol and caffeine in the evening is also critical, because it is important to get as much sleep as possible. Sleep reduces stress which otherwise gives chronic pain a foothold to becoming worse. Herbs and natural supplements also provide fibromyalgia pain relief for some patients. The supplement 5-Hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP), a component of serotonin, is one example. This can be effective because the level of serotonin in the brain can significantly influence fibromyalgia pain. Anecdotal evidence also suggests the effectiveness of essential oils such as peppermint oil, and the oils from basil and marjoram, when used as topical pain relievers.

Discussion Comments

anon151316

I suffer from Fibro and have done for quite some years now. The lack of sleep is definitely a big factor. Even if your body functions correctly, a lack of sleep leaves you fidgety and achy. With us, this is a vicious circle. The pain, even when being dulled with medication, leaves us uncomfortable and makes us restless, so just as you start to fall asleep some part of you is uncomfortable so you have to move and when finally you do fall asleep, being uncomfortable disturbs that process.

I also suffer from grinding my teeth at night which is apparently another symptom of fibro due to the tightness of certain muscles around your jaw. So we don't have a restful sleep which makes the pain during the day even harder to cope with. Both mentally and physically it drains you.

dill1971

@cmsmith10: Your sister’s sleeplessness can definitely be attributed to the fibromyalgia. It could also be attributed to the pain that she is in. It is often very difficult to be comfortable when you are in such a significant amount of pain.

Some of the other symptoms of fibromyalgia are: fatigue, muscular pain, tenderness, headaches, irritable bladder or bowel, memory problems, pelvic pain, noise sensitivity, temperature sensitivity, restless leg syndrome, depression, and anxiety.

Your sister might want to talk to her physician about alternative treatments for her lack of sleep.

cmsmith10

My sister suffers from fibromyalgia pain as well. She said she is not able to sleep at night. Is that a symptom of fibromyalgia or is just from the pain that she's not able to sleep?

chrisinbama

It's really sad that, because of substance abusers, the people who really need chronic pain relief often don't get it. The doctors often don't know who is suffering and who is faking. Many doctors have been under scrutiny for writing too many narcotic pain meds.

My mother suffered from fibromyalgia and I know she was often in a significant amount of pain.

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    • Marjoram may help with pain.
      Marjoram may help with pain.
    • Oil made from basil leaves may help treat fibromyalgia pain.
      By: Natika
      Oil made from basil leaves may help treat fibromyalgia pain.
    • Creams with capsaicin, a chemical that gives red peppers their heat, may help relieve the pain of fibromyalgia.
      By: atoss
      Creams with capsaicin, a chemical that gives red peppers their heat, may help relieve the pain of fibromyalgia.
    • Anti-inflammatory medications are used to relieve fibromyalgia pain.
      By: guysagne
      Anti-inflammatory medications are used to relieve fibromyalgia pain.
    • Opioids are commonly derived from opium.
      By: peteri
      Opioids are commonly derived from opium.
    • Sleep aids are often prescribed for people with fibromyalgia.
      By: Anna Khomulo
      Sleep aids are often prescribed for people with fibromyalgia.
    • Stress may be responsible for aggravating fibromyalgia symptoms.
      By: vadymvdrobot
      Stress may be responsible for aggravating fibromyalgia symptoms.