Contributor: Crystal Karges, MS, RDN, IBCLC Special Projects Coordinator at Eating Disorder Hope/Addiction Hope
Fibromyalgia is a chronic pain disorder that can occur in individuals of all ages and irrespective of gender. According to the National Fibromyalgia and Chronic Pain Association, approximately 10 million Americans struggle with fibromyalgia, with more women being impacted by this disorder than men [1].
This disease state is complex and can cause pain and tenderness over the entire body. Many individuals that struggle with fibromyalgia will experience a widespread of symptoms, including fatigue, migraines, sleep disturbances, stiffness, gastrointestinal disorders, and cognitive difficulties. Fibromyalgia is a disease that can severely disrupt the overall quality of life of a person who is suffering with this disorder.
Treatment Options for Individuals With Fibromyalgia
Because the severity of this disorder will vary from slight to severe, treatment and symptom management will also be variable and individualized for the person who is suffering. While there is currently no cure for fibromyalgia, a comprehensive treatment approach with a multidisciplinary team can result in the best prognosis for a person who is dealing with this chronic pain disorder.
Many of the treatments available for fibromyalgia help an individual effectively manage the various symptoms they may be experiencing such as sleep disturbances and chronic pain.
Several pharmacological treatments are available for by prescription for those diagnosed with fibromyalgia as well, including the following drugs which have been approved for use by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA): Lyrica, Cymbalta, and Savella. Healthcare providers treating patients with Fibromyalgia may also prescribe other prescription drugs, such as non-narcotic pain relievers, benzodiazepines, sleeping aides, and antidepressants.
Making the Most of Treatment Protocols
Because fibromyalgia is a complex disorder, closely following the guidance and recommendations of health care professionals is essential for effectively managing this disease state. Because treatment management often includes more than one prescription medication, it is critical to follow a prescribing physician’s recommendations, as well as understand all side effects and possible drug interactions.
Misuse of pharmaceuticals used for fibromyalgia can occur unintentionally if medications are not taken correctly, which can result in adverse side effects.
Community Discussion – Share your thoughts here!
If you have been diagnosed with fibromyalgia, what treatment resources have been helpful for your symptom management?
References:
[1]: National Fibromyalgia and Chronic Pain Association, http://www.fmcpaware.org/aboutfibromyalgia.html Accessed 2 March 2016
About the Author: Crystal is a Masters-level Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) with a specialty focus in eating disorders, maternal/child health and wellness, and intuitive eating. Combining clinical experience with a love of social media and writing, Crystal serves as the Special Projects Coordinator for Eating Disorder Hope/Addiction Hope, where her passion to help others find recovery and healing is integrated into each part of her work.
As a Certified Intuitive Eating Counselor, Crystal has dedicated her career to helping others establish a healthy relationship with food and body through her work with EDH/AH and nutrition private practice.
The opinions and views of our guest contributors are shared to provide a broad perspective of addictions. These are not necessarily the views of Addiction Hope, but an effort to offer discussion of various issues by different concerned individuals.
We at Addiction Hope understand that addictions result from a combination of environmental and genetic factors. If you or a loved one are suffering from an addiction, please know that there is hope for you, and seek immediate professional help.
Last Updated & Reviewed By: Jacquelyn Ekern, MS, LPC on April 24, 2016
Published on AddictionHope.com