Fibromyalgia Treatment Overview
Current Medical Approach supported by evidence based studies

Multi-Modal Management Strategies for Fibromyalgia

• Patient Education – Understanding what Fibromyalgia is and what it is not.
• Treat Co-morbid conditions - get help with any other health issues you may have or are struggling with. 
• Medications – to address the symptoms of pain, sleep disturbances, and mood.
• Sleep Hygiene - create habits and practices that will help you sleep well on a regular basis. 
• Psychological support – psychotherapy, Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT), support groups, mindful meditation …
• Alternative Therapies – restorative Yoga, Tai Chi, hydrotherapy, massage, …
• Physical Therapy – a gentle movement program such as gentle stretching, walking, therapeutic pool, …
• Manage your expectations - Minimize disappointment by planning what you can realistically achieve in a day & pace yourself.

 Note: add what you have found that works for you

Targeting Symptoms of Fibromyalgia

Current Thoughts on Fibromyalgia

Research findings in Fibromyalgia point to a malfunctioning of the Central Nervous System (CNS), which includes the brain and spinal cord. Dysfunctional interplay between the CNS and peripheral systems is believed to be the source of the many body-wide symptoms.
Continue Exploring  here ...

There are a number of ways of understanding Fibromyalgia, including as a rheumatological illness, as a neurological illness, and as a chronic pain condition (but not exclusively any of these conditions).

Brief overview of the Pain Process  

Our body sends information via nerves up the spinal cord to the brain. Thoughts & emotions help the brain decide if it needs to send pain signals to protect the body.

People diagnosed with Fibromyalgia are thought to have overactive neurotransmitters (pain sensors) that bombard the brain even when there is no danger. This lowers the normal pain threshold, in the now sensitized brain, sending alarm (pain) signals back to the body. This is called Central Sensitization.

Definition of Pain:
"Pain is a mutually recognizable somatic experience that reflects a person's apprehension of threat to their bodily or existential integrity." (December, 2017, IASP)

FACTS

• Pain is always subjective.
• Pain is a sensation in a part, or parts, of the body, 
• Pain is always unpleasant
• Pain is an emotional experience

Pain can be helpful in diagnosing a problem. You might not realize you have a medical problem that needs treatment. Once you take care of the problem, pain usually goes away. Without pain, you might seriously hurt yourself without knowing it.

Chronic pain 

• the original cause may have been an injury or infection
• Chronic Pain is a feeling set off in the nervous system. 
• There may be an ongoing cause of pain, such as arthritis or cancer.
• If chronic pain remains untreated, the pain signals are embedded in the central nervous system like a painful memory.
• Chronic Pain may be sharp or dull. It may come and go, or it may be constant. You may feel pain in one area of your body, such as your back, abdomen or chest or you may feel pain all over, such as when your muscles ache from the flu.
• With Fibromyalgia there is no clear cause found yet!
  

 
Please Note: Everyone is unique. We may have similar experiences but each person needs to find their own coping strategies to  manage their specific Fibro symptoms. These strategies will become "tools for your Fibro Toolbox". As you hear strategies from other people decide on which ones you want to try. If one works - add it to your personalized Fibro Toolbox. Over time you will collect many tools - some are for short term use (eg. flare ups) while others can be added to your everyday life. Only YOU know what YOU need to manage YOUR symptoms. Consider all the things on this site as a possible tool for your Fibro Toolbox. Take what you need at this moment and put the rest aside!
Wishing you all the best on your journey.

​Videos to explore:

• TED Talk How does your brain respond to pain - Karen Davies (4:27 min)
• TED Talk on how pain meds work (NSAIDS) (4:19 min.)
• Tame the Beast - it is time to rethink persistent pain - Lorimer Moseley (5 min.)
• Understanding Pain in less than 5 min. and what to do about it.​
• TED Talk on the mystery of Chronic pain (8:29 min.) Elliot Krane

Tools to help You manage Your Fibro symptoms

Learn more here - click on Know Yourself ... know what you need ... know how to get it!

You and Your Doctor: Additional Sites that may be helpful

Learn more here - click on Preparing for doctor meetings ...

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Disclaimer: This site is for informational purposes only!
Please discuss any specific symptoms you may be experiencing with your treating physician.
​We do not endorse, support or recommend any treatment, product, theory or professionals to our members or readers.