1. Fibromyalgia Overview Slideshow
2. Take the Fibromyalgia Quiz
3. Slideshow: Fibromyalgia 12 Tips for Coping

Medical Author:

Frederick B Gaupp, MD

Medical Editor:

Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD, Chief Medical Editor

Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD, Chief Medical Editor

Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD, is a U.S. board-certified Anatomic Pathologist with subspecialty training in the fields of Experimental and Molecular Pathology. Dr. Stöppler's educational background includes a BA with Highest Distinction from the University of Virginia and an MD from the University of North Carolina. She completed residency training in Anatomic Pathology at Georgetown University followed by subspecialty fellowship training in molecular diagnostics and experimental pathology.

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Although there is no cure for fibromyalgia, home treatment can relieve some of the symptoms.

• The most important therapy for muscle pain is regular, low-impact exercise. Keeping muscles conditioned and healthy by exercising three times a week decreases the amount of discomfort. It is important to try low-stress exercises such as walking, swimming, water aerobics, and biking rather than muscle-straining exercises such as weight training. Besides helping with tenderness, regular exercises can also boost energy levels and help with sleep.



• Other home-care techniques that can help include these:



• heat applied to sore muscles,



• stretching exercises (Pilates is one form of exercise that may be beneficial), and



• massage.



• Over-the-counter pain medications such as acetaminophen (Tylenol), aspirin, ibuprofen (Advil), and naproxen (Aleve) may help.

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