July 6, 2009

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Fibromyalgia (cont.)

Fibromyalgia Treatment

Self-Care at Home

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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