Living with fibromyalgia can feel like navigating an invisible maze where the walls shift without warning. One day you wake up feeling manageable discomfort, the next you’re overwhelmed by pain that seems to radiate from everywhere and nowhere at once.
Whether you’ve received an official fibromyalgia diagnosis, or you’re treating symptoms that mirror this complex condition yourself, you’re not alone in wondering what can help with fibromyalgia pain.
The challenge with fibromyalgia lies not just in its symptoms, but in finding healthcare providers who truly understand the condition’s complexity. Many people find themselves seeking second, third, or even fourth opinions before discovering treatments that provide meaningful relief.
This journey can be exhausting, but understanding your options—including alternative treatments for fibromyalgia—can help you build a comprehensive approach to managing your symptoms.
Common symptoms of fibromyalgia
Fibromyalgia affects each person differently, but certain symptoms appear consistently across patient experiences. The hallmark symptom is widespread musculoskeletal pain that persists for at least three months. This pain often feels like a constant dull ache, though it can intensify to sharp, burning sensations.
Sleep disturbances plague most people with fibromyalgia. You might fall asleep easily but wake up feeling unrefreshed, as if you never truly rested. Many patients report waking frequently throughout the night or experiencing restless, light sleep that leaves them more tired than when they went to bed.
Cognitive difficulties, often called “fibro fog,” can be particularly frustrating. This might manifest as trouble concentrating, difficulty finding the right words, or feeling mentally sluggish. Memory problems, both short-term and long-term, are also common.
Other symptoms people with fibromyalgia include:
- Tender points throughout the body
- Headaches or migraine
- Digestive issues like irritable bowel syndrome
- Sensitivity to light, sound, or temperature changes
- Tingling or numbness in hands and feet
- Mood changes, including anxiety or depression
These symptoms often have triggers that can vary from person to person. Stress, weather changes, hormonal fluctuations, poor sleep, or physical overexertion commonly worsen fibromyalgia symptoms. Identifying your personal triggers becomes crucial for managing the condition effectively.
How to treat complex fibromyalgia symptoms
Treating fibromyalgia presents unique challenges because symptoms can shift and change over months or years. What provides relief today might be less effective six months from now, making fibromyalgia management feel like aiming at a moving target.
Traditional medical approaches often focus on medication management, typically including pain relievers, antidepressants, or anti-seizure medications that can help reduce nerve pain. While these medications help some people, they don’t work for everyone and can come with significant side effects.
A multi-pronged approach to finding answers
The complexity of fibromyalgia symptoms often requires a multidisciplinary approach. This might include working with rheumatologists, pain specialists, sleep specialists, and mental health professionals.
However, finding healthcare providers who truly understand fibromyalgia can be challenging. Many patients report feeling dismissed or misunderstood by medical professionals who view fibromyalgia as a “catch-all” diagnosis.
This is why many people are forced to seek multiple opinions and explore various treatment approaches. Building a healthcare team that listens to your concerns and works collaboratively with you can make a significant difference in managing your symptoms and getting the life you want to live.
Alternative treatments for fibromyalgia pain
Beyond traditional medical approaches, several alternative treatments for fibromyalgia have shown evidence-based potential for managing pain and improving quality of life. These treatments often work best when combined with conventional care rather than as replacements.
It’s important to mention that alternative and homeopathic approaches are not always the no-risk alternatives people assume they are. While they may create stories of individuals finding the cure they were looking for, they may also have stories of no improvement or negative side effects that aren’t as widely circulated. Approaching both traditional healthcare and alternative therapies with skepticism and caution is key to protecting your health.
Acupuncture
Acupuncture has gained some evidence as a potentially helpful fibromyalgia treatment. Research suggests that acupuncture can help reduce pain intensity and improve sleep quality in the weeks following a treatment session. The treatment involves inserting thin needles into specific points on the body, potentially helping to disrupt dysregulated pain signals.
Massage therapy
Massage therapy may be beneficial for some fibromyalgia sufferers not only on an emotional level but also with physical symptoms. One study recommended a massage therapy practice longer than 5 weeks can improve pain and symptoms of anxiety and depression.
Mindfulness practices
Mind-body practices like yoga, tai chi, and meditation have shown consistent evidence to be particularly helpful. Some are gentle movement practices that combine physical activity with mindfulness meditation, addressing multiple fibromyalgia symptoms simultaneously. The low-impact nature of these activities makes them more accessible even during flare-ups.
Nutrition
Dietary modifications may also play a role in symptom management. Reducing the use of caffeine, alcohol, and nicotine may improve circulation, reduce inflammation, and help restore your body’s normal circadian rhythm. Eating a nutritious and balanced diet ensures your body gets the vital nutrients and complex sources of energy it needs.
There is no strong evidence that specific food groups or supplements have a beneficial effect for fibromyalgia symptoms across a group of people.
Non-medicated pain relief
Heat and cold therapy can provide temporary relief for localized pain. Warm baths, heating pads, or cold packs applied to tender areas might help interrupt pain signals and provide comfort during difficult days.
Physical therapy
Physical therapy may be considered an alternative treatment for fibromyalgia by some because it does not rely on prescription medication to help manage symptoms. A skilled physical therapist who understands fibromyalgia can develop a personalized treatment plan after thoroughly coming to understand what you’re dealing with and what you’ve previously tried with no success.
Physical therapy for fibromyalgia typically includes gentle stretching exercises, low-impact strengthening activities, and education about pain management techniques. Therapists might use manual therapy techniques to address muscle tension and joint stiffness while teaching patients how to pace activities and conserve energy.
The key to successful physical therapy with fibromyalgia lies in finding a physical therapist who understands the condition’s unpredictable nature and can modify treatments based on fluctuating symptom levels. This individualized approach that adapts to your needs can be as rare as it is helpful, which is part of what makes it feel so revolutionary to some.
Fibromyalgia pain relief at Back in Motion
When it hurts to move or even sit still because of your fibromyalgia symptoms, it can feel like you’ll be trapped in this cycle of pain forever. However, specialized physical therapy approaches designed specifically for fibromyalgia can offer a path forward.
At Back in Motion, our physical therapists understand that fibromyalgia requires a different approach than typical musculoskeletal conditions. We recognize that your symptoms can change from day to day, and we’ll adapt our treatment plans accordingly.
Learn more about what physical therapy may be able to do for you by calling one of our Maine clinics or by requesting an appointment online today.