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Fibromyalgia is a chronic pain disorder, quite common, which causes pain to appear in various parts of the body and has no cure. Although a specific cause is not yet known, it is possible that fibromyalgia arises due to genetic sensitivity or physical or psychological trauma, for example.
To relieve the symptoms of fibromyalgia, it may be recommended by the doctor or physiotherapist to use some medications, perform physiotherapy sessions and have a healthy and balanced diet, for example. Although there is no cure, the treatment helps to increase the person's quality of life.
To relieve the symptoms of fibromyalgia, it is important to follow the guidelines of the rheumatologist and physiotherapist, which may be indicated:
1. Taking medicine
To relieve pain in the body, the doctor may recommend taking painkillers and anti-inflammatories like Tramadol. However, these drugs are not always effective, so the doctor may recommend antiparkinsonian drugs such as Pramipexole and antidepressants such as Fluoxetine, which also help to reduce pain by acting on the central nervous system.
In addition, the psychiatrist may also recommend medications to reduce anxiety, depression and sleep problems, such as Amitriptyline and Zolpidem, and in some cases may also recommend pregabalin or gabapentin, to relieve the tingling sensation.
2. Do physical therapy
To improve movements, physical therapy should be done at least twice a week, through therapeutic massages, stretching and relaxation exercises, as it helps to reduce symptoms by promoting local analgesia and improving blood circulation.
3. Perform physical activity
Physical activity is also important, but you should follow the instructions of the doctor and the physical educator, performing in most cases exercises that help to relieve pain and strengthen and stretch the muscles, such as walking, swimming and water aerobics, performing about 3 to 5 times a week for 30 to 60 minutes.
4. Do acupuncture
You can also perform natural treatments such as acupuncture, which consists of applying needles to specific points on the body to relieve pain, however there is still no consensus on its usefulness and therapeutic action in fibromyalgia and, therefore, may have resulted in some patients and not others.
5. Eat healthy
In the case of having fibromyalgia, it is recommended to have a diet rich in magnesium, potassium and omega 3, to help relieve symptoms. Thus, it is recommended to include some foods such as:
- Magnesium, such as avocado, artichoke and seeds, which help to relax muscles and improve circulation;
- Potassium, such as bananas, apples, beets and peas, which help prevent muscle weakness and cramps;
- Omega 3, such as sardines, salmon and chia seeds or nuts, which have anti-inflammatory action and relieve pain symptoms.
In addition, you can make a natural juice with cabbage and orange and take it about 2 times a day, as its properties help to tone the muscles.
Watch these and other tips to relieve fibromyalgia symptoms in the video below:
Main symptoms
Fibromyalgia symptoms usually last at least 3 months and are mainly characterized by pain in the body, in addition to other symptoms such as:
- Frequent tiredness and drowsiness;
- Tingling sensation in the hands and feet.
- Intestinal changes such as diarrhea and constipation;
- Anxiety and symptoms of depression;
- Hard muscles;
- Headache and dizziness;
Some patients report that the pain is so intense that they cannot be hugged or caressed because the pain becomes unbearable and they are usually more intense in the morning. See more about the main symptoms of fibromyalgia.
The pain, despite being generalized, is stronger when pressing some places, known as painful points of fibromyalgia. Normally, fibromyalgia affects muscles, tendons and ligaments and, therefore, can impair the patient's quality of life, however this disease does not kill or cause deformities and, if the treatment is done correctly, it may not get worse over time, being that they may even decrease clinical manifestations. Learn to recognize the pain points of fibromyalgia.
How the diagnosis is made
The diagnosis of fibromyalgia must be made by the rheumatologist and is made by describing the signs and symptoms. It usually includes the presence of severe pain in 3 to 6 different areas of the body for 3 months or less severe pain in 7 or more different areas of the body also that lasts at least 3 months.
In addition, your doctor may recommend tests to rule out diseases that show symptoms similar to fibromyalgia.