Fibromyalgia syndrome affects the muscles and soft tissues. It may be caused by physical trauma, surgery, infection, or excessive psychological stress. More women are affected by fibromyalgia than men.

Symptoms of Fibromyalgia:

• Chronic muscle pain
• Fatigue
• Sleep problems
• Difficulty concentrating
• Tension or migraine headaches
• Jaw and facial tenderness
• Irritable bowel syndrome
• Irritable bladder
• Sensitivity to odors, noise, bright lights, or cold
• Anxiety or depression

Pain Management

Because of the chronic pain associated with fibromyalgia, pain management is an important component in treating someone with fibromyalgia. Because of the numerous symptoms, a multidisciplinary approach to pain management should be considered. Psychological measures should be considered along with physical measures because of the anxiety, depression, or stress.

Pain Killers

OTC painkillers have not been proven to work with someone suffering from fibromyalgia. Patients using OTC pain relief have reported that the pain stayed constant even with taking the OTC pain relievers. Some doctors will prescribe tramadol or codeine. Another prescription painkiller that is very effective is cocodamol 30/500. This is in fact two pain medications in one pill codeine phosphate (which is turned into morphine by liver enzymes) and 500mg of paracetamol (called acetaminophen in the US). Cocodamol is actually the popular name for this generic combination in the UK ,but it exists in many other EU countries too. In Germany, it’s called Paracetamol Comp. You can buy cocodamol online for delivery in the UK or the EU, but not the US.

In addition to pain relievers, many doctors prescribe anti-depressants or anti-anxiety medications to fibromyalgia patients. Recently, doctors have been experimenting with prescribing anti-seizure medicines to fibromyalgia patients. Studies have shown that these medications may have some success in relieving pain for someone suffering from fibromyalgia.

Other Methods of Pain Control

In addition to medication or in place of medication, depending on wishes of the patient, other methods of pain control should be attempted with patients suffering from fibromyalgia. Methods for reducing anxiety, stress, or depression should be included. Alternative medicine techniques should be considered along with traditional techniques, as well. For example, yoga or meditation may be helpful. Acupuncture may be a viable source of relief. Studies of acupuncture performed on fibromyalgia demonstrate that this technique is effective with relieving pain for these patients. It’s suggested that this result is due to the bee venom used in acupuncture.

In addition to these methods, pain management for fibromyalgia should consider such methods as massage, TENS, or physical therapy. Whole cryotherapy has been used with fibromyalgia patients, as well. Herbal medicines and vitamin supplements, especially vitamin D, have been suggested, too.

There is Pain Relief for Fibromyalgia

The effects of fibromyalgia can be controlled and reduced with an effective pain management plan that is designed with fibromyalgia in mind. An effective pain management plan for fibromyalgia will not only alleviate the pain, but it will also improve the quality of life for the patient. That is why psychological measures should be included to combat the psychological effects. Cognitive Behavior may be used.

Fibromyalgia is Painful, but It Doesn’t Have to Be

If you’re suffering from fibromyalgia, you should speak to your professional healthcare provider. He or she will be knowledgeable of the various options available to you for pain relief. You may also want to perform the measures that you can perform yourself, such as reducing stress and anxiety through meditation or yoga. Find the pain management plan that works for you.