The treatment of Fibromyalgia should be viewed as a “team approach”. Most chronic pain does not respond to drugs and may require an aggressive use of nonpharmacological therapies or “the rehab approach”. This includes a lifestyle change, physically, mentally, and emotionally. This approach should include use of a physician, occupational therapist, physical therapist, massage therapist, chiropractor, an acupuncturist and any specialists, such as a Rheumatologist. Mondell, D. L., & Wright, P. (2005).
Psychological counseling is recommended early after receiving the diagnosis of Fibromyalgia. Mainly because it takes many years of visiting doctors and having tests results come back negative that an individual will begin to think this is “all in their head”. Then when finally a diagnosis is given like Fibromyalgia and they are told that “the cause is unknown, the treatment is unknown and there is no cure” can be hard to accept. It is recommended that the patient’s loved ones attend sessions, because they, too, will find it hard to understand the diagnosis, its effect on the patient and the recommended treatments for this syndrome. Depression is commonly associated with a patient diagnosed with Fibromyalgia. The patient has to learn that they can no longer be the “SuperMom” and may have to relinquish some of her chores to an assistant. This can lead to low self esteem, feelings of inadequacy on their role in the family unit. Talking to a professional about these feelings, reevaluating their position in life and understanding that following a good balanced diet, getting restorative sleep, and participating in a reasonable exercise program and maintaining a good outlook on life this patient can still be a successful, productive, and vibrate human being (with some limitations). Mondell, D. L., & Wright, P. (2005).
Drug therapy
Most drugs prescribed to fibromites are to treat the symptoms, not to cure. Many of these drugs are used temporarily to “reset one’s pain control” and are not necessary for long term use. Wallace, D. J. & Wallace, J.B., (2002)
The most important step in living with fibromyalgia is to control the pain. Pain will severely limit your quality of life. The first drug of choice is NSAIDs . These include: Advil, Motrin, Ultram, Darvocet, and Neurotin. Inflammation can be controlled with Corticosteriods. Muscle relaxants and antispasmodics are used to ward off muscle spasms: Flexeril (the most commonly used), Valium, Klonopin and Baclofen. Some research with Dopaminergic agents have been done to relieve Restless Leg syndrome that has been proven to interfere with obtaining restorative sleep, but are used cautiously because of their side effects (anxiety, combative behavior and weight loss). Other classes of drugs used for their side effects that promote muscle relaxation and sleep are: anticonvulsants, and sedative/hypnotics. Claw, D.J., & Wallace, D.J.(2009) In the more severe cases, opioids are used to control the pain....
