Fibromyalgia symptoms can be debilitating, making it difficult to live life normally. Facing this condition head on can be incredibly challenging as there can be a range of symptoms experienced by patients. Someone living with fibromyalgia can proactively manage their symptoms with the help of both their doctor and an alternative medicine doctor. There are a variety of treatments, alternative medicine doctors may recommend based on the symptoms you are experiencing. It will be key that you proactively treat your condition to help manage some of the symptoms you may face. Some common symptoms of fibromyalgia include:

  • Depression
  • Anxiety
  • Isolation
  • Chronic Pain
  • Memory Issues
  • Sleep Problems 
    • Fatigue
    • Insomnia
  • Tingling in the arms, hands and feet
  • Irritable Bowel Syndrome 

Getting your symptoms under control often takes diligence in caring for yourself and accessing treatments. An alternative medicine doctor may be the right medical professional to turn to for assistance in treating symptoms associated with fibromyalgia. 

Making Lifestyle Changes

When living with fibromyalgia, it may be beneficial to make certain lifestyle changes to reduce symptoms you may be experiencing. Making adjustments to your lifestyle are often recommended by medical providers as such changes are a natural way of managing your condition. This may include:

  • Following a nutritious diet such as a FODMAP Diet can help mitigate gastrointestinal issues
  • Engaging in physical activity
  • Meditation
  • Therapy
  • Manage stress by practicing self care
  • Get quality sleep

Supplements

An alternative medicine doctor may recommend that you take certain supplements to assist in symptom management. Supplements may be able to reduce symptoms such as pain, fatigue, and depression. Recommended supplements may include: 

  • Magnesium
  • St John’s Wort
  • Melatonin
  • Fish Oil
  • Ashwagandha

Acupuncture Treatments

The practice of acupuncture may have the ability to reduce stress and pain experienced by fibromyalgia patients. An acupuncturist will administer small needles throughout various points of the body called meridians. In many cases, acupuncture treatments can provide patients with few side effects and immediate improvement of symptoms.  

Massage

Massage therapy can help promote relaxation and reduce inflammation and pain for those living with fibromyalgia. A certified massage therapist can target areas of the body most affected from pain. They will relieve pain in tendons, muscles and ligaments by administering massage. Massage can assist patients in experiencing immediate relief from the pain they may be experiencing. 

Patients do have options when managing fibromyalgia. An alternative medicine doctor can partner with your traditional doctor to assist in providing you with treatments that help you to better manage your condition. 

Living with chronic pain can have a bigger impact than many may realize. Fibromyalgia may change the way you approach daily activities. You may avoid situations that involve you to be physically active or have difficulty conducting your job responsibilities. Seeking alternative options may provide you overall improvements to your health so that you are able to live as normal of a life as possible. Contact an alternative medicine doctor today so that we may begin building a treatment plan  to help you better manage your fibromyalgia.