December 17, 2007
Fibromyalgia and pain relief
Pain relief is of major anxiety for patients with fibromyalgia. For relief of mild pain, acetaminophen is most often recommended -inflammatory drugs that are commonly used for arthritic conditions and are less useful for the pain. Since the pain is not caused by muscle. Such drugs include corticosteroids and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs like aspirin, ibuprofen and others. Capsaicin is an ointment prepared from the active ingredient in hot chili peppers that has been supportive for relieving painful areas in other disorders. It can have some value for fibromyalgia patients. Narcotics may be used for certain patients with reasonable to severe pain or important functional impairment that cannot find relief with other less potent treatments. Some may be given combinations of narcotic pain relievers and acetaminophen for periodic pain.
Take extra care
Physicians should take a cautious medical and psychological profile of the patient before prescribing opioids and periodically re-examine the patient for continuing pain relief, side effects and indications of dependence. Tramadol is a pain reliever that has been used as an alternative to opioids. It has helped some people and was idea not to be addictive, although dependence and abuse have been reported. It can cause nausea. While improved back and neck integrity deeper sleep and increased fitness will all add to reduce pain, sometimes medications are essential for flare-ups. Individuals are confident to try over-the-counter medications first like acetaminophen or acetylsalicylic acid. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs reduce inflammation and reduce pain. A common NSAID is ibuprofen which is available both over-the-counter or by prescription.
Best drugs:
As fibromyalgia is not a true inflammation, NSAID are best used for flare-ups associated with extreme physical activity, tendonitis or bursitis. Narcotics like codeine and oxyodone are usually prescribe for severe pain, in combination with acetaminophen or acetylsalicylic acid, with common ones being Tylenol 3, Percodan. As these drugs are addictive they should be used only sparingly to treat flare-ups. In addition to physical activities and therapies, relaxation and stress management are also vital elements in pain relief as the mind and body are intricately linked. Some popular techniques include biofeedback, self-hypnosis, visualization and cognitive behavioral therapy. Obtaining support, to assist with coping, or counseling for anxiety or depression may be helpful as these situations may accompany fibromyalgia.







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