The Connection Between Fibromyalgia and Back Pain
Fibromyalgia is a chronic condition that primarily affects middle-aged women, although men and children can be diagnosed with the disorder as well. Fibromyalgia involves the muscles and soft tissue of the body, causing pain and discomfort in many areas at one time. The symptoms of this condition include pain, joints and other points on the body that are tender to the touch, fatigue and sleep disturbances. Because muscle pain is one of the most common complaints of patients suffering with this disorder, there is a definite connection between fibromyalgia and back pain. The good news is that there are many choices in treating fibromyalgia and back pain symptoms, which means that you stand an excellent chance of finding one or two that work effectively for you.
Relieving Back Pain
Treatment options for fibromyalgia and back pain run the gamut from holistic remedies to over the counter and prescription strength medications. Since there is no known cure for fibromyalgia, the back pain that occurs as a result of this condition should be treated over the long term, since stopping treatment will probably result in a return of the pain. Options may include switching your mattress to one that will offer additional support, choosing a chair cushion that will add support to your lumbar region and using a soft back brace on occasion.
Other forms of treatment for fibromyalgia and back pain include remedies applied to the area like electronic stimulation that can bring relief to sore muscles, ultrasound treatments and a combination of ice and hot packs. You can also apply a topical analgesic to the area, such as a cream that contains capsaicin or menthol. Massage and whirlpool therapy can also be effective methods for relieving the discomfort of fibromyalgia and back pain. However, it should be noted that due to the sensitivity of the muscles in fibromyalgia patients, massage should be done with care and more vigorous techniques will probably need to be avoided.
Medicinal Options
Medications for fibromyalgia and back pain can be found in herbal supplements, over the counter medications and prescriptions, and it can be a matter of trial and error until you find the best choices that bring the most relief. Glucosamine and MSM have both shown promise in the area of fibromyalgia and back pain, and there are numerous other vitamin and mineral supplements that you can try as well. Over the counter pain medications can be taken over the short term for occasional flare-ups, but long term use has been linked with numerous medical complications. Prescription medicine often entails an antidepressant that can be effective on the chronic pain as well as the psychological effects of fibromyalgia and back pain. Talk to your doctor about your choices and the best course of treatment for you. Relief is on the way.
