CA
A 23-year-old member asked:
What is the best treatment for fibromyalgia?
7 doctor answers • 14 doctors weighed in
Dr. Betty Kelleranswered
Rheumatology 36 years experience
Integrative: A comprehensive approach to treatment is best. Treatment should address diet, vitamins, supplements, medications, stress reduction, and exercise. In addition, cognitive behavioral therapy, massage acupuncture and physical therapy have all shown to help treat fibromyalgia.
6.3k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
Dr. Betty Kelleranswered
Rheumatology 36 years experience
Integrative: Treatment programs must be individualized. Treatment programs are most effective when they combine patient education, dietary modification, supplements, medications, stress reduction ( meditation, yoga, deep breathing) and regular exercise. In addition, physical therapy, massage, acupuncture, chiropractic adjustments, and cognitive behavior therapy have all shown to help patients with fibromyalgia.
6.3k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Dr. Laurence Badgleyanswered
General Practice 54 years experience
Natural therapies: ? fibromyalgia (FM) treatment. Treatment rationally from cause. "FM" w. multiple causes randomly conjoined. Potentiating causes: femaleness, childbirth, obesity, mechanical injury, prolonged inactivity w. soft tissue weakness from disease & hypermobility. Chronic soft tissue injury begets widespread soft tissue weakness & painful spasm. Cure w. aquatherapy, yoga, mindfulness therapies & cannabis.
3.5k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Dr. Erik Messamoreanswered
Psychiatry 25 years experience
Some suggestions: Antidepressants are sometimes helpful - particularly lower doses of tricyclic antidepressants such as amitriptyline or nortrityline.
Lyrica (pregabalin) has FDA approval for fibromyalgia.
As others have answered, healthy lifestyle modifications can help, as can regular physical activity, stretching or yoga.
You may also want to read this about acetyl-l-carnitine for FM http://www.drerik.com/?p=82
3.2k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A Verified Doctoranswered
Rheumatology 53 years experience
No one med is best: The one that works best for you. No single med is best among those that are effective in fm.
5.1k viewsAnswered >2 years agoMerged
Dr. David Hardinanswered
Wound care 37 years experience
Multiple things: There are four main drugs used in fibromyalgia: savella, (milnacipran) lyrica, Cymbalta and gabapentim. The associated sleep disorder can often be treated with Elavil or trazadone along with medications general progressive aerobic exercise and physical therapy narcotics are of relatively little help so taper them off slowly Zanaflex for muscle spasm sometimes helps stay away from Soma occasionally Flexeril ok.
5.1k viewsReviewed >2 years agoMerged
Dr. William Gaya commented
Neurology 30 years experience
Agree, persistent gradual physical therapy and stretching exercise is very important.
May 4, 2013
Dr. Laurence Badgleyanswered
General Practice 54 years experience
Various: ? best fibromyalgia therapy. Cause unknown, cure elusive & several consultants needed: Rheumatologist for diagnosis & FDA-approved meds. Osteopath for soft tissue diagnosis. Alternative Physician for neutriceuticals. Yoga (gentle) instructor. Aquatherapy (P.T.) instructor. Cannabis consultant & meds for pain, mood, & sleeping. Mindfulness Therapy coach. Licensed masseuse. Need customized approach.
3.5k viewsReviewed >2 years agoMerged
Last updated Feb 1, 2020
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