Posted by TENA/DIAMOND on 2/16/2009, 4:34 pm, in reply to "Fibromyalgia Trigger Points and Tender Points#1"
Fibromyalgia Trigger Points and Tender Points#2
(continued)
Is there a prescription medication that eases the pain of trigger points?
Pain management for trigger points or tender points with fibromyalgia involves a multifaceted treatment program that employs both conventional and alternative therapies. While the reason is not entirely clear, fibromyalgia pain and fatigue sometimes respond to low doses of antidepressants. However, the standard treatment for fibromyalgia and trigger points involves medications, daily stress management, exercise, hydrotherapy using heat and ice, and rest. Other remedies for symptoms may also be used.
What at-home treatments might help in managing trigger point pain?
Alternative treatments or home remedies are important in managing fibromyalgia and the pain of trigger points. As an example, therapeutic massage can manipulate the muscles and soft tissues of the body to help ease pain, muscle tension, spasms, and stress.
Twice daily moist heat applications are also helpful in easing the deep muscle pain and stiffness. To benefit from moist heat, you can use a moist heating pad, warm shower, or a heat "cozy" that you warm in the microwave. You can also relax in a Jacuzzi.
With fibromyalgia, it's extremely important to manage your schedule and to control your level of stress. Be sure to block time each day to rest and relax. Avoid making too many commitments that can increase stress and fatigue. In addition, you can do relaxation exercises such as guided imagery, deep-breathing exercises, or the relaxation response to manage how you respond to stress.
Staying on a regular bedtime routine is also important. Doing so allows your body to rest and repair itself. In addition, regular exercise is vital to managing the pain, depression, and other symptoms of fibromyalgia.
What can make fibromyalgia symptoms and trigger point pain worse?
A number of factors can make fibromyalgia symptoms worse. They include:
Anxiety
Changes in weather -- for example, cold or humidity
Depression
Fatigue
Hormonal fluctuations such as PMS or menopause
Infections
Lack of sleep or restless sleep
Periods of emotional stress
Physical exhaustion
Sedentary lifestyle
Tender Points in Fibromyalgia
WebMD Medical Reference provided in collaboration with the Cleveland Clinic
SOURCES:
American College of Rheumatology: "What is Fibromyalgia?"
Arthritis Foundation: "Fibromyalgia: What Is It?"
Fibromyalgia Network: "Symptoms."
American Fibromyalgia Syndrome Association: "What is Fibromyalgia?"
National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases: "Fast Facts about Fibromyalgia."
McIlwain, H. and Bruce, D. The Fibromyalgia Handbook, Holt, 2007.
Edited by Marc C. Levesque, MD, PhD on March 01, 2007
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