A new day is dawning for those with fibromyalgia who are seeking effective methods of chronic pain management and arthritis pain relief. It wasn’t so long ago when nothing and no one seemed to help the millions of people with fibromyalgia. Doctors didn’t understand the puzzling condition, and as a result, patients often were left feeling – if not told outright – that the pain was all in their heads.
But that was then, says Leslie J. Crofford, MD, chief of rheumatology and women’s health at the University of Kentucky Hospital in Lexington. “Today,” she says, “patients will get a diagnosis, information and appropriate treatment.”
New research has shown that people with fibromyalgia can take arthritis pain relief into their own hands, too. Doctors’ prescriptions for medications target the hypersensitivity triggered by the errant transport of pain messages throughout the central nervous system (brain and spinal cord) or help improve sleep quality. In addition, fibromyalgia patients benefit from learning about their condition from other patients, exercising and trying acupuncture or massage.
The exercise Rx
Participating in a strength-training program not only increased upper- and lower-body strength by 63 percent and 49 percent, respectively, it also decreased pain by 39 percent, according to researchers at Florida State University in Tallahassee. The women in the study experienced these benefits after training just two days a week for 16 weeks.
“The goal is to start low and go slow, in terms of increasing physical activity,” says Dr. Crofford. “We tell people to start at their capacity – no matter how brief that is – and increase to a five-minute warm up; 30 minutes of aerobic activity, such as walking; a five-minute cooldown; and then a stretch. At that point, you’re ready to begin strength training.”
In addition to arthritis pain relief, exercise has many benefits for people with fibromyalgia. It may reduce fatigue, says Dr. Crofford, and it may boost confidence. “People believe they can do other things if they can stick with an exercise program,” she says.
And they can. In a study funded, in part, by the Arthritis Foundation, an exercise program that includes walking, strength training and stretching improved physical function and curtailed symptoms in women with fibromyalgia.


































I don't mean to be rude but in your response to:
For All of You who are complaining about the drugs your doctor prescribe for you.
You are nothing but a walking drug store--too much drugs and still no cure or ease.
Stop sticking your head in the sand and realise you have to get back to basics:
1 Eating right- veggies, fruits, salads
2.Exercise- whether sitting or standing or lying down
3.Meditation-
4. Religion-Catholic-say your rosary twice a day
Bhudist- chanting often
other denominations- pray
5.spouse, boyfriend, girlfriend,son, daughter-let them give you a good rub-down
6. Always thank God for small mercies, usually those are the most important.
7.Listen to music- Mosart, Rock, Jazz -whatever turns you on.
People, I leave you all in Peace.
Thank You.
My dear you must not suffer the way I have for over 15 years. I also have tried all of the natural approaches but when you reach 59 and have FM, Lupus, Severe Osteoporosis, OA, and nerve damage there has to be more than what you insist works!
Please someone that has advice pls help! I also live in Florida, no medical insurance (due to pre-existing conditions) and now new law requires a monthly visit just to refill clonazepam for nerve dameage. Only on Clonazepam, Flexeril and OTC meds! Thank you!
What has motivates me is that I have set a goal & worked towards it. While walking, I do not feel any pain in my knee; afterwards is a different matter. One of the employees said that I am one of the most dedicated members. A feeling of accomplishment is a great pain med!
check out DMSO and MSM elsewhere on these discussion boards. They help reduce pain and inflammation. For sleepless nights, I find melatonin is wonderful, it's not addictive nor is it a drug, it's actually healthy and cheaply available over the counter without a script.
Good luck
Marcia
j ai choisi de penser a mon corps et a ma sante pour aller mieux, je pars loin de ma vie habituelle pour me pauser et me reposer
deja apres une semaine je vais mieux, je n aime pas les medicaments et le repos est le meilleur medicament, je fais du sport intensif 1 fois par jour, je dors tot, je mange bien et equilibre....
j oubli aussi les soucis, je les ñlaisse pour un autre jour.... je les reglerai lorsque je serais en forme, et que mon corps aura fait le plein d energies... positives
Please help in pain daily.
I friend of mine has gone on cannibis tea with the butter at night. I really think I will try it. Anything is better than what I am doing now.
People just don't get the pain, sometimes i could scream.
Thanks for listening.
KINDLY
ALERT ME ALL DISEASES WHETHER IT IS INFECTIOUS OR NON INFECTIOUS ,ESPECIALLY SKIN DISEASES SHOULD BE GIVEN AS TOP PRIORITIES,THEIR SYMPTOMS,CAUSE,AND CURING OF THE DISEASES.
I HAVE ATTEND FOR THIS SESSION FOR GAINING GOLD COINS TO MY SHTYLE FM WHICH IS IN MY GMAIL ADDRESS IN THE NAME SUNDAR <tha.sundar@gmail.com>,
WITH KIND EXPECTATIONS,
SUNDAR.T,NMS
I agree that positive thinking, prayer and a supportive friend/family are so important. For those that don't believe in Fibromyalgia (or whatever you have) - come back with "You must not think Cancer is real either hmmm?" (you can change that to RA, OA, MS, etc) That shuts them up fast!
Attitude is so important. I try to hang with happy people, and look at others around me who have worse things to deal with. Hope this helps someone.XV
I’ll be back for more.Thanks again for sharing your information.
Check this out on treatment for gout.
gout treatment http://www.goodforyou.biz/cure-gout.html
I also have a torn meniscus, I didn't want to have surgery so I started using micro current on my knee and I haven't had any pain now for over 6 years.
Organic Raw Food Juices and Yoga...
Keep looking for alternatives. Fight to feel better an never give up !! Thats my advice.
Waiting for some help
John Wagner
johnwagner1010@sbcglobal.net
I HAVE PAIN I HAVE TRIED FOR 40YEARS TO CONTROL AND LIVE MY LIFE AND I AM STILL ROAMING CRUNCHED UP IN PAIN SO IF YOU DO NOT HAVE PAIN AND THINK YOU JUST KNOW ABOUT IT THEN DONT IT IS NOT RIGHT YOU HAVE TO HAVE IT AND LIVE WITH IT TO BE ABLE TO COMPLAIN
You are nothing but a walking drug store--too much drugs and still no cure or ease.
Stop sticking your head in the sand and realise you have to get back to basics:
1 Eating right- veggies, fruits, salads
2.Exercise- whether sitting or standing or lying down
3.Meditation-
4. Religion-Catholic-say your rosary twice a day
Bhudist- chanting often
other denominations- pray
5.spouse, boyfriend, girlfriend,son, daughter-let them give you a good rub-down
6. Always thank God for small mercies, usually those are the most important.
7.Listen to music- Mosart, Rock, Jazz -whatever turns you on.
People, I leave you all in Peace.
Thank You.
Stop making the drug companies too rich.
Seems to me with all those medications you were taking didn,t do muuch for you.
This new drug after a time will not help because it will be imune to your system.
Stop complaining and try to help your self with some some good old-fashioned natural foods, drinks, and herbs, meditation, help others pray to your God for strength and courage.
peace be with You!
I really suggest that you look into it.
Pain comes from the brain
The more we think about the pain, the more we feel it. The law of attraction! We wait for the pain-like before we get up we "know" the pain will be here and we anticipate it-sure enough it comes.
Last year I had a terrible pain in my knee- when I came to the doctor he told me that he has to give me a shot of cortisone into my knee. I told him "forget about it-I only use medicine from "grandma's chest".
He had the nerve to tell me "you will come crawling for it"
I told him that not only won't I come crawling but that I never want to see him again.
I started doing EFT. The first day every hour.
I tried to remeber when I felt the first pain-what happened in my life that day.
Thank G-d it all went away!!!
everybody-look into it:
Emotional Freedom Tecnique
"try it on everything"
Miriam
Israel
About 10 weeks ago i had a arthogram of both hips, however the last 6 weeks i started getting a swelling in my right knee which locked after walking a couple of steps it feels like another bone growing over my existing one and like a screwdriver getting drilled in to my knee .
I take dihydrocodiene for pain but it not touching it . Help please
Thanks
I have been using a QLaser1000 low level laser device that is FDA approved for over-the-counter use for pain management of OA of the hand. I'm using it on my knee and foot finding that it reduces inflamation and pain relief. I also practice Tai Chi and meditation on a regular basis.
David Yoches
dyoches@gmail.com
Well, I have sounded off now, thanks for the space. Going to take my 3 fish oil, my 2 Glucosimine, 2 aleve, 1600 mg of calcium, a potassium and my cup of ginger tea. Cider vinegar NO, bad indigestion. Going to try the Tai Chi next week. God bless all of you.
in idaho
It really helps joint pain due to arthritis.
There are also capsules but have not tried them as of yet. They are not expensive and well worth a try.
thanks
Nitza
I can give you the sight to look into this I love the book lots of good help. The web sight is WWW.watercure.com,also for you I've been studying Penns.folklore and some good remedies. Natural work better,I have many health problems and have had alot of success in fighting with detoxing ,natural organic foods,no caffines or sodas now I order ice water when out with kids instead of pop, I grow and can my own food as much as I can. This is a life change we each must make if we are to win the battle of all the toxins we take in from food and enviroment. Apple
cided vinegar 1 teaspoon and1 teaspoon of honey in warm water 3xs a day helps with arthritis Start to detoxify your body,eat whole foods not processed and drink at least 8 glasses of water a day . Fish oils omega oils. Holy basil oil, oregano oil, Stay away from red meats. Please look into the Natural path sights I have been fighting cancer and other fibro arthiritis,Heart condition and have had to many parts taken but I decided to fight and I research natural remedies as
they don't cause long term damage as some of the medicine given to us. Good luck to all of you who suffer. Do your home work its worth it.
Thank you, Peggy Gelder
They also have a nurse or pharmacist you can talk to about any questions or concerns related to your disease and the medication you're taking. They not only help provide the medication, they'll also send bandaids, alcohol pads, and a "sharps" container for disposing of the syringe after your injection. In fact they even sent me a small travel bag that's a cooler pack since the medication has to be kept refrigerated. It has bandaids, alcohol pads, a small sharps container and a gel ice pack included. They also send an instruction booklet if you are doing your own injections and an instructional DVD. I have always been treated with courtesy and respect by anyone I've dealt with through this program.
I see similarities in your questions and descriptions related to pain, family and physicians plus i have issues with superviors and coworkers.
Thank you in advance for any info you have and for being here!
I am 43 years old, diadnosed 11 years ago.
Thanks
I have had success with going to a chiorpractic doctor for pain or stiffness in my neck. I use the vibrator on my neck before bed time. It relaxes that stiffness.
I soak in hot bath water or a hot tub when I can. I try to stay active to keep up with my children. I try to keep a positive attitude about life. I have tried the gin/raisin and it does help too. I have also drank the apple cider vinegar (1 part) 2 part grape juice, 1 part apple juice. That is hard to swallow but does give a little relief to sore joints.
I'm in Columbus. We're practically neighbors. :) I have the same symptoms on the right side and I talked to my massage therapist about it. She discovered that the muscles in the LEFT were extremely tight and the right was painful because of the overcorrecting it was forced to do. She worked with the muscles in my face, neck and right under the jawline. The results were quite surprising. I felt great. Hope this helps a bit! Hang in there, I know it's frustrating.
-Brittany
Any suggestions.
I've had an MRI and a cat scan - they say they see nothing, except my glands in my neck area are a little swollen - 3 of them - but no signs of cancer.
Thanks
Ginny - Marysville Ohio
I am going through menopause with major hot flashes. I don't want artificial hormones in my body so I am not sure what relief I will get. I also have pain in my feet, legs and hands. Blood clots were ruled out when I had a ultrasound of my legs. I can't sleep at night due to the heat and the severe pain that I have in my hands. It's very frightening, one to think that your hands and fingers can become deformed from the pain...my tendons and nerves hurt a lot. Can anyone shed some light on getting some relief and where to go from here. As one writer said without insurance it's difficult and you have to wait even with an appointment. Thank you, Anita
Any suggestions, anybody can help me I am at my ropes end.
Sincerely,
Donya
I WROTE ON THE FIBRO BRAIN FOG PAGE QUITE A STORY, AND YES, DRUG CONTRACTS, DOCTORS TELLING YOU IT IS IN YOUR MIND.
YOU MIGHT WANT TO READ MY LONG STORY TOO.
I CAN'T EVEN BE DOWN BECAUSE I HAVE 3 KIDS, 15, 10, AND 7. THE STRESS OF SUPPOSEDLY BEING THE STRONG ONE, AND BEING THE ONLY FAMILY MEMBER, THAT RUNS AFTER IT ALL, IS SICKENING TO ME.. MY KIDS DON'T UNDERSTAND, EVEN SHYING AWAY FROM THOSE SUPPOSED FRIENDS, THAT TELL YOU BUT YOU LOOK HEALTHY...
IF DOCTORS ARE SO AFRAID OF THE PAIN MEDS, THEN WHY DON'T THEY DO MORE RESEARCH, TO FIND ACTUAL MEDICATIONS THAT DO WORK, AND ARE NOT LADEN WITH SIDE EFFECTS, SOME REALLY SERIOUS AND EVEN SOME DEADLY.. SO WE CAN GET OFF THESE PAIN MEDS, THAT REALLY ARE JUST A BANDAID,NOT A CURE...THOSE JUST MASK THE PROBLEM, AND WHO SAYS USING THESE WONDERFUL PAIN MEDICATIONS, WE REALLY HURT OURSELVES EVEN MORE LIKE OUR LIVER.. FOR THOSE PAIN MEDS, HAVE A TON OF TYLENOL (ACETAMINOPHEN), EVEN OVER THE COUNTER TYLENOL AND EXCEDRIN, YES HUGE ON THE NEWS IN THE LAST WEEKS...
WHEN A MEDICATION BEHIND THE MEDICATION TITLE OF THE MEDICATION SAYS IN CAPS ( APAP) THAT IS THE WONDERFUL ACETAMINOPHEN, WHY SOME MUCH ACETAMINOPHEN NEEDS TO BE IN THESE PAIN MEDICATIONS, I DON'T KNOW, AND IT DOESN'T MAKE SENSE. I HAVE PUT UP ALL THE TYLENOL OVER COUNTER, AND EXCEDRIN, AND TYLENOL PM. TYLENOL ARTHRITIS, AND TYLENOL EXTRA STRENGTH. FOR THE LAST THING I WOULD SAY IS THAT WE ON TOP OF IT ALL NEED LIVER PROBLEMS..THE ARTICLE ABOVE TALKS ABOUT ACUPUNCTURE, AND OR MASSAGE.. BUT WHO CAN AFFORD THAT ?? WHEN YOU HAVE A FAMILY WITH KIDS TO CONSIDER TOO ?? LET STAND IN THIS ECONOMY ?? LET'S GET REAL..
I DO PLENTY OF STRETCHING AND MOVING AROUND ALL DAY AND NIGHT.. RUNNING AFTER SMALL CHILDREN AND THEIR PROGRAMS, HOUSE WORK, GROCERY SHOPPING.. I LIVE UP AT 7600 FEET IN THE FRONTIER OF NEW MEXICO, AND THE NEAREST CITY WHICH IS JUST A TINY ONE, IS 65 MILES EACH WAY. SO SHOPPING, GOING TO YOUR DOCTOR, IS AN ALL DAYER, I CALL IT...
THE SPECIALIST I SAW, DIDN'T HELP, HE UNDERSTOOD, BUT JUST WITH PAIN MEDICATIONS, NOT A HELP THERE. I WOULD HAVE TO LEAVE MY FAMILY AND GO ON A FIBRO QUEST.. PITCH A TENT, TO GO DO ALL THESE TESTS, LET STAND HAVE A MONEY TREE.. I CALL THAT IN THE PERFECT WORLD.. I SWIM, HECK NEXT TO A RIVER...YOGA EVEN.. BUT NONE OF THAT WORKS FOR THE LONG TERM. WHAT TELL YOUR FAMILY, YOU ARE GOING TO DO ALL THIS, AND THEY FEND FOR THEMSELVES ???... EVEN HAD TIGGER POINTS DONE, AND BOY 2 DAYS LATER, I WAS IN MORE PAIN, THEN I HAD BEEN BEFORE... I JUST EVEN BOUGHT A NUWAVE WHICH COOKS ON RACKS, TO PULL THE FATS AND GREASE OUT OF FOODS, WE ALL LOVE TO EAT. HECK YESTERDAY ATE FRESH CAUGHT FISH.. SO THAT MY WHOLE FAMILY AND KIDS COULD ENJOY A HEALTHIER STYLE OF LIVING.
INSTEAD OF COOKING SEVERAL DIFFERENT DISHES, SINCE SOME KIDS, DON'T LIKE TO EAT HEALTHY HAD TO THINK OUTSIDE OF THE BOX, DOCTOR'S SURE LIKE TO PUT US IN, OR LABEL US....
LIKE YOU SAID IN YOUR NOTE, SOMETIMES I WISH THOSE DOCTORS THAT TELL US ALL THE ABOVE, THAT THEY SHOULD HAVE WHAT WE DO, AND SEE HOW THEY FEEL THEN, AND WHAT BAD ADVISE THEY WOULD HAVE FOR US THEN,,,I THINK THEY WOULD SING TO A DIFFERENT TUNE THEN..
ALISSA
the right ear. I can fill it swell and the pain travels to my right temple. Is this Fibro? What can I do. Usually the pain comes when I sleep in my right cheek. Pain reliever helps ease the pain. SOmetimes just touching the skin is very painful. What is better cold or hot compress.
I FEEl for all of you believe me YOU ALL have my SYMPATHY.
I am getting ready to start an exersise program again, but I fear the pain so much, it holds me back. (I already live in so much pain, I just don't want to have anymore!)
I guess I will have to just go for it and keep a jounal....Anybody else feel this way?
Jacqueline-
Most of this is from previous accidents.
I am having to go to therapy,that works a little. My skin gets sore, I stay very tired.
would like feed back from friends.
Thank you and best regards..
AM I A LOST CAUSE? THANK YOU FOR YOUR RESPONSE.
Tramatic Brain Injury Survivor at the age of 4. I've been told that this was all a result of the injury. Do you think this is true? I have been on Cymbata,Lyrica and meloxicam. The first two I mentioned didn't seem to do much for me. Meloxicam seems to be a little better, but it causes me to have an upset stomach. I work with the public so I don't like to take it much. Is there anything else you can recommend? Thank you.
Sharon
what can I do about this
What is the cause of these two pain locations and what can I do about it?
Linda
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