Making the Most of Your Treatment
Just as fibromyalgia can be difficult to diagnose, it can be difficult to manage as well. While there is no known cure for fibromyalgia, you and your healthcare provider can develop a treatment plan to manage its symptoms. This plan may include:
The most important thing is finding the right treatment plan for you.
Education
Learning more about your condition may actually help relieve some of your symptoms. Studies have shown that people with fibromyalgia who participate in group discussions, attend lectures, and read about their condition experience less pain than those who don't.
Medication
Cymbalta has been approved by the FDA for the management of fibromyalgia and has been demonstrated to help reduce pain in people with fibromyalgia. Cymbalta is available only by prescription.
Cymbalta comes in a capsule and can be taken once a day to help relieve pain and tenderness associated with fibromyalgia. Cymbalta has also been demonstrated to improve functioning in patients with fibromyalgia. Plus, Cymbalta can be taken with or without food. You should not break, open, or chew the capsule. It should be swallowed whole. Make sure you take only the dose your doctor prescribes.
Cymbalta is not for everyone. As with all medications, certain side effects may be experienced.
In clinical studies of fibromyalgia, the most commonly reported side effect of Cymbalta was mild to moderate nausea. Read more about the most common side effects and potential risks associated with treatment. For complete product information, please read the full Prescribing Information and Boxed Warning and Important Safety Information.
Exercise
Researchers and clinicians agree that regular, low- to moderate-intensity physical activity can help you manage some of your fibromyalgia symptoms.
One study found that people with fibromyalgia who took part in a structured exercise program improved their symptoms, their self-efficacy, and aspects of their physical, emotional, and social function. The exercise program included walking and flexibility training with or without strength training.
Every fibromyalgia patient is different. It is important that you and your physician work together to find the right balance of exercise activity and intensity.
Learn more about taking care of yourself.
Behavioral Therapy
To help you feel better, you may need to change your daily habits and routines. This could mean changing the way you think about your fibromyalgia pain.
Some researchers believe that by changing the way you think about your fibromyalgia pain, you may be able to reduce your perception of it. Some methods that are thought to help you think about your pain differently include:
- Problem solving
- Coping strategies
- Relaxation techniques
Be sure to check with your healthcare provider to find out more about behavioral therapies and which types may work best for you.
Support From Loved Ones
Pain of fibromyalgia can be challenging. Your loved ones can be a source of comfort and support. They may even help you with practical things like finding a doctor or therapist.
You don't have to face fibromyalgia pain alone. After talking to friends and family about it, you might actually feel better.
