How to Treat Fibromyalgia Without Medication

Fibromyalgia is a chronic, sometimes debilitating, illness which affects approximately 3 to 5 million people in the United States, the victims of the disease mainly women (although there are a number of men who suffer from Fibromyalgia as well). People who develop Fybromyalgia often find themselves suffering for months or even years as they go from doctor to doctor in the struggle to find a physician who will at last provide both a diagnosis as well as resolution. But these individuals find, even after receiving a diagnosis, their struggle is not over: they must now learn how to live with a syndrome that is both chronic and incurable.

For many people, medication provides a solution. Lyrica®, or Pregbalin, has become a medication that is used exclusively for the treatment of Fibromyalgia. Unfortunately for some, however, Lyrica is ineffective or its side effects are equally as debilitating as the illness itself. Some people, as a result, end up taking numerous medications. People who find themselves in such a position are on so many drugs that they may feel as if they're walking through life as a zombie. More unfortunate is that sometimes, these people are led to believe they have no other choice: either they must suffer from the symptoms of their illness, or they must suffer the side effects of their medication.

The truth is, however, medication is not always necessary in the treatment of mild to moderate, or even severe, Fibromyalgia. Although it requires a lot of hard work, dedication and sacrifice, it is possible to deal with the effects of Fibromyalgia without taking any prescription drugs at all. In some cases, learning to cope without medication may lead to a better ability to cope with the illness overall. The following are very simple tips on how you can take your life back as a Fibromyalgia sufferer without taking any medication at all.

1. Exercise. Many people diagnosed with Fibromyalgia cringe at the idea of exercise. They're already in immense pain, why should they do something that will only exacerbate their discomfort further? Studies have shown, however, that exercise can help to alleviate the symptoms related to Fibromyalgia. Moreover, as most of us know, exercise has excellent long-term benefits in terms of physical health and longevity. It makes sense, of course: a healthy, resilient person will be better able to deal with illness than someone who is weak or unwell.

People with Fibromyalgia will do best to do about 30 minutes of aerobic exercise a day, as well as 15 minutes of stretching before and after a workout. This doesn't mean you should immediately go out and run 5 miles, however: it's necessary to pace yourself and slowly build up your physical strength until you can handle a more intensive workout. Pushing yourself beyond your limits will only cause yourself further pain. The key to exercise with Fibromyalgia is moderation. Listen to your body.

2. Change your diet. Some people have found that carbohydrates, chocolate or fatty foods make their Fibromyalgia pain worse. However, not everyone is the same, and not everyone's body will respond the same to all foods. Keep a food diary: if you find that your pain increases after eating a certain food, try removing it from your diet and see if it helps. Avoiding foods that appear to exacerbate your symptoms.

3. Change your lifestyle. This tip is probably the most difficult of all. In these tough economic times, it's hard to imagine cutting down on your work hours. However, many people find that their symptoms improve when changing from full-time work to part-time, thus placing less stress on their bodies. Others find that a change in jobs may help, such as switching from an occupation filled with demanding physical labor to a slow-paced, relaxing desk job. High stress jobs, as well, can cause Fibromyalgia symptoms to flare.

People suffering from Fibromyalgia must also learn to slow down and learn more efficient ways to fulfill their daily obligations. If you have to cook or bake, try to do as much of it while sitting. If you have cleaning duties, try to spread them throughout the week so that you aren't doing everything in one day. As with exercise, the key to living with Fibromyalgia is 'moderation'. Those who live with Fibromyalgia and want to live well will find they do best when they cut back on responsibilities or find more effective ways to manage necessary tasks.

4. Relax. Typically, those who have Fibromyalgia also suffer from tremendous amounts of stress, and often learning that they have just been diagnosed with a chronic illness adds to this. Stress, however, is not only bad for the body, it worsens Fibromyalgia symptoms. Those who find themselves under a lot of stress will do best to try meditation or learn relaxation techniques. A certified therapist can also provide advice on how to keep your anxiety under control.

While these tips seem rather obvious, unfortunately there are a number of people who have been diagnosed with Fibromyalgia who do not follow them, or do not follow them as well as they should. Even people who have found relief with medication will find that by strictly adhering to these four simple pieces of advice, their symptoms should lessen even further. While there is no magic cure for Fibromyalgia, it is possible to learn to cope with the illness without any prescription drugs.