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An article in The Journal of Rheumatology shows that hypnotherapy significantly improved some symptoms of fibromyalgia. For this trial, 40 participants were randomly selected to receive either hypnotherapy or physical therapy. Either therapies were given for 12 weeks. The effects of both treatment were assessed on the 12th and 24th weeks.
On the 12-week and 24-week assessments, the participants in the hypnotherapy group reported a reduction in pain, fatigue and sleep difficulties. Before the start of the trial, the participants reported feeling discomfort both mentally and physically. On the follow-up, patients in the hypnotherapy group reported a significant decrease in feelings of discomfort. Those who received physical therapy, on the other hand, did not report any significant decrease. The researchers then concluded that hypnosis may be useful in relieving pain and other fibromyalgia symptoms.
Most hypnotherapists are health professionals—medical doctors, nurses, dentists, midwives-- who have received additional training in hypnotherapy. To look for hypnotherapists near you, you may contact:
- The American Society of Clinical Hypnosis: www.asch.net
- The American Association of Professional Hypnotherapists: www.aaph.org
- The Society for Clinical and Experimental Hypnosis: www.sceh.us/index.html
Hypnotherapy is uses the hypnotic state to allow the patient to break free from typical patterns of response and behavior. The hypnotherapist induces a trance-like state by guided relaxation. When a person is in hypnosis, their awareness is heightened and they get completely focused on the hypnotist's voice. Hypnosis activates the minds' subconscious level while suppressing the conscious mind. The conscious level is used for decision-making, thoughts, and actions. The subconscious, on the other hand, is responsible for our emotions. Hypnotherapy can effectively block negative thoughts. The therapist does this by inputting ideas, concepts, as well as lifestyle adaptations into the subconscious level. With hypnosis, positive messages are firmly instilled and this allows the patient to achieve many important tasks such as stress management and improving their sense of well being.
If pain relief is sought, the hypnotherapist will have the patient concentrate on something other than pain and will lead through relaxation exercises. Once full relaxation is achieved, the therapist might use a technique known as dissociation. This is done by suggesting images that may help the patient experience pain as something distinctly different from themselves. Another technique is symptom substitution which guides the patient to think of pain in a different way.
Hypnotherapy teaches people how to master their own states of awareness in order to improve bodily functions and psychological responses. This technique can be used to control the pain and stress that occur with fibromyalgia.
Hypnosis reduces pain, boosts energy, and promote comfort among fibromyalgia sufferers. It may help relieve the following symptoms:
- muscle pain
- morning fatigue
- sleep difficulties
- stress
When beginning a walking plan, patients are encouraged to start off slowly. Walking for five minutes on the first day should be a good start. The walking time should be increased gradually by adding 1 or 2 minutes a day.However, sticking to the walking plan may be a challenge. It helps to schedule a particular time each day to go out and walk. To make the activity more enjoyable, look around at the beauty of nature, and breathe in the fresh air.
Walking during the first week should be of moderate intensity is moderate, at a comfortable speed. The intensity and speed may be increased in the succeeding weeks.
Walking is a great yet simple way get the heart rate going and improve muscle strength and promote overall fitness. It is a very good beginner exercise for fibromyalgia patients.
Fibromyalgia patients should aim to include walking as a part of their daily routine. Over time, walking significantly increases energy levels, improves sleep, and allows fibromyalgia sufferers to carry out activities with lesser effort.
When beginning a walking plan, patients are encouraged to start off slowly. Walking for five minutes on the first day should be a good start. The walking time should be increased gradually by adding 1 or 2 minutes a day.However, sticking to the walking plan may be a challenge. It helps to schedule a particular time each day to go out and walk. To make the activity more enjoyable, look around at the beauty of nature, and breathe in the fresh air.
Walking during the first week should be of moderate intensity is moderate, at a comfortable speed. The intensity and speed may be increased in the succeeding weeks.
After checking with their health care providers, patients considering water exercises should look for a qualified instructor or therapist in their area.
It is recommended that water exercise program should start with low-intensity sessions, and then gradually working up. To determine how the body responds to the exercise, the patient should start with 2 sessions a week, several days apart. Like any exercise program, it is crucial to know one's limitations and not to go beyond them. If certain exercise causes pain, the patient should talk to the instructor. An alternative way of doing the exercise may be suggested or the patient may just need to sit that one out.
Water is a conducive environment for a fibromyalgia exercise program. Water exercise improves flexibility and strength in an environment that reduces the discomfort that accompanies fibromyalgia.
Getting the muscles healthy can offer some relief for fibromyalgia patients. Improved muscle flexibility promotes a healthy range of motion around the joints. Muscle strength is also crucial when daily tasks become more difficult, especially on episodes of flare ups. With strong muscles, it will be easier to carry out activities of daily living.
Water exercise supports the body and cushions the joints, hence, it is well tolerated by fibromyalgia patients. Moving in the water provides a challenging workout without overstraining the body.
St. John's wort may be helpful for fibromyalgia because it relieves depression and promotes restful sleep. St John's wort has been used as a herbal remedy for various health problems for centuries. Today, it is most commonly used as a natural treatment for depression. Patients suffering from fibromyalgia and other conditions that cause chronic pain are at risk for depression.
Ginseng Plant by Brian Negin |
Ginseng is a widely used herb. The healing properties of this herb has been recognized all over the world. There are different varieties of ginseng. The two most common types are Panax ginseng, which is also called Korean, Chinese or Asian ginseng, and Panax quinquefolius, also known as American, Canadian, or North American ginseng. Each type is thought to have unique therapeutic qualities for Fibromyalgia symptoms.
Panax Ginseng |
The American ginseng contains a saponin that has a depressant effect on the central nervous system. This contributes to the anticonvulsive, analgesic and stress and anxiety relieving properties of American ginseng. On the other hand, Korean ginseng slightly stimulates the central nervous system, making it useful for treating fatigue and improving memory and concentration.
Tramadol is an opioid analgesic. Its exact mechanism of action is not yet completely understood, but it is thought to alter pain perception by binding to receptors in the brain that are important in transmitting the sensation of pain from the body.
Lyrica is available in capsules and oral solution. The recommended dose for fibromyalgia is 300 to 450 mg daily. The starting dose is at 75 mg twice daily. This can be increased to 150 mg twice daily within 1 week based on patient's response to treatment. If the symptoms do not improve with the daily dose of 300 mg, it may be increased to 450 mg/day given in 2 divided doses. Lyrica is available in capsules and oral solution. The recommended dose for fibromyalgia is 300 to 450 mg daily. The starting dose is at 75 mg twice daily. This can be increased to 150 mg twice daily within 1 week based on patient's response to treatment. If the symptoms do not improve with the daily dose of 300 mg, it may be increased to 450 mg/day given in 2 divided doses.
Lyrica should be taken exactly as prescribed. Avoid taking the medication in larger amounts, or for longer than recommended by your doctor.
Lyrica can be taken with or without food. Take this medication with a full glass of water.
Contact your doctor if Lyrica does not seem to improve your symptoms
Pregablin Pregabalin (Lyrica) is recommended for the reduction of neuropathic pain associated with Fibromyalgia. The exact mechanism of pregabalin is unknown. Some data suggests that inhibits neuronal excitability by:
- modulating the release of several neurotransmitters
- reducing the influx of calcium ions in to the cell
Pregabalin (Lyrica) helps relieve neuropathic pain, a type of pain caused by a problem with the nerves. Neuropathic pain is caused by many disorders including diabetic neuropathy, trigeminal neuralgia, fibromyalgia, and phantom limb syndrome. This type of pain may not respond well to traditional pain killers. Clinical studies suggest that some anticonvulsants including pregablin have analgesic properties which can benefit patients with neuropathic pain.
Pregabalin is an adjunctive therapypartial-onset seizures This medicine is also used to relieve pain that accompanies postherpetic neuralgia, diabetic neuropathy, and fibromyalgia.
Oxycontin tablets come in strengths of 10, 20, 40, 80, and 160 milligrams. The starting dose will depend on the patient's condition, type of pain-killers that have been used, and the tolerance for narcotics. Doctors usually recommend the lowest appropriate dose. Therapy is regularly reviewed and may be adjusted based on patient's own reports of pain and side effects, and the doctor's clinical judgment. The dose can be increased every 1 or 2 days. If excessive side effects occur the next dose will be reduced it and the doctor may recommend increasing the dosage of supplemental analgesics.
The usual initial dose using immediate release tablets is 5 mg to 15 mg every 4 to 6 hours. Maintenance dose is 10 mg to 30 mg every 4 hours. Doses exceeding 30 mg is rarely needed and should be used cautiously.
For conditions requiring round the clock treatment for a longer period, controlled release tablets may be prescribed. The usual starting dose for controlled release tablet is 10 mg every 12 hours.
When oxycodone is no longer needed for the treatment of pain, it should be gradually discontinued to prevent narcotic withdrawal syndrome. Therapy can be decreased by 25% to 50% daily, it is important to watch out for signs and symptoms of withdrawal. If the patient develops withdrawal symptoms, the dose should be increased to the previous level and titrated down more slowly.
Oxycodone is a strong narcotic analgesic and cough suppressant used for moderate to severe pain. It is available as single ingredient products or compounded products. Some common examples of compounding are oxycodone with acetaminophen or NSAIDs such as aspirin or ibuprofen.
Oxycodone may also be prescribed for severe acute postoperative or post traumatic, neuropathic and cancer pain.
