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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 |
Drug treatment clearly helps in managing symptoms of fibromyalgia. However, there is still no single drug or class of drug approved specifically for treating this disease. Patients may be given drugs that help ease pain, promote sleep and relieve depression. Some medications must taken regularly, whereas others are taken as needed. Below are the classes of drugs and specific treatments used for treating fibromyalgia:
Non-narcotic Analgesics
Non-narcotic analgesics help relieve mild to moderate pain without producing loss of consciousness. Many of these medications are sold over-the-counter. While they help in controlling symptoms, analgesics often do not provide effective long-term pain relief.
Acetaminophen is among the non-narcotic pain relievers that may help relieve fibromyalgia symptoms.
Narcotic analgesics
Narcotic agents are potent analgesics which are effective for the relief of moderate to severe pain. They are available in several dosage forms including tablets, extended release capsules, syrup, suspension,rectal suppositories, and solution for injection. These drugs are available only with the doctor's prescription.
Narcotic analgesics block the transmission of pain signals by binding to the opioid receptors in the central nervous system. The actions in the central nervous system are also responsible for side effects such as sedation, respiratory depression and intoxication. Using narcotic analgesics for a long time increases the risk of dependence. Chronic use of opioid analgesics should be reserved for patients with moderate to severe pain or significant functional impairment and if other therapies contraindicated or have failed to improve the condition. Below are some of the narcotic analgesics that may be prescribed for fibromyalgia pain. Tramadol and Oxycodone are examples of narcotic analgesics that are prescribed in the relief of pain associated with Fibromyalgia.
Anticonvulsants
Aside from treating epilepsy and bipolar disorder, anticonvulsants are also useful for neuropathic pain which is believed to be caused by abnormal firing in the CNS pathways. Anticonvulsants can relieve pain by decreasing this abnormal activity.
One of the anticonvulsants that has been useful for for relieving neuropathic pain is pregabalin (Lyrica) which is the first FDA -approved drug for Fibromyalgia.
- Haanen, H.C., Hoenderdos, H.T., van Romunde, L.K., Hop, W.C., Mallee, C., Terwiel, J.P. & Hekster G.B. (1991). Controlled Trial of Hypnotherapy in the Treatment of Refractory Fibromyalgia. The Journal of Rheumatology, 18(1), 72-5.
- http://www.naturalnews.com/025468.html
- Mosby's complementary and alternative medicine By Lynda W. Freeman
- Fibromyalgia: the new integrative approach By Milton Hammerly
- http://www.umm.edu/altmed/articles/hypnotherapy-000353.html
Various mental techniques or therapies that have been shown to alter physiologic functions and therefore may offer help for fibromyalgia sufferers. One of the mind techniques that has been gaining popularity is hypnotherapy. The effects of hypnotherapy on the mind and body make it a powerful drug-free treatment option for a wide range of areas including chronic illnesses, self-destructive habits, and phobias.
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.
Hypnotherapy 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.
It is often assumed that exercise is not good for fibromyalgia patients because of the pain that occurs with the syndrome. In truth, exercise should be a part of self care in fibromyalgia because it is one of the best ways to relieve the discomfort associated with the condition. Studies have shown that range of motion, strengthening, and aerobic conditioning exercises are safe and may help improve symptoms of fibromyalgia.
Regular exercise has a number of benefits. Exercise keeps muscles strong and flexible, and it also allows fibromyalgia patients to have some control over their condition as well as the amount of pain they feel. Research show that exercise helps restore the body's neurochemical balance, thereby promoting a positive emotional state. Regular exercise slow down stress hormones and boosts levels of chemicals that reduce stress, anxiety and depression.
There are many types of exercise and activities offer help for fibromyalgia. Like other rheumatoid conditions, low-impact activities such as water exercises, walking or swimming, are encouraged in fibromyalgia patients. It its recommended that the exercise program should start slowly because at first exercise may worsen the pain. Some muscle soreness is normal when a person is starting to exercise, however, sharp pain may indicate that the muscles are overworked or injured.
Improved fitness and function can be achieved by engaging in simple exercises regularly. Patients who have not been active should consult their doctors before starting an exercise program. Below are some of the exercises and activities that are safe 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.
- Elrod, J.Reversing Fibromyalgia: The Whole-Health Approach to Overcoming Fibromyalgia Through Nutrition, Exercise, Supplements and Other Lifestyle Factors.2002. Woodland Publishing.
- Baun, M. Fantastic Water Workouts - 2nd Edition. 2007.Human Kinetics.
- http://familydoctor.org/online/famdocen/home/common/pain/treatment/061.html
- Dellwo, A.Warm-Water Exercise for Fibromyalgia & Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
- The Benefits & How to Get Started. 2009.About.com guide.
More and more people are becoming interested in alternative and natural remedies in the treatment of chronic disorders like fibromyalgia. There are herbal remedies that may offer symptomatic improvement. Herbs like ginseng, licorice root, echinacea, and St. John's wort nurture and strengthen the body and mind. They help by boosting energy, and relieving pain and depression.
Fibromyalgia patients who are considering herbal treatments are encouraged to seek the guidance of a physician or health professional trained in natural medicine. With many herbal products and so much information available, it's quite easy to get confused about what to use and how to use them. However, if properly guided, patients can be successful in managing their symptoms with natural remedies.
Herbal treatments for fibromyalgia
More and more people are becoming interested in alternative and natural remedies in the treatment of chronic disorders like fibromyalgia. There are herbal remedies that may offer symptomatic improvement. Herbs like ginseng, licorice root, echinacea, and St. John's wort nurture and strengthen the body and mind. They help by boosting energy, and relieving pain and depression.
Fibromyalgia patients who are considering herbal treatments are encouraged to seek the guidance of a physician or health professional trained in natural medicine. With many herbal products and so much information available, it's quite easy to get confused about what to use and how to use them. However, if properly guided, patients can be successful in managing their symptoms with natural remedies.
Drug treatment clearly helps in managing symptoms of fibromyalgia. However, there is still no single drug or class of drug approved specifically for treating this disease. Patients may be given drugs that help ease pain, promote sleep and relieve depression. Some medications must taken regularly, whereas others are taken as needed. Below are the classes of drugs and specific treatments used for treating fibromyalgia:
Non-narcotic Analgesics
Non-narcotic analgesics help relieve mild to moderate pain without producing loss of consciousness. Many of these medications are sold over-the-counter. While they help in controlling symptoms, analgesics often do not provide effective long-term pain relief.
Acetaminophen is among the non-narcotic pain relievers that may help relieve fibromyalgia symptoms.
Narcotic analgesics
Narcotic agents are potent analgesics which are effective for the relief of moderate to severe pain. They are available in several dosage forms including tablets, extended release capsules, syrup, suspension,rectal suppositories, and solution for injection. These drugs are available only with the doctor's prescription.
Narcotic analgesics block the transmission of pain signals by binding to the opioid receptors in the central nervous system. The actions in the central nervous system are also responsible for side effects such as sedation, respiratory depression and intoxication. Using narcotic analgesics for a long time increases the risk of dependence. Chronic use of opioid analgesics should be reserved for patients with moderate to severe pain or significant functional impairment and if other therapies contraindicated or have failed to improve the condition. Below are some of the narcotic analgesics that may be prescribed for fibromyalgia pain. Tramadol and Oxycodone are examples of narcotic analgesics that are prescribed in the relief of pain associated with Fibromyalgia.
Anticonvulsants
Aside from treating epilepsy and bipolar disorder, anticonvulsants are also useful for neuropathic pain which is believed to be caused by abnormal firing in the CNS pathways. Anticonvulsants can relieve pain by decreasing this abnormal activity.
One of the anticonvulsants that has been useful for for relieving neuropathic pain is pregabalin (Lyrica) which is the first FDA -approved drug for Fibromyalgia.
Drug treatment clearly helps in managing symptoms of fibromyalgia. However, there is still no single drug or class of drug approved specifically for treating this disease. Patients may be given drugs that help ease pain, promote sleep and relieve depression. Some medications must taken regularly, whereas others are taken as needed. Below are the classes of drugs and specific treatments used for treating fibromyalgia:
Non-narcotic Analgesics
Non-narcotic analgesics help relieve mild to moderate pain without producing loss of consciousness. Many of these medications are sold over-the-counter. While they help in controlling symptoms, analgesics often do not provide effective long-term pain relief.
Acetaminophen is among the non-narcotic pain relievers that may help relieve fibromyalgia symptoms.
Narcotic analgesics
Narcotic agents are potent analgesics which are effective for the relief of moderate to severe pain. They are available in several dosage forms including tablets, extended release capsules, syrup, suspension,rectal suppositories, and solution for injection. These drugs are available only with the doctor's prescription.
Narcotic analgesics block the transmission of pain signals by binding to the opioid receptors in the central nervous system. The actions in the central nervous system are also responsible for side effects such as sedation, respiratory depression and intoxication. Using narcotic analgesics for a long time increases the risk of dependence. Chronic use of opioid analgesics should be reserved for patients with moderate to severe pain or significant functional impairment and if other therapies contraindicated or have failed to improve the condition. Below are some of the narcotic analgesics that may be prescribed for fibromyalgia pain. Tramadol and Oxycodone are examples of narcotic analgesics that are prescribed in the relief of pain associated with Fibromyalgia.
Anticonvulsants
Aside from treating epilepsy and bipolar disorder, anticonvulsants are also useful for neuropathic pain which is believed to be caused by abnormal firing in the CNS pathways. Anticonvulsants can relieve pain by decreasing this abnormal activity.
One of the anticonvulsants that has been useful for for relieving neuropathic pain is pregabalin (Lyrica) which is the first FDA -approved drug for Fibromyalgia.
Read more on [Fibromyalgia and Pregabalin (Lyrica)][6]
Tramadol is a stronger analgesic that may be recommended to fibromyalgia patients if medications like acetaminophen or NSAID's are not helpful.
Tramadol produces pain relief within an hour after administration. Like other narcotic analgesics, long-term use of tramadol increases the patients risk of mental or physical dependence.
Drug treatment clearly helps in managing symptoms of fibromyalgia. However, there is still no single drug or class of drug approved specifically for treating this disease. Patients may be given drugs that help ease pain, promote sleep and relieve depression. Some medications must taken regularly, whereas others are taken as needed. Below are the classes of drugs and specific treatments used for treating fibromyalgia:
Non-narcotic Analgesics
Non-narcotic analgesics help relieve mild to moderate pain without producing loss of consciousness. Many of these medications are sold over-the-counter. While they help in controlling symptoms, analgesics often do not provide effective long-term pain relief.
Acetaminophen is among the non-narcotic pain relievers that may help relieve fibromyalgia symptoms.
Narcotic analgesics
Narcotic agents are potent analgesics which are effective for the relief of moderate to severe pain. They are available in several dosage forms including tablets, extended release capsules, syrup, suspension,rectal suppositories, and solution for injection. These drugs are available only with the doctor's prescription.
Narcotic analgesics block the transmission of pain signals by binding to the opioid receptors in the central nervous system. The actions in the central nervous system are also responsible for side effects such as sedation, respiratory depression and intoxication. Using narcotic analgesics for a long time increases the risk of dependence. Chronic use of opioid analgesics should be reserved for patients with moderate to severe pain or significant functional impairment and if other therapies contraindicated or have failed to improve the condition. Below are some of the narcotic analgesics that may be prescribed for fibromyalgia pain. Tramadol and Oxycodone are examples of narcotic analgesics that are prescribed in the relief of pain associated with Fibromyalgia.
Tramadol
Tramadol is a stronger analgesic that may be recommended to fibromyalgia patients if medications like acetaminophen or NSAID's are not helpful.
Read more on [Fibromyalgia and Tramadol][2]
Oxycodone (Oxycontin)
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.
Read more on [Fibromyalgia and Oxycodone][3]
Anticonvulsants
Aside from treating epilepsy and bipolar disorder, anticonvulsants are also useful for neuropathic pain which is believed to be caused by abnormal firing in the CNS pathways. Anticonvulsants can relieve pain by decreasing this abnormal activity.
One of the anticonvulsants that has been useful for for relieving neuropathic pain is pregabalin (Lyrica) which is the first FDA -approved drug for Fibromyalgia.
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
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) 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.
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.
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 bodya stronger analgesic that may be recommended to fibromyalgia patients if medications like acetaminophen or NSAID's are not helpful.
Tramadol produces pain relief within an hour after administration. Like other narcotic analgesics, long-term use of tramadol increases the patients risk of mental or physical dependence.
Acetaminophen is among the non-narcotic analgesics or pain relievers that may help relieve fibromyalgia symptoms. Non-narcotic analgesics help relieve mild to moderate pain without producing loss of consciousness. Many of these medications are sold over-the-counter. Acetaminophen can provide temporary relieve of pain and stiffness caused by fibromyalgia. It is also used for treating various conditions that cause pain and fever.
While they help in controlling symptoms, analgesics often do not provide effective long-term pain relief.
