COMMON TREATMENTS

1. Conventional therapies
2. Naturopathic approach to fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue

CONVENTIONAL THERAPIES

Traditional treatments are geared toward improving the quality of sleep and reducing pain. Sleep disorders that frequently occur in FMS patients are treated first because they may be a strong contributing factor to the symptoms of this condition. Medications that boost your body's level of serotonin and norepinephrine (neurotransmitters that modulate sleep, pain, and immune system function) are commonly prescribed in low doses, such as amitriptyline, cyclobenzaprine and Cymbalta.

Ambien, Lunesta, clonazepam, and trazodone are just a few of the medications that may be used to aid sleep. Ultram may help with the pain, although stronger opioids may be needed for treating moderate to severe pain. Muscle relaxants, anti–epileptics (such as Neurontin and Lyrica) and other drug categories may be prescribed as well.

Professional Counseling

Consulting a trained professional will help most patients build effective coping skills. A supportive counselor can help you cope with the prospects of long–term illness, as well as the anxiety, depression, grief, anger and guilt that often accompany chronic illness. A competent therapist, using problem-solving techniques and standard psychotherapy and counseling methods, can help you work through these issues. In some cases, a therapist may recommend a combination of medication and psychotherapy.

Because chronic illnesses like Cronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) impact the entire family, not just the patient, you may want to consider family education and counseling. Consulting a behavioral health professional may be helpful to address changes in family dynamics related to living with CFS.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

Cognitive behavioral therapy, or CBT, is often prescribed to help chronically ill patients cope with illness and develop behaviors and strategies that help alleviate symptoms. It has been successful in helping patients with cardiovascular disease, diabetes and cancer, and recent studies indicate that CBT can be useful in treating some CFS patients. CBT is frequently prescribed as part of therapeutic process; it helps patients learn to manage activity levels, stress and symptoms. Optimally, CBT can help you better adapt to the impact of CFS and improve your level of function and quality of life.

In addition to medications, most patients will need to use other treatment methods as well, such as trigger point injections with lidocaine, and other more natural therapies such as physical therapy, occupational therapy, acupuncture, acupressure, relaxation / biofeedback techniques, osteopathic manipulation, chiropractic care, therapeutic massage, or a gentle exercise program.

NATUROPATHIC APPROACH TO FIBROMYALGIA AND CHRONIC FATIGUE

The Naturopathic approach to fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue is based on first identifying the root / underlying cause that is causing these syndromes. The therapeutic interventions mentioned below are standard treatment options in general. For proper assessment and treatment, please get a proper diagnosis of the underlying factors and condition through your naturopathic doctor.

Nutrition

Increase intake of water to at least 1.5 to 2 liters a day in order to improve elimination of toxins from the body.

Eliminate all food allergens from the diet. Common allergenic foods are dairy, soy, citrus, peanuts, wheat, fish, eggs, corn, and tomatoes. Try an elimination trial: Remove suspected allergens from the diet for two weeks. Reintroduce one food every three days. Watch for reactions such as gastrointestinal upset, mood changes, flushing, fatigue, and worsening of symptoms. A rotation diet, in which the same food is not eaten more than once every four days, may reduce sensitivities.

Decrease carbohydrate intake; increase protein; fats in moderation.

Eliminate inflammatory foods such as refined foods, sugar, saturated fats (meat and dairy products), alcohol, and caffeine.

Eat whole foods such as vegetables, whole grains, fruits, protein, and essential fatty acids (cold-water fish, nuts, and seeds).

Physical therapy

Massage therapy and two to four cups of Epsom salts in a warm bath can soothe aching muscles.

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