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Q: How is fibromyalgia treated?
A: Fibromyalgia is the inflammation of muscles, muscle sheaths and connective-tissue layers of tendons, muscles, bones and joints. Symptoms include stiffness and weakness, sudden, painful muscle spasms ("charley horse") that worsen with activity, nodules or localized areas that are tender to the touch (trigger points), painful muscle areas, fatigue, and difficulty remaining asleep. Fibromyalgia can be treated in various ways: taking hot showers and leting the water beat on painful areas, using heat lamps, electric heating pads, whirlpool or plain tub baths and hot compresses, having someone gently massage painful areas, regular rest patterns may be helpful, eliminating unnecessary stress in your life, and learning relaxation techniques. In addition, biofeedback is helpful for some patients who use it to relax contracted muscles. Medicines that may help include: non-prescription drugs such as aspirin, acetaminophen or ibuprofen for minor discomfort. Your doctor may also prescribe cortisone injections into "trigger points," nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, and antidepressants in low dosages and for short periods.
Updated: 07/09/99
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