How Can I Ease Fibromyalgia Pain?

Question: What can I do alleviate fibromyalgia pain? I also have carpal tunnel syndrome in both hands and heal spurs on both feet. In addition, I have a lot of swelling in both legs, feet, and hands.

Dr. Hibberd's Answer:

Fibromyalgia and carpal tunnel sydrome are all disorders of soft tissue. Often a low-grade inflammatory process initiates these conditions, and they are notorious in their need for a multiple-pronged approach. Medication alone is not usually enough, and these are good examples of the need to incorporate functional specialists such as physiotherapists, massage, and occupational therapists in the management of chronic disease.

Fortunately, these conditions may settle down without aggressive interventions (as long as there is no underlying disorder that has not been addressed), so it is usual to avoid surgery initially unless the disease is currently disabling and is expected to progress.

Be sure your doctor has searched for underling disorders that may be associated with or may have precipitated these conditions. Examples include internal infection (single and multiple system from internal abscess and inflammation such as pancreatitis, abscess, or other organ infection and damage from other causes), immune and autoimmune disorders, malignancy, traumatic injury, disorders of cell function, and infiltrative disorders (like sarcoidosis and amyloidosis), just to name a few.

Do not overlook the emotional and psychological load of these disorders. Often, specific guidance will improve your overall case management immensely. You would be surprised to see how often physical complaints are improved or eliminated by aggressive and appropriate mood-management under professional guidance. Physical complaints and mood complaints are often very closely related, and the management of one will often improve the management of the other. Do not underestimate the power of the mind in disease and symptom management.