Relieving pain caused by fibromyalgia


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Relieving pain caused by fibromyalgia


Nondrug methods of relieving pain may be helpful for people with fibromyalgia. These can include:

  • Applying heating pads or taking warm baths or showers.
  • Gentle massage of painful muscles.
  • Regular exercise to help strengthen muscles, which will make them less likely to be injured.

Nonprescription pain relievers are not very helpful for people with fibromyalgia. Small doses of acetaminophen (such as Tylenol), aspirin, ibuprofen (such as Advil or Motrin), or naproxen sodium (such as Aleve) may offer short-term relief of muscle pain when your symptoms flare up. Daily long-term use does not seem to be effective.

Credits


Author Shannon Erstad, MBA/MPH
Editor Kathleen M. Ariss, MS
Associate Editor Tracy Landauer
Associate Editor Pat Truman, MATC
Primary Medical Reviewer Anne C. Poinier, MD - Internal Medicine
Specialist Medical Reviewer Stanford M. Shoor, MD - Rheumatology
Last Updated October 30, 2007

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Last updated: October 30, 2007
Author: Shannon Erstad, MBA/MPH
Reviewed By: Anne C. Poinier, MD - Internal Medicine, Stanford M. Shoor, MD - Rheumatology
Editors: Kathleen M. Ariss, MS, Pat Truman, MATC

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